The movie uses a lot of smoke and fog which helps the movie retain a very three dimensional look on Blu-ray. Overall the transfer, while not reference quality, is the best we have ever seen and makes this the version of Batman to own.
The Audio
Presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 this is the best we have ever heard this film sound. It is certainly not reference quality considering the age of the film, but is capable and immersive. There was a good if not full use of surround speakers and bass is utilized well at times.
The mix is not perfect and sometimes the audio cannot properly reflect what is onscreen. Having said that dialogue is well mixed and the excellent soundtrack and score (Prince and Danny Elfman respectively) comes through all the speakers in a very satisfying way. As mentioned when the initial Batman theme was playing I was surrounded by the music and was brought back (chills and all) to my first viewing with pleasure.
The Extras
Presented in one of my new favorite formats, the digibook, Batman 20th Anniversary's case is actually a 50-page hardbound book. The book looks at photographs, script excerpts, and comic art and is exclusive to this release (not part of the Batman Anthology on Blu-ray). The content was not groundbreaking but is attractive and a great supplement to the movie.
There are many special features on this release, many of which we have seen before, but still worthwhile and enjoyable for the most part:
- Audio Commentary: The ever-enthusiastic Tim Burton gives us an engaging and interesting commentary about his motivations, film style and whatever pops into his head. This is one of the better commentaries I have heard and made me wish this was a modern movie and it was PiP enabled. Well worth a listen during repeat viewings.
- Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman (SD, 41 minutes): A nice look at the history and mythos of the Batman and how he has evolved over the years. A great feature for fans of the character but offers no real innovative insights.
- Shadows of the Bat (SD, 72 minutes): A great feature looking at the amazing cast, how the film developed and the shoot cycle.
- Beyond Batman (SD, 51 minutes): This set of five featurettes looks at the many props, gadgets, cinematography, costumes and vehicles.
- The Heroes and the Villains (SD, 20 minutes): A throwaway feature that gives us seven video profiles of the main characters.
- Storyboard Sequence (SD, 4 minutes): A look at a discarded Robin storyboad sequence that was never filmed
- On the Set with Bob Kane (SD, 3 minutes): Too short by far this featurette has Bob Kane (Batman’s creator) discussing his thoughts on Batman and Tim Burton’s film.
- Music Videos (SD, 14 minutes): Three of Prince’s videos from his soundtrack appear on the disc, Batdance, Partyman and Scandalous. This will appeal to few (as a Prince fan I liked the feature) but it is a nice addition.
- Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 minutes)
- Digital Copy Disc: As is the norm on Warner Brothers releases a digital copy is available. As I have numerous SD versions this one meant very little to me, but some will use it I am sure.
The Final Word
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