Batman / Batman Returns / Batman Forever / Batman & Robin / Blu-ray + Digital CopyWarner Bros. | 1989-1997 | 4 Movies | 498 min | Rated PG-13 | Mar 10, 2009
Video
Codec: VC-1 Resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audio
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1... (more)
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English: Dolby Digital 5.1 French: Dolby Digital 5.1 Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 German: Dolby Digital 5.1 Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1 Portuguese: Dolby Digital 2.0 (less)
Batman (1989) - Jack Nicholson is The Joker, who emerged from a horrible accident as a maniacal criminal.
Michael Keaton is the Caped Crusader, who emerged from a childhood trauma to become a masked
crimefighter. Kim Basinger is Vicki Vale, the talented photojournalist desired by both men. And Batman is the
movie, the all-out spectacular directed by Tim Burton, set to songs by Prince and a music score by Danny
Elfman, and an Academy Award(R) winner* for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Anton Furst and Peter
Young).
Batman Returns (1992) - Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: The Penguin (Danny DeVito),
bizarre and sinister, and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), slinky and mysterious. Can Batman (Michael Keaton)
battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be mayor and the other is romantically
attracted to Bruce Wayne? Like the groundbreaking 1989 original, Batman Returns is directed by the wizardly
Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster, it's a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless.
Batman Forever (1995) - Riddle me this, riddle me that, you'll find adventure on the wings of a bat! Brace for
excitement as Val Kilmer (Batman), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Jim Carrey (The Riddler), Nicole Kidman
(Dr. Chase Meridian) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin) star in the third formidable film in Warner Bros.' Batman
series. Joel Schumacher directs and Tim Burton co-produces this thrill-ride of a movie that thunders along on
Batmobile, Batwing, Batboat, Batsub and bold heroics. Hang on!
Batman & Robin (1997) - George Clooney plays the Dark Knight, facing his deadliest threat yet: cold-hearted
Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and venomous Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). Batman has more than Gotham
City to protect: the youthful eagerness of crimefighting comrades Robin (Chris O'Donnell) and Batgirl (Alicia
Silverstone) puts them frequently in harm's way. New special effects include a wild sky-surfing sequence and
Mr. Freeze's outrageous arsenal of ice-blasting weapons. Joel Schumacher directs.
Warner Bros. | 1992 | 126 min | Rated PG-13 | Region free
| Apr 20, 2010
Set at Christmastime, Gotham City and its holiday celebrations are under siege by the Penguin
and a group of circus freaks. Things can't get worse when the Catwoman appears.
Warner Bros. | 1995 | 121 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (B, C untested) | Apr 20, 2010
As two new forces of evil--Two-Face, formerly known as District Attorney Harvey Dent until a
courtroom accident left him disfigured by chance and fueled by vengeance, and the Riddler,
who was previously Edward Nygma, an...
Warner Bros. | 1997 | 130 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A, B (C untested) | Apr 20, 2010
Batman the caped crusader and his sidekick Robin battle the villainous Mr. Freeze. When
Poison Ivy joins the fun, can another crime fighter, Batgirl, help?
When Tim Burton first tackled Batman in 1989, comic book adaptations weren't
exactly the billion-dollar industry darlings they are today. Aside from well-received flights-of-
fancy like Superman, comic films offered little more than cheesy
dialogue, laughable special effects, and mediocre performances. I doubt Burton (or Warner
Brothers for that matter) could have imagined his dark and violent reinvention of DC Comics'
iconic vigilante would go on to influence twenty years of cinema, motivate a floundering
genre, and pave the way for grittier superhero successes like Blade, X-Men,
Sin City, Iron Man, and, of course, director Christopher Nolan's own
revered interpretations of the caped crusader, Batman Begins and The Dark
Knight. Sadly, Burton also couldn't have predicted the coming storm of lesser
sequels that threatened to derail the entire franchise.
Batman Rating: 4/5
Billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) may host charity banquets and
oversee the management of his late-father's corporation by day, but at night he dons a
mask and cape, transforming himself into an elusive, crime-fighting vigilante known only as
the Batman. When a freak accident leaves a sociopath named Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson)
with white skin, green hair, and volatile psychotic tendencies, he takes on the moniker of
the Joker and begins to plot a widespread attack on Gotham. Wayne recognizes the
mounting danger and sets out to stop the Joker, a man he believes was responsible for the
death of his parents. With the help of his faithful butler Alfred (Michael Gough), tenacious
reporters Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) and Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl), and police
commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle), Wayne sets out into the night to bring an end to the
Joker's mad reign once and for all.
I have to admit, it's tough to revisit Burton's Batman without comparing it to
Nolan's vastly superior Dark Knight. Nicholson's Joker simply doesn't stack up... he
fails to evoke the eerie, unsettling presence that Heath Ledger brought to the character,
and never shelves his all-too-familiar schtick. Likewise, Burton's Gotham is charming, but
ultimately feels artificial and stagey, lacking the real-world nuances and street-level
immersion of Nolan's epic. Even so, Nicholson's performance blends well with the 1989 film's
overall tone and Burton's design aesthetic is engaging, leaving little doubt that the director
had a confident handle on his cinematic adaptation. The entire film offers plenty of nostalgic
jolts that transported me back to childhood; to a time when Keaton's bounding superheroics
and the Batmobile's roaring engine hit with far more impact than they do today. Better still,
the screenplay holds up well. Aside from several rather gimmicky character actor routines,
the cast crafts a living, breathing Gotham City that reveals endless secrets lurking in its
alleys. Batman certainly isn't the jaw-dropping experience it once was, but it's still a
relative joy to watch.
Batman Returns Rating: 3/5
In 1992, Burton made his second and last trip to the Batcave, pitting Batman (Keaton)
against a hideously deformed businessman named Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin
(Danny DeVito), and a sharp-tongued dominatrix named Selena Kyle, better known to comic
fandom as Catwoman (a leather-clad Michelle Pfeiffer), in the carny-infested underbelly of
Gotham. Navigating a dense minefield of political opportunists and greedy fatcats, Wayne
has to come to grips with his feelings for his feline counterpart, stop a corrupt industrialist
named Max Schreck (scene-stealer Christopher Walken) from selfishly manipulating the
citizenry, and prevent the Penguin from exacting his revenge on a city that has rejected him
since his birth.
Even though I've hunkered down with Batman Returns again and again over the
years, I just can't get into it. I know there are plenty of filmfans out there who adore its
quirky sensibilities and surrealist tangents, but I've never been able to get past its missile-
packing penguins, over-the-top carnival baddies, or plodding plot developments. While the
sizzling chemistry between Pfeiffer and Keaton and the intriguing interactions between
Catwoman and Batman makes the entire production worth watching, both aspects also take
a back seat to a variety of meandering storylines that abandon the twisted fun of the
original Batman in favor of bleak imagery, despondent characters, and lackluster
villainy. In fact, Burton seems to have been more interested in making a dark romantic
comedy than a thrilling superhero pic. Ah well, I've never been able to fall in love with
Batman Returns and I doubt I ever will. Chalk it up to personal taste, but this one
isn't for me.
Batman Forever Rating: 2.5/5
Burton's vision unspooled further in 1995 when director Joel Schumacher -- hot off grim-
n-gritty fare like Falling Down -- decided to replicate the colorful world of comics with
Batman Forever. While the comic books he relied on for reference remain a mystery,
he nevertheless amped up the franchise's palette, cheesed up its mythos, and dropped a
surprisingly one-note Val Kilmer into Batman's boots. For the hero's third outing,
Schumacher also chose a more cerebral villain in the form of a scorned Wayne Enterprises
employee named Edward Nygma (Jim Carrey). Calling himself the Riddler and joining forces
with an unpredictable madman named Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones), Nygma begins to
distribute a device that will allow him to sap the intelligence from everyone living in Gotham.
As Wayne rises to this newest challenge, trains a young man named Dick Grayson (Chris
O'Donnell), and attempts to confront his fears with the help of a slinky psychologist (Nicole
Kidman), he has to stop the Riddler and Two-Face from destroying everything he holds
dear.
I distinctly remember enjoying Batman Forever when it first arrived in theaters --
Kilmer's tormented take on Batman was stirring to my young mind, Schumacher's Riddler
and Two-Face seemed more visceral than other comic book film villains, and the cast's
passion was apparent. What a difference fourteen years makes. In retrospect (and, again,
with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight fresh in my mind), Forever
amounts to Batman-lite; a watered-down, shallow follow-up to Burton's original. Don't get
me wrong, there's still a lot to love. Kilmer may not separate Bruce from Bats, but he does
fine work in each role. Jones and Carrey may ham it up to insufferable heights, but there's
an infectious whimsy to their performances. O'Donnell may make a few missteps along the
way, but he's a far more relevant addition to the roster than he is in Batman &
Robin. In fact, only Kidman and the remaining supporting cast undermine Schumacher's
decidedly decent efforts. While I hate to slap the word "average" onto a favorite from my
teenage years, that's exactly what Batman Forever is: an average genre actioner
that neither crackles nor fizzles.
Batman & Robin Rating: 1/5
It all came crashing down in Schumacher's 1997 follow-up, a brash and ridiculous mess
that placed then-rising star George Clooney behind the wheel of the Batmobile, increased
O'Donnell's Robin to leading-man status, crammed in an annoying subplot for a feisty
upstart calling herself Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone), and introduced some of the lamest
cinematic villains to ever grace the big screen -- a fervor-inducing scientist named Poison Ivy
(Uma Thurman), a pun-spewing, lovelorn iceman named Mr. Freeze (Arnold
Schwarzenegger), and a musclebound neanderthal called Bane (Jeep Swenson). But
statue-top car chases, gaudy set designs, and piss-poor character development was only
the opening volley of Schumacher's misfires. As Batman, Robin, and Batgirl race to save
Gotham from an even more convoluted threat than was served up in Batman
Forever, they have to deal with Alfred's cancer, overcome their interpersonal issues,
defeat neon-lit henchmen, and prevent a cadre of villains from achieving their evil
schemes.
Much has been written about Batman & Robin, so much so that I hesitate to hurl
another log on the would-be-franchise-ender's funeral pyre. Schumacher's production
design borders on ludicrous from beginning to end, finally stepping over the line when
Poison Ivy and crew arrive to a gala disguised in giant gorilla suits. Akiva Goldsman's script
is a bumbling series of one-liners and unfulfilled ideas; a botched screenplay that fails to
offer a cohesive plot, affable characters, or anything more than neutered villainy. It doesn't
help that the film's already shoddy gags fall flat (an American Express plug is painful to say
the least), its action sequences are more akin to parody than legitimate heroics, and its
mind-numbing dialogue nearly ended the careers of several modern-day heavyweights.
Ultimately, Batman & Robin is one of the worst comic book films of all time... it might
even be the most disappointing comic book adaptation ever conceived. Warner
Brothers was wise to shelve the franchise and rethink their entire approach to Gotham's
savior.
The Batman Anthology
While everyone will identify particular standouts and personal favorites in the series,
most people will agree that the Batman Anthology is a wildly uneven collection that
reaches tremendous highs and descends to troubling lows. Its especially disheartening
when you consider Christopher Nolan's contributions to the mythos -- at times, the first four
Batman films are more a study in cinematic devolution than anything else. Purists
and completists will rejoice, but frugal filmfans will probably want to wait until Warner
Brothers releases each individual entry before sinking any money into Burton and
Schumacher's superhero shenanigans.
Considering it's the oldest film in the anthology, Tim Burton's 1989 original
Batman features a fairly impressive 1080p/VC-1 transfer that looks startlingly better
than previous standard DVD releases. The director's palette has never been bold or
colorful, but his drab tones are faithfully reproduced with stable hues and natural skintones.
Contrast is bright and pleasing to the eye and, even though the image appears flat on more
than one occasion, depth is more convincing than its ever been before. Detail also receives
a notable boost. Granted, soft shots and quite a few hazy textures prevent the
presentation from living up to its potential, but the overall results are strong enough to
satisfy fans of the film. Thankfully, artifacting, source noise, grain spiking, and banding are
kept to an absolute minimum. I suspect minor noise reduction has been applied to the
transfer, but I didn't encounter the waxy faces or distorted backgrounds that signal an
overzealous application. The experience wasn't as jaw-dropping as I was expecting, but it
still managed to satiate my appetite for a solid high definition catalog release.
Batman Returns Rating: 4.5/5
Batman Returns, on the other hand, boasts the best 1080p/VC-1 transfer of the
bunch, delivering shot after shot of fantastic visuals, exacting detail, and perfectly resolved
blacks. Stunning delineation reveals the inhabitants of every shadow, striking contrast
gives the image excellent dimensionality, and rich color reproduction allows each frame to
leap off the screen. For a catalog film, detail and texture clarity is as close to reference
quality as they come. The tattered fabric hanging around the Penguins shoulders
showcases errant threads and stitches, the creases in Catwoman's leather costume are
crisp, and the dials and markings on Batman's gadgets are clear and legible. Some softness
invades establishing shots, but I never got the impression that it was the result of the
technical transfer. As it stands, the picture is smooth and clean -- artifacts are nowhere to
be seen, the noise that clutters the DVD version is gone, and edge enhancement and noise
reduction are MIA. I may not enjoy the film itself as much as others, but I was thoroughly
wowed by this near-perfect catalog presentation.
Batman Forever Rating: 3.5/5
Unfortunately, Batman Forever takes a step back with an uneven 1080p/VC-1
transfer that falters with consistency issues, unresolved blacks, and unpredictable clarity.
Detail is sharply rendered one moment and poorly-defined the next. While the good
certainly outweighs the bad, the film's problematic shots are a distraction that caught my
eye on a regular basis. Even so, I get the sense that most of the transfer's shortcomings
can be attributed to the original print. Colors blare and skintones are a bit too warm, but it
does seem to gel with Schumacher's flashy production design. Likewise, shadows are deep
and oppressive, but often feel artificially brightened as if the director was compensating for
on-set mistakes in post production. Luckily, the picture is just as polished as the other
transfers in the anthology. Macroblocking and digital nonsense are non-existent, contrast is
confident, depth is engrossing, and primaries sing. It's a comparative letdown to be sure,
but one that shouldn't prevent Batman Forever fans from enjoying the merits of its
presentation.
Batman & Robin Rating: 4/5
The most recent entry in the anthology offers an at-times striking 1080p/VC-1 transfer
that doesn't suffer from the issues that plague Schumacher's first run-through. The palette
is just as unsightly as before, but the Blu-ray presentation handles its oversaturated
skintones and unnerving primaries with ease. The darkest portions of the screen are inky,
visibility is spot on, and impeccable contrast imbues the image with considerable depth.
Several scenes aren't as sharp as others, but the majority of shots deliver remarkable fine
details, earthy textures, distinct edges, and crystal clear on-screen text. Likewise, I noticed
artifacting in a trio of bustling action sequences, but found the rest of the presentation to
be quite reliable. All in all, Batman & Robin may be one of the worst films I've ever
had to endure, but its technical transfer should excite anyone that actually cares about this
maligned series closer.
As most of you probably expect, Batman's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track is
the weakest in the anthology simply because it has to constantly contend with the inherent
limitations of the film's twenty-year-old sound design. Dialogue is nicely balanced and
prioritized for the most part, but some dropped lines and lost whispers muddle the
proceedings. Likewise, LFE support is relatively aggressive, but sometimes fails to match
the intensity of the on-screen action it accompanies. To my relief, the rear speakers are
fuller than I thought they would be, creating a mildly immersive soundfield that allows this
one to emerge as an above-average catalog effort. Moreover, Danny Elfman's score and
Prince's songs emerge from every direction and resonate more than they ever have. I can't
say Batman's sonics will woo the most stringent audiophile, but I had a difficult time
drumming up any major complaints.
Batman Returns Rating: 4/5
Batman Returns ups the ante with a richer TrueHD mix that takes advantage of
its surrealist fight scenes and chaotic car chases. Bass tones are more powerful this time
around, the rear soundstage is loaded with ambience, and immersion is, at this point, a
foregone conclusion. Better still, I was smitten by the track's breezy channel pans and oh-
so-precise directionality. When Selena Kyle first realizes she's been transformed by her
supposed murder, listen to the tone and atmosphere evoked by the musical score, the
enhanced acoustics of her apartment, and the crinkle of furniture as she prowls about her
lair. While the sound designers go overboard on more than one occasion -- often packing
each speaker to the brim with unnecessarily aggressive effects -- the end result is a more
explosive and effective soundscape. I can't stand when Penguin's fowl friends come to his
aid, but there's no denying how naturalistic their sewer home sounds. Taken as a whole,
Batman Returns' audio quality almost manages to live up to its stunning video
presentation.
Batman Forever Rating: 4/5
It took fifteen minutes before I began to appreciate Batman Forever's TrueHD
offering, but once the Riddler and Two-Face took center stage, the soundfield simply
erupted to life. LFE thooms and bass-heavy gunfire are impressive enough, but
Nygma's mind-drain machine introduces genuine weight and presence into the soundscape.
Punches and kicks land with power, dialogue is spot on, and the various vehicles roar onto
the scene with flickering fire and thunderous throttle. The lumbering effects occasionally
overwhelm more subtle sonics littered about the presentation, but it seems to be par for
the course for Schumacher's over-the-top production. Best of all, the dynamic score
features crisp trumpet cries, piercing guitar riffs, and unwavering brass calls. My only real
complaints involve a few stocky pans and inaccurate channel assignments that continually
pop up throughout the film. Regardless, Batman Forever sounds great and matches
the film's flashier aesthetics with some inspired sonic fireworks.
Batman & Robin Rating: 4.5/5
It may accompany the worst film in the collection, but Batman & Robin's stirring
TrueHD mix doesn't seem to care. Dialogue is crystal clear and perfectly prioritized,
resonant low-end tones undergird every crashing tank and bursting ice fixture, and rear
speaker support is lively and persistent. As much as the film tends to distract the viewer,
sonic immersion is a cinch for the listener -- chilling beams whip from channel to channel,
shattering glass convincingly spills across the soundfield, and distant screams seem to
appear from every direction. I certainly wouldn't call the soundscape realistic, but it is
consistent with Schumacher's rabid imagery and go-for-broke sensibilities. It's invasive,
clumsy, and annoying... just as it's meant to be. More importantly, the constant barrage of
blaring instrumentation is jarring and dynamic, making the musical score a integral part of
the lossless presentation. As it stands, you may not like what you hear, but it's hard to
argue that the track's technical prowess is worthy of legitimate praise.
The Blu-ray edition of Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology ports over all of the
supplemental material from the DVD set. While the video content is presented in standard
definition and there aren't any exclusive features to be found, the collection is extensive
and thorough. There are several particular hits and misses, but I doubt anyone will
complain about the hours and hours of supplemental material spread across each disc.
Batman Rating: 4/5
The most exciting extras are bundled with director Tim Burton's original 1989 entry in
the series, including the first three parts of a revealing documentary that wraps up across
the other discs in the anthology. Add to that an enthusiastic commentary and several
informative featurettes and you have a supplemental package worth some serious
attention.
Audio Commentary: Burton dives into a detailed and deliberate discussion that covers
his attraction to the project, what he brought to the table, how he selected his cast, how he
influenced the design of Gotham City, and the film's eventual reception. Never at a loss for
words, the eccentric director is a joy to listen to. Fans will find this is a great place to start
when they begin digging into the anthology.
Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman (SD, 41 minutes): This deep
exploration into Batman's roots, incarnations over the years, and cultural significance is a
fascinating dissection of the character's origins, purpose, and lure.
Shadows of the Bat, Parts 1-3 (SD, 72 minutes): A lengthy and stirring beginning to a
six-part documentary stretched across each disc in the collection. It covers the genesis of
the first film, Burton's critically acclaimed ensemble cast, and the on-set atmosphere that
made the shoot so successful.
Beyond Batman (SD, 51 minutes): Batman also includes five engaging mini-docs
that focus on the film's cinematography, make-up, props, vehicles, costumes, and musical
score.
The Heroes and the Villains (SD, 20 minutes): Next up are seven video profiles that
examine Bruce Wayne, the Joker, Vicki Vale, Commissioner Gordon, Bob the Goon, Alexander
Knox, and Harvey Dent.
Storyboard Sequence (SD, 4 minutes): A glimpse at a deleted Robin sequence Burton cut
out of the film long before it was shot.
On the Set with Bob Kane (SD, 3 minutes): The father of the Batman mythos shares his
thoughts about the character and Burton's film. I wish it were longer, but this is a fine
bonus nonetheless.
Music Videos (SD, 14 minutes): Rounding out the package are three dated Prince music
videos for Batdance, Partyman, and Scandalous.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 minutes)
Batman Returns Rating: 3.5/5
Burton's second outing delivers a similar feature-set that allows the director, cast, and
crew to justify the decisions that went into the film, defend its production design and villain-
heavy storylines from detractors, and delve into the effort that went into bringing his vision
to the big screen.
Audio Commentary: Sadly, Burton sounds a bit disinterested this time around, sludging
through each scene as if he has somewhere else he needs to be. He still reveals a variety
of details, shares several behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and even takes a moment to go to
the mat for his structurally-complex sequel, but he rarely draws the listener in like he does
in the first film's commentary track.
Shadows of the Bat, Part 4 (SD, 30 minutes): The anthology-spanning documentary
continues with a look the story, performances, casting, and production of Batman
Returns. While it isn't as expansive as its first three parts, it's still a noteworthy entry
that should keep fans entertained throughout.
Beyond Batman (SD, 66 minutes): Batman Returns also includes six featurettes
that give solid overviews of the Gotham City soundstage, the film's make-up applications,
special effects, costumes, animatronic puppets, and musical cues.
The Bat, the Cat, and the Penguin (SD, 22 minutes): This underwhelming secondary EPK
is redundant, trite, and doles out praise more than facts.
The Heroes and the Villains (SD, 18 minutes): More video profiles hit on Batman, the
Penguin, Catwoman, Alfred and Max Shreck.
Music Video (SD, 4 minutes): Stepping in for Prince comes Soiuxsie and the Banshees
with Face to Face.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3 minutes)
Batman Forever Rating: 3.5/5
Schumacher's first stab at Batman earns a respectable collection of extras that
are surprisingly candid about Forever's rough reception and divisive design direction.
While it doesn't deliver the breadth of the package included on Burton's original, it does a
fine job of documenting the inner-workings of Schumacher's production.
Audio Commentary: Schumacher seems like a nice enough fellow and, as I listened to
his forthright chat about Batman Forever, I felt a touch of guilt for rejecting
Batman & Robin as harshly as I always have. Even so, the track grows repetitive at
times and tends to drag in spots. I enjoyed listening to the director discuss his costume
choices, garish lighting, and overall design sense, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he
was saddened by the overall reaction fans had to the film.
Shadows of the Bat, Part 5 (SD, 29 minutes): The next segment of the documentary
looks at Forever's sudden tonal shift, the contributions of its cast and crew, and the
hard work that went into redesigning Gotham, adding so many new characters into the mix,
and overhauling Batman's cave and car.
Beyond Batman (SD, 45 minutes): Yet another batch of featurettes skim over the film's
costumes and make-up effects, the new look of Gotham, the cast's stuntwork, visual effects,
and the musical score.
Riddle Me This (SD, 24 minutes): Bah. This made-for-TV EPK is all flash and dazzle, with
little to no substance. Spend your time elsewhere.
The Heroes and the Villains (SD, 16 minutes): This group of profiles hones in on Batman,
the Riddler, Two-Face, Robin, and Dr. Chase Meridian.
Deleted Scenes (SD, 13 minutes): Seven exorcised scenes wisely discarded on the
cutting room floor.
Music Video (SD, 4 minutes): While Seal's Kiss from a Rose is on the disc, U2's
contribution to Batman Forever is strangely absent.
Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3 minutes)
Batman & Robin Rating: 3/5
The most hated entry in the anthology also has the most awkward supplemental
package. Many of the features tiptoe around the obvious and attempt to salvage as much
dignity for its cast and crew as possible. Can't say I can blame the disc's producers for
that.
Audio Commentary: Schumacher tries to stay in good spirits, but his commentary is
uncomfortable, his laughs reveal his anxiety, and he ducks out before the film even ends.
Regardless, the director provides an unexpectedly robust account of the production, hitting
on his controversial casting decisions, the additional characters and villains he brought to
the series, and the reasons he took the sets and costumes to such gaudy extremes. While
it didn't make me appreciate the film any more, it was still a decent track to listen
to.
Shadows of the Bat, Part 6 (SD, 27 minutes): An unexpectedly to-the-point cast and
crew share their honest feelings about Batman & Robin, describe what they enjoyed
about their work, and discuss why the film failed so miserably. No matter how much you
hate Schumacher's franchise kiss of death, the final segment in this six-part documentary is
definitely worth watching.
Beyond Batman (SD, 51 minutes): The last group of featurettes in the anthology cover
Batman & Robin's aesthetics, costumes, special effects, vehicles, and
characters.
The Heroes and the Villains (SD, 17 minutes): A parting series of video profiles for
Batman, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Robin, Batgirl, and Bane.
Deleted Scene (SD, 1 minute): For those who just can't get enough punishment comes
this extended take of Batgirl's arrival.
Music Videos (SD, 18 minutes): Four music videos round out the disc, including The
Smashing Pumpkins' The End is the Beginning, Bone Thug Harmony's Look Into
My Eyes, R. Kelly's Gotham City, and Jewel's Foolish
Games.
As is the case with any boxed set that includes films from various eras, Batman: The
Motion Picture Anthology will rope in completists while holding casual fans at bay with
its high price point and uneven collection of films. However, anyone who does pick up the
anthology is in for a pleasant treat. Attractive video transfers, compelling lossless audio
tracks, and hours upon hours of supplemental material are on hand to keep you happy for
days. It's certainly not a perfect set, but purists will be happy with what they find.
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