back to where it all began (Batman Begins (2 DVDs))

Member Name: kent-ledger

Product:	Batman Begins (2 DVDs)
Date:	29/11/05 (111 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: true to the original idea - stunningly shot - excellent acting

Disadvantages: none

Batman begins pays homage to the cult writer Frank Miller and is based on his ground breaking four part comic "Batman -Year one" that introduced for the first time the psychological and emotional battle within Bruce Wayne that gives birth to his alter ego "Batman".

The screenplay is written by the director Christopher Nolan and David S Goyer (Who also wrote the equally dark and turmoil ridden "Blade" - incidentally another vigilante)This film as the title suggests does go back to the beginning and explains all of those little things that have you wondering in any film and fills in the mortar that to date has been missing (unless you have read all of the comics- which lets face it only give you snippets of information). It explains why he is called Batman and the reason for his personal crusade.

It is shot with meticulous attention to detail and beautiful use of cinematography, Which enhance the set the mood of the film. From the squalor of a Chinese prison to the beautiful harshness of a Tibetan ice field and ultimately the thinly veiled smog and smoke screen that is Gotham city. The use of CGI in the special effects is used to perfection and gives such a sense of place and surroundings that you could almost forget this is a fantasy and not real.

The time line of the story is set at a reasonable pace and does not rely heavily on flash backs instead it uses them as memory points (repeating a scene) to enable you to see when Bruce Waynes realization of a situation effects what he is becoming (heavy stuff) .

Brief Plot synopsis

The first third of the story starts by introducing us to the young Bruce Wayne and his idyllic life with his family and philanthropist billionaire father. What follows is a series of events that give us insight into his reasoning and shape his future.

In the second third we find him grown into a young man (played by Christian Bale) out in the world being a vigilante of sorts - Determined to fight every criminal he can. He contrives to incarcerated himself in a Chinese jail (this is not explained as to why - probably my only complaint) however this sets the scene for a very "highlander" esq. scenario Where Bruce Wayne is approached by the mysterious Henri Ducard and invited to join the League of the shadows" where he can hone his skills and ultimately fight evil. Where he confront his fears and learn all the skills the "dark night" is renowned for. During an explosive confrontation with Ducard Wayne escapes the "league". Feeling betrayed and alone he flees home to Gotham where he feels he is best placed to protect the innocent from the evil that now runs the city.

The last part of the film concentrates on his struggle to gain his identity and birth right. Establishing a base and tools of the trade that enable him to break the grasp that Gothams underworld has on the city. We are introduced to characters, both allies and enemies that are part of the Batman story from the very beginning. The scenes with Morgan freeman who plays Lucius Fox have a delightful feel of "James bond and Q" explaining all the gadgetry that make "Batman's" superhuman stunts possible.

To date I have been left with a half empty feeling on the attempts previous directors have made to bring the capped crusader to the big screen. Whilst the previous films have all had certain entertainment value. They have left many fans wondering when the emotional and true side the "dark nights" double identity was ever going to be given air time. This film moves away from the unreal carnival/fair ground feel of so many previous "Batman" films and portrays the real human hidden under the cloak not some super hero imbued with magical powers.

Cast
Batman/Bruce Wayne - Christian Bale
Alfred - Michael Caine
Henri Ducard - Liam Neeson
Rachel Dawes - Katie Holmes
Tom Wilkinson - Carmine Falcone
Cillian Murphy - Dr Jonathon Crane
Morgan Freeman - Lucius Fox
Gary Oldman - Lt Jim Gordon

Directed by Christopher Nolan whose other films include:-
Memento
Insomnia
Ginger Snaps
Following
Kiss me Kate

This is a two disc DVD, All in all considering what you are getting this is excellent value for money - Any Batman fan will have hours and hours of enjoyment out of this - i certainly did.

DVD FEATURES:
--MTV's “Tankman Begins” Which allows you to explore the special features of a spoof Inner Demons comic - I really enjoyed this one
--The Journey Begins: The narrator explains how creative concepts, story development are used in and casting Shaping of the Body and Mind of the cast. Plus Christian Bale's transformation into Batman.
--The Tumbler: reinvention of the Bat mobile
--Gotham City Rises: Production design of Gotham City, the Bat cave, Wayne Manor, and more sets and props.
--Saving Gotham City: The development of miniatures, models, CGI, and a miriad of effects used in the film - especially for the monorail chase scene
-- Genesis of the Bat. An introduction to the Dark Knight' his duel identity and influence on the film.
-- Confidential files. Discover facts and story points not in the film.
--Theatrical trailer
--Cape and Cowl: Its all about the suit
-- Path to Discovery. Beautiful documentary about the filming in Iceland
--Confidential files
--Character and weaponry gallery
-- Photo gallery.
--Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
-- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
--- DVD-ROM features: Batman Begins mobile game demo & Web links

Summary: much better than any of the others