Batman Returns - Michelle Pfeiffer

directed by Tim Burton
USA 1992

Frankly I don't understand why everyone craps all over this film - or more accurately defining it as the icon of catering to' the masses' tastes and being devoid of substance. I felt the reverse and of all the Batman films that I suffered through this was the only shining spark of attempted brilliance - one of Tim Burton's best films. The plot is classic comic-dom with Gotham City facing two aligning criminal menaces: the bizarre and sinister Penguin (played brilliantly by Danny DeVito) and the mysterious and dangerous sexpot known as the Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Lurking in the background is a political manipulator named Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) and an army of sewer-dwelling miscreants preparing their vengeance. I thought Michael Keaton as Batman was fabulous and Michelle made me forget any boyhood fantasies of Ertha Kitt, Lee Meriweather or Julie Newmar. The concept of 'Batman" in the first place is an outrageous farce with extravagance as the key narrative stroke. It was meant to be expressed on the big screen by the darkly stylistic Burton with grandiose makeup, towering sets and probing close-ups. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was more than prepared to suspend my belief beyond the confines of normal Hollywood cinema. It was meant to be as dynamic and grandiose as it is - this was not an error. Accept it and you too can come away with an enjoyable smile plastered on your face. Have some fun folks - this isn't Judgment at Nuremberg! out of

Gary W. Tooze

Posters

Theatrical Release: June 19th, 1992 - Australia

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DVD Comparison:

Warner Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Warner (Two-Disc Special Edition) - Region 1, 2, 3, 4 - NTSC

(Warner Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (Two-Disc Special Edition) - Region 1, 2, 3, 4 - NTSC - RIGHT)

DVD Box Cover
Distribution	Warner Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC	Warner Home Video - Region 1, 2, 3, 4 - NTSC
	*The Two-Disc Special Edition also is available in the Batman - The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997* (Batman / Batman Returns / Batman Forever / Batman & Robin) (Two-Disc Special Edition)**
Runtime	2:06:20	2:06:16
Video	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.48 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.5 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: Original
Bitrate: Two Disc SE
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby), DUB: French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Dolby)	English DTS, English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, French, Spanish, None	English, French, Spanish, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Cast • Production Notes • 'Film Flash' - 4 trailers • Liner note with DVD Regions listed DVD Release Date: August 22nd, 1997 Snapper Case Chapters: 39	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Commentary by: director Tim Burton • The Bat, the Cat and the Penguin – Cast and crew members recall the making of this equally spectacular sequel • Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight: Part 4, The Dark Side of the Knight • Beyond Batman Documentary • Gallery: Gotham City Revisited: The P• roduction Design of Batman Returns, Sleek, Sexy and Sinister: • The Costumes of Batman Returns, Making up the Penguin, Assembling the Arctic Army, Bats, Mattes and Dark Nights: The Visual Effects of Batman • Face to Face Music Video by Siouxsie and the Banshees The Heroes and The Villains Profile • Galleries • Theatrical Trailer DVD Release Date: October 18th, 2005 Double slim keep case Chapters: 39

Comments:

ADDITION: Warner (Two-Disc Special Edition) : The new edition is superior to its, over 8 years older, counterpart in every area. The new release shows how the old colors were very pale and washed out. The old edition has less information on all 4 edges and of course the extras in the Special Edition are abundant - including a much anticipated commentary by Tim Burton. This film really stood out from many of the other releases in this movie series and this new DVD is a treat. Thanks Warner.

*****

This is one of the oldest DVDs that I can remember reviewing. By today's standards it would be considered less than stellar, but I wasn't so disappointed. The film is very dark but the transfer held up its end of the contrast with no artificial brightening that I could discern. The anamorphic image seems to hold its color balance, if at times, appearing a little faded, but skin tones look very good. The big winner of this disc is the 5.1 audio which magnifies the deepest bass levels of the films track into a real theater experience. Extras are non-existent with some 4:3 text screens of production notes and no trailer for the film. Subtitles are excellent. The disc itself is a single layered job with the Full-frame version on the opposite side. Not being the most popular of films I can't see it being re-released soon with commentary etc., but I can hope. Did I mention that I am quite high on this film? out of

Gary W. Tooze

DVD Menus

(Warner Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (Two-Disc Special Edition) - Region 1, 2, 3, 4 - NTSC - RIGHT)

Warner (Two-Disc Special Edition) - Region 1, 2, 3, 4 - NTSC - DISC 2

Subtitle Sample