To the Batcave (Batman - Special Edition (DVD))

Member Name: bilbob20

Product:	Batman - Special Edition (DVD)
Date:	10/04/08 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Action Sequences and quirky characters, as well as the gothic outlay of the city

Disadvantages: A bit dated looking, and Kim Basinger isn't the best actress in the world

Gotham City is being ravaged by criminal master minds, and the local police force is either corrupt or unable to control it. The DA is taking a hard line on the crime, but seems unable to do anything about it. Then along comes a masked crusader dressed as a giant bat to lend his efforts to the good side. Bruce Wayne, a millionaire who lives in a secluded mansion, is haunted by the murder of his parents in the Gotham back streets years ealier. Determined to avenge his parents, as well as protect the innocent civillians of the city, Bruce lurks in the shadows, half masked vigilante, half man.

Vicky Vale is the reporter on the tail of the mysterious Batman, but eventually falls for his alter-ego. Essentially, she puts herself in the firing line of Batman's battle against mad man trickster "The Joker" who is also seeking revenge for an accident that renders his face disfigured. As The Joker continues to wreak havoc on Gotham City, planning a massive heist, Batman wages all out war on him, which results in an action packed finale where only one of them will come out smiling.

This is a dark and brooding adventure that abandons the camp colour of the 1960's series, and returns the character of Batman to its much darker origins. There is also no sign of his famous sidekick Robin. Tim Burton's Batman makeover is an action packed blinder that illuminates the fittingly gothic setting for Gotham City and Bruce Wayne's mysterious mansion. Burton's vision of the Batman story is one that calls upon many elements of Bob Kane's origins, although it adds quirky new dimensions to the story. Warner Brothers kickstarted a hugely successful franchise with this film, which was unfortunately destroyed as the films got dafter and less true to Bob Kane's original comic adventure and more relative to the camp tv show that Burton tried to avoid emulating.

The soundtrack is notable for being dark and adventurous as well. Paired up with a daft but fun addition in Prince's "Partyman", Danny Elfmans atmospheric score ranges from fast paced and adventurous to low key and dramatic with ease. Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren both lead the way with a quirky script with some excellent one liners that appeal to both adults and kids (despite the fact that this film was originally certified unsuitable for children due to its violent nature).
Michael Keaton is the first actor in the Warner Brothers series of films to take the role as Batman, and is effectively dark and brooding. He is softly spoken as Bruce, whilst playing it harder when slipping into the Batsuit, which conceals his identity nicely. I've never seen Keaton in anything else, but I'd imagine he's never been this good in anything else. Kim Basinger is no great actress, and certainly only proved herself in more recent times. But in her role as love interest Vicky Vale, she's pretty enough to get away with any shortcomings that she initially had as an actress. Its Jack Nicholson who hi-jacks the show though, turning in a charismatic and viscious performance as the dastardly Joker. He is fierce looking, and commands the screen everytime he is on.

The supporting actors are all able to carry their roles as well. Pat Hingle steps in as Commissioner Gordon, making for a bumbling foolish man who's city has to be saved by a giant bat who flies the skyline of the city. Jerry Hall and Jack Palance are a criminal couple who try to lead the city into crime, but are ousted by the Joker. Both are relatively watchable in their roles. Among the supporting cast though, its Michael Gough who is best placed. As Alfred the butler, he is the perfect mix of apathy and paternal.

The weaker element of the first Batman film though, that doesn't apply to its sequels, is that it looks slightly dated. Keeping in mind that Returns only turned up 2 years after the original in 1990, its strange that the second film still holds up very well whilst this looks slightly grainy and 80's-esque. The set pieces are hit and miss too. The batmobile is slightly wispy in comparison to subsequent models, and especially Christian Bale's recent ride. However, the Batsuit is convincing and all of the interiors such as the batcave are atmospheric and authentic enough.

Batman has come in many guises over the years, and most recently found itself with this 2 disc special edition. As well as a slightly upgraded print of the film, it also features the traditional Dobly Digital track, subtitles, and an alternative dubbed version of the film for a French audience.

Tim Burton pops his dulcet tones on an alternative track that provides a commentary for the film, whilst character creator Bob Kane visits the set. There are some other extra's of varying interest including The History Of Batman, Shadows Of The Bat, Galleries, music videos, and the theatrical trailer. Its an excellent 2 disc set which far outshines earlier DVD releases that featured only the film and cast and crew bio's.

Summary: Batman gets his first outing in the form of a tremendous Michael Keaton