Let me be the first to say it. I don't really review the technical aspects of DVD. If it's pixelated, has crummy sound or poor packaging I might point that out. You technophiles can head wherever technophiles go for that info. What I want to share is where this DVD is going to sit on your shelf or if it should sit there at all. (Say the previous line ten times very fast). In other words is the picture itself worth the dough and if so what's it liable to spark to an open minded cranium.
Batman Begins is the finest Batman film to date (include Mask of the Phantasm) but that doesn't mean it passed the fan muster. Here's my thoughts on why we need to ratchet things up a notch for Bats himself and not just Bruce Wayne. The flick ain't called Bruce Wayne Begins. That flick would start with a course in sex education the series doesn't need. But Batman Begins and ends as a compelling film for adults that just misses being the ultimate Batman movie.
BATMAN BEGINS
Warner Home Video
Am I the only one who wonders about the fate of the Batman franchise? By that I mean to say, “Is anyone wondering about the cinematic Batman at all?” I see tons of discounted toys on the racks, and encounter mostly indifference when I ask people what they thought about Batman Begins. Could be we’re getting spoiled by a recent spate of good-to-well-above-average superhero flicks? But then again, as much as there is to like about Batman Begins, as dynamic as the performances were and as wonderfully atmospheric as it was I still couldn’t shake the feeling that the suits (not the batsuits mind you) weren’t very far off to the side during the shoot. I’m hung up between my enthusiasm for the new direction of the franchise, which is considerably darker, more interesting and seems to ensure another film will be made, and my uncertainty that anyone can do much better than Nolan and his cast have done here. I guess I’ll leave out some hope since the specter of the Joker has been raised.
One thing should be noted the Ra's Al Ghul story arc was way more interesting than Ra's Al Ghul himself. I would have rather seen a darker Scarecrow story. Still it’s hard to argue with a film that presents, arguably, the best origin story of any superhero film yet.
The extras on the two-disc set are really good despite no audio commentary from Nolan, Bale etc. MTV's Tankman Begins: a spoof, Inner Demons comic: Explore the special features through an exclusive interactive comic book, The Journey Begins: creative concepts, story development and casting, Shaping Mind and Body: Christian Bale's transformation into Batman, The Tumbler: reinvention of the Batmobile, Gotham City Rises: production design of Gotham City, the Batcave, Wayne Manor, and more, Saving Gotham City: the development of miniatures, CGI, and effects for the monorail chase scene, Genesis of the Bat: A look at the Dark Knight's incarnation and influences on the film, Confidential files: Go beyond the movie and discover facts and story points not in the film, Theatrical trailer, Cape and Cowl: the new batsuit, Path to Discovery: filming in Iceland, Confidential files, Character/weaponry gallery, Photo gallery
DVD-ROM features: Batman Begins mobile game demo & Web links Exclusive collectible 72-page comic book containing: Detective Comics #27 (the very first Batman story), Batman: The Man Who Falls (a classic story that inspired Batman Begins), and an excerpt from Batman: The Long Halloween (a chilling story that also inspired the film)
I say it’s time to lose the body armor altogether, strip this guy down to his basic elements. I want to watch him (Bats that is) suffer and survive. What’s the use of angst if it’s not put to any real use than fulfilling mass audience expectations? Make a movie out of Arkham Asylum, or The Killing Joke, or better yet Frank Miller’s masterpiece The Dark Knight Returns. The bottom line is Nolan’s movie has a great Bruce Wayne but Batman himself still seems shy of his potential. The comic included with the two-disc deluxe edition is great but I also think it buttresses the arguments I've laid out here.
I think I pretty much agree with what you said, Canfield. I loved the movie, actually. I'd probably give it a 9 out of 10. But, there was something...Batmanish missing fomr Batman. That side of the movie series needs a little bit of help.
Maybe if they had just gotten rid of Katie Holmes. What exactly was her purpose in being there, anyways?
I was lucky enough to see Batman Begins at the IMAX in London, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the screen, you are in the film! I was literally blown away by the occaision! I sat there with a stupid grin on my face I'm sure! In response to a few of the "yeah, but what if..?" comments, we surely couldn't ask for anything more from the film, could we? Sure, Katie Holmes, is Katie Holmes, but we had such a slew of fantastic actors gracing the screen throughout the film, we can hardly gripe about her being in the film.We should be thankful to Christopher Nolan for creating such a fantastic Hollywood franchise film,( remember, it's a big hollywood studio film!)that may go along way to erasing the dayglo campfests of previous Batman films! and leaving us with baited breath for the follow up.
And I did go and see the film again, with my wife, who loved it too! and I will be buying the DVD and pouring over the extra's. It's the best film I've seen this year since Oldboy blew my head off.
I agree with you, too, Canfield. I thought it was good, not great (and this is a lifelong Batman fan talking here). Definitely better than the last few films, but then so is root canal. The direction was rather dull and lifeless, everything was SO grounded in reality that it forgot to be any fun whatsoever, and the villains were just plain flat. Still, it had some scenes of out-and-out perfection, an excellent cast, not to mention Bale was the best Bruce Wayne since Michael Keaton. Unfortunately, it's no classic, but it's still a good, solid Batman film. I won't be rushing out to buy the two-disc edition, but I'll definitely pick up a pre-viewed copy in a few weeks. Close, but no cigar.
the film was meant to be serious. To show us my Bruce is Batman in the first place. So, if you expected far fetched colorful bad guys in this one, too bad. Besides, it is the "beginning." Escalation happens after. Escalation meaning, more colorful villians, and crazier weapons. So, for you who does not understand what "Begins" mean, then i can't help you.
The purpose was to revive the franchise, not to take what the other movies did and use it. I say it was about time they made very believable Batman movie.
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