In the past decade there has been an outbreak of superhero films.
After financial success of a few films, such as Spider-man and
X-Men, a group of new heroes begin to pop up with ferocity.
What is most interesting about this phenomenon is not just the
successful films, but the ones which are failing as well. It
is almost like watching the entire cycle of the original Batman
films, beginning with a creative bang, taking some strange paths,
and eventually ending in a large production with little substance.
This, of course, was before the caped hero was reinvented in
Batman Begins, but in all purposes here, that rebirth is irrelevant.
All four
of the original films are available together, allowing for examination
of a series which was groundbreaking at times and then fell
into a gradual descent of eye candy. With two very different
directors and three different lead actors as Batman, there is
much to be said for having all four of these films together
to watch. What is truly amazing is the equal amount of attention
given to each in the series.
Each film
contains two discs inside of one case. The cover art was kept
simple, with just the Batman logo on the first film, and a simplified
version of the poster art for each film following. The discs
are not quite as classy, at times seeming crammed with all of
the images which were left off of the case. The menus are also
a bit cluttered with clips, which isn’t a bad thing, but
I just prefer the simpler to the chaotic.
Batman (1989)
Directed
by: Tim Burton
Produced by: Jon Peters and Peter Guber
Screenplay by: Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger
The original
Batman film took everyone by surprise when Tim Burton took a
character which had been seen in a much lighter tone as a television
series, and he made it something more true to the actual comic
book which the hero is based on. The city created was like New
York, but it was an entirely different world, something which
Tim Burton continues to have the ability to create in each film
he makes. It seems impossible for any of the films following
this remarkable first attempt to match the originality. It was
such a surprise, and even the newest attempt had less originality.
Special Features:
The special features are filled with all of the expected goodies
as well as a few surprises. The first disc has the film, a theatrical
trailer and commentary by Tim Burton. Burton is talkative and
friendly right off the bat (no pun intended). There are a number
of featurettes as well as a number of music videos by Prince.
On the Set With Bob Kane:
Bob Kane created Batman and this featurette was created before
the release of the film to help promote it. Along with interviews
and a tour with Bob Kane, there is also a bit of information
on Bob Kane. It is only a three minute featurette, so don’t
expect a whole lot of information or insight.
Legends of The Dark Knight: The History of Batman:
This mini documentary examines the journey of Batman, beginning
with the history of comics which follows into the beginning
of Batman in comics. With countless interviews and footage of
America in the thirties and on through the more recent history
of Batman, this documentary is filled with plenty of information.
Worth mentioning is the interviews with Kevin Smith, Stan Lee,
and Frank Miller, as well as other fans and historians of the
American art form. The documentary examines individual characters
in the series, following through into the television series,
the animated series, and the movies, but the focus remains on
the comics. The featurette runs at about forty minutes.
Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight:
This special feature is actually a six part documentary about
the Batman films, with the first three parts of the documentary
on this disc. Part one is entitles The Road to Gotham City and
it is about the initial production of the first Batman film.
There are interviews with expected key people involved in the
making of the first film, but the documentary goes back before
that when the idea of a dark film version of Batman was just
an idea. The second part of the documentary is called The Gathering
Storm, and it takes up on the story from the point that Tim
Burton had been attached to the project. It deals with the casting
issues after it was determined that a film was going to be made.
Part three is The Legend Reborn, and it deals with the actual
production of the first Batman film. Each part of the documentary
is about twenty minutes, give or take. They actual begin to
get longer and longer, until the third one is closer to thirty
minutes.
Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery:
This documentary examines all of the technical aspects of the
film, which were groundbreaking at the time. There is a great
deal of time spent on the production design of Gotham City,
the building of the famous Batmobile, the toys and weapons in
the film, the Batsuit (which didn’t yet have nipples),
the make-up for Joker, and the music. The entire featurette
is just under an hour long.
The Heroes and Villains Profile Galleries:
Each character, both villain and hero, is examined in great
detail with extensive interviews. It is easy to understand the
discussion of Batman and the villains, but the smaller characters
seem somewhat absurd to discuss in too much detail. Still, this
is just another one of those features that help to pad the already
full package. Each character gets varying amounts of time. While
Batman gets five minutes, thankfully much less time is given
to smaller characters.
Batman: The Complete Robin Storyboard Sequence:
In the original script Robin was set to make a brief appearance
in the film, but due to necessary changes it was never filmed.
Instead there is the storyboards of what was going to be shot.
Batman Returns
(1992)
Directed
by: Tim Burton
Produced by: Denise Di Novi, Tim Burton
Screenplay by: Daniel Waters
Cast: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Christopher
Walken
The sequel
was not as well received because of how dark the characters
were, and the story in general, but it still has a great deal
going for it. Tim Burton brings a style to the film which helps
the fact that the script was not as some people would have liked
it to be. Besides that, the cast is fantastic.
Special
Features:
Along with many great featurettes there is also a commentary
track on disc one by Tim Burton. If anything, this commentary
track is more interesting because of the fact that Batman returns
is such a dark film. There are also music videos by Siouxsie
and The Banshees
The Bat, The Cat and The Penguin:
This little feature was obviously made to help promote the film,
a because of that it is somewhat corny. Looking at a feature
which was made as a “first look” at a film is very
different when it is watched long after the film has been made.
It must have been a half-hour special for television, because
it runs at about twenty minutes and looks very dated.
Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of The Dark Knight
This is part four of the documentary, The Dark Side of The Knight.
The great part about this part of the documentary is that they
actually address the darkness of the film, and why it didn’t
work as well with audiences as they had imagined. It also shows
how Burton was more willing when he was given license to change
the mythology. This part is about thirty minutes long.
Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery
The technical aspects of the sequel are somewhat similar, especially
considering the production design and Danny Elfman’s music,
but there are some new things as well. The make-up for the new
characters, more special effects and the famous leather suit
which Catwoman wears all provide plenty of entertaining material
to discuss.
The Heroes and The Villains Profile Galleries:
The only two heroes looked at for this film are Batman and Alfred,
which is fine because of all the villains available to examine.
This sequel introduces audiences to The Penguin and Catwoman,
two interesting characters in the history of Batman.
Batman Forever
(1995)
Directed
by: Joel Schumacher
Produced by: Tim Burton and Peter MacGregor-Scott
Story by: Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman
Cast: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman,
Chris O’Donnell
With a
new Batman, new director, new characters, and somewhat of a
new audience, it is no mystery why the series changed so rapidly.
Suddenly it became something entirely different, and many people
were not at all pleased about these changes. Joel Schumacher
came into the project and brought a lighter film, which many
felt was too light.
In an onslaught
of new characters, Robin is introduced in the second sequel,
and with him comes two new villains. Tommy Lee Jones plays Two-Face
and Jim Carrey is The Riddler. It was almost as if license had
been given after Batman Returns, it suddenly seemed that every
Batman film would have two villains.
Special
Features:
Disc one has commentary by Joel Schumacher, which is fortunate,
because many people must want an explanation from him about
some of his choices. There are also additional scenes of no
real consequence and a music video by Seal.
Riddle Me This: Why is Batman Forever?:
This is another promotional special, hosted by Chris O’Donnell,
in order to get audiences excited about a new Batman. Some of
the interviews and behind the scenes footage is interesting,
but it is mostly boring considering it was made before the film
was out.
Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of The Dark Knight:
Part five is accurately titled Reinventing A Hero, because it
seems that Batman is not the same in the second sequel. There
is some of the same elements, but it was lightened up a great
deal with colorful costumes and production design. Many of the
people involved try and explain the reason that it was changed,
although only small children would be likely to agree.
Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery:
This featurette has many parts examining the production design,
Gotham City, the stunts, visual effects, and the score. Considering
how many of these elements seemed to be a let down from Burton’s
films, this featurette is likely to bring about the same feelings.
The Heroes and Villains Profile Gallery:
Once again Batman is examined, along with Robin, Dr. Chase Meridian,
and the villains. The short featurettes are to the point and
quick, but also interesting on some level with the new additions
to the story.
Batman and
Robin (1997)
Directed
by: Joel Schumacher
Produced by: Peter MacGregor-Scott
Written by: Akiva Goldsman
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell,
Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone, Elle MacPherson
It may
have been possible to argue away the faults of Batman Forever,
but with the release of Batman and Robin, the sad fate of Batman
had been firmly established. The funniest thing is that most
people involved aren’t even afraid to say bad things about
this film. If the directors, producers, and actors won’t
even say good things on the DVD, that should tell you something.
This sequel
brings on board a new Batman in George Clooney, who must be
embarrassed about his involvement along with most other actors
because he is not to be found in the special features doing
any interviews. Batgirl is introduced as well as two new villains,
Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy.
Special
Features:
Almost out of obligation to the first three DVDs, there is a
director’s commentary track by Joel Schumacher.
Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of The Dark Knight
The final part in the documentary is titled Batman Unbound and
it is filled with people insulting the film and telling all
of the reasons that they accidentally fell into the project
or were talked into doing certain things they weren’t
proud of. Basically it is a documentary about how much the film
is hated.
Additional Scene: Alfred’s Lost Love:
This short scene in which all of the heroes talk about a woman
he was once in love with in London is hardly worth the two minutes
it takes to watch it. There is no huge backstory or mystery.
Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery:
Looking at the production design, vehicles, make-up, special
effects, and costumes will only cause pain. Watching features
on how they were made is almost too cruel for words.
The Heroes and The Villains Profile Galleries:
Batman suddenly had a sense of humor in this family version
of the film series. Examining this as well as the rest of the
new cast members is bearable.
