Batman: Gotham Knight

[metalhead_dave743]

When I first heard about it on Wikipedia, I was stoked to know Bruce Timm was returning to Batman, and that he was going to expand on Chris Nolan's universe. So I was very excited.

Then I found out it was going to be in anime and my excitement dropped because I pretty much hate anime with a passion, but that's another story for another time... but I was willing to give it a chance because you know... it's Batman.

Then CBR released the First Look and for those who haven't seen it, I'll post the link here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbRWvuB_Cw

After seeing it, I must say I'm digging most of the animation. There are six episodes and six different art styles. Some look pretty badass, while others turn me off pretty much, but those are character models mostly. Like there are some times where Bruce Wayne looks like a friggen teenager who's hair is too long. And there are a couple of bat costumes that I don't like. But Deadshot and Scarecrow look pretty badass, Killer Croc not so much.

I'm loving the enviornments though. The cityscapes, the sewers, the subways, the streets. They are pretty damn awesome.

So while I don't like anime, I think I'll dig this. The stories have to be freaking good... I mean they have Bruce Timm directing all six of them and I know that one or two of the stories are being written by a BTAS writer. I hear that Bale will be voicing Batman and that'll be badass as well.

This looks like it'll be a pretty sweet bridge between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

EDIT - Thank you to Tuan for providing a fresh one. I put the one he provided in my post here.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Just hearing about who was writing for this had me interested, now that I've seen some of the animation I can't wait for this thing to come out. Summer really can't get here fast enough.

[DonC]

I loathe that Deadshot costume. Or rather, the mask. Hate it in the comics, hate it in the anime. Why does Deadshot even need a metallic mask? The metal-colored cloth one he had for years was fine.

Other than that, I've been waiting on these ever since they were announced.

[Tuan]

I first saw a pic of anime Bats in an issue of ToyFare Magazine awhile back.

But after seeing the preview, oh my God, I am so psyched!

Cannot wait for this seeing as how I'm an anime/comic book fan.

And it's funny cause I was about to post that same video from YouTube myself. lol.

[the goddamn batman]

You should post it, it's been taken down already.

I haven't seen this... so it'd be nice to check it out. Kinda put off by Killer Croc being in this... I dunno... doesn't seem to fit the Nolan-verse. But I haven't seen it so I'll reserve judgment.

[Tuan]

I just copy and pasted so hope this works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbRWvuB_Cw

[the goddamn batman]

Yup, works. Thanks.


It's interesting that they're billing it as a bridge between Nolan's two films. It doesn't feel like Nolan's films at all, really. The animation looks fantastic, as I knew it would. Very similar to The Animatrix, which I love. But, I'm just not sure how much it will or won't fit with Nolan's films.

Either way I'm getting it. I love Batman anad animation, so it's a can't miss for me.

[StoneGold]

I just hope they get some decent audio production. If there is one thing I hate most about most anime, both in the original language and in dubs, the audio tends to be ridiculously antiseptic. It sounds too clean, too studio. You listen to something like B:TAS, and there's a dirty quality to it, a grit that doesn't sound so pre-manufactured.

[ultramandingo]

Bruce Timm , Brian Azzarello , Greg Rucka and Christian Bale - yowza

[The Zapper]

Looks pretty good. I was hoping to see Joker, but I guess I'll have to wait. I'll be very disapointed if we don't get an anime Joker out of this.

[Legato]

Looks pretty good. I was hoping to see Joker, but I guess I'll have to wait. I'll be very disapointed if we don't get an anime Joker out of this.

Or an anime Batgirl. But I will accept an anime Joker if somehow Mark Hamil does the voice again.

Then again if the movie is going to be close to Nolan's version of Batman then Im not sure Hamil's version of the Joker would fit. I mean picture an animated version of The Dark Knight's Joker with Hamil doing the voice of it.

[the goddamn batman]

Except that these don't seem to really be animated versions of Nolan's Batman either. So, you can't expect the same of the other characters.


I've really lost faith in this being a good 'bridge' between Nolan's films. Penguin is too much for Nolan, but Killer Croc is in this? That doesn't make much sense to me. These stories don't even seem to match each other, let alone Nolan's movies.

I'll take them for what they are, but I don't see the connection to Nolan's films except as a marketing ploy.

[DWEarhart]

Especially when Nolan wants to keep it reality-based. This anime release is good for getting the more outlandish characters out there, and feels most definitely like a marketing ploy, one that has been used by The Matrix, Van Helsing, and Riddick, so why not Batman.

Mark Hamill as The Joker seems to be celebrated by most Bat-fans everywhere, and is one of my favorite Joker's - period - but it's time to move on.

And when I say "outlandish," I mean the overly developed freaks like Man-Bat and Killer Croc. Joker is VERY outlandish, but at times, not.

[Legato]

Especially when Nolan wants to keep it reality-based. This anime release is good for getting the more outlandish characters out there, and feels most definitely like a marketing ploy, one that has been used by The Matrix, Van Helsing, and Riddick, so why not Batman.

Mark Hamill as The Joker is celebrated everywhere, and is one of my favorite Joker's - period - but it's time to move on.

True but you know that if the Joker ever do make an appearance in the movie the reviews about him would mostly consist of that this version of the Joker is good but nobody does the voice of The Joker better than Hamill or I dont like the current voice of The Joker, Hamill's voice is better.

Even DCAU's version of The Joker is put above the current Joker from The Dark Knight eventhough at the time The Dark Knights Joker did get some positive reviews.

[DWEarhart]

To most fans of the comics and animated series, yes, I do not doubt. But that's the thing about mainstream Hollywood - they try to shoot for the common majority interest.

I still like what Nolan's saying about Joker in Dark Knight. Force of Nature.

[the goddamn batman]

True but you know that if the Joker ever do make an appearance in the movie the reviews about him would mostly consist of that this version of the Joker is good but nobody does the voice of The Joker better than Hamill or I dont like the current voice of The Joker, Hamill's voice is better.

Even DCAU's version of The Joker is put above the current Joker from The Dark Knight eventhough at the time The Dark Knights Joker did get some positive reviews.


What? The movie's not even out yet!?! How can anyone say anything substantial about Joker from TDK, especially that some other version is better?

[StoneGold]

What? The movie's not even out yet!?! How can anyone say anything substantial about Joker from TDK, especially that some other version is better?

Because it's the Internet. OMGFHJDFN, flames on Optimus Prime did something to my childhood that Stony will delete if I mention!

[the goddamn batman]

Because it's the Internet.

Well, you got me there.

[GRANT!]

Looks really cool. I keep forgetting Deadshot was a Batman villan. I wonder if Bale and the film actors are doing voice work on this.

[LtMarvel]

Since they are timing the release to do with the film, it makes perfect sense not to use the Joker in the DVD.

[The Zapper]

Since they are timing the release to do with the film, it makes perfect sense not to use the Joker in the DVD.

True enough, but I, and I suppose many more, would be disapointed.

[OverMaster]

True enough, but I, and I suppose many more, would be disapointed.

I think I saw some people convulsing with signals of Joker-poisoning in the video. Or maybe they were just gassed by Scarecrow instead.

[Legato]

I think I saw some people convulsing with signals of Joker-poisoning in the video. Or maybe they were just gassed by Scarecrow instead.

I find it nice that Scarecrow is actually getting some acknowledgement, I credited Batman Begins when it comes to that though. I personally find him pretty underrated as a Batman villain.

As much as I like The Joker it would be nice to see an animated Batman movie that didn't involve him for once.

[GRANT!]

I find it nice that Scarecrow is actually getting some acknowledgement, I credited Batman Begins when it comes to that though. I personally find him pretty underrated as a Batman villain.

As much as I like The Joker it would be nice to see an animated Batman movie that didn't involve him for once.

Batman: Subzero (which is pretty good) and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (not so much) don't feature him at all.

[GRANT!]

True enough, but I, and I suppose many more, would be disapointed.

I don't know. I think people will deal if the movie is good. Plus no one said Joker WASN'T in it. So he might feature in a minor role.

Either way The Dark Knight seems to have a lot of Joker in it.

[Legato]

Batman: Subzero (which is pretty good) and Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (not so much) don't feature him at all.

You forgot about The Batman that featured Dracula. That one was rather meh, it wasn't bad but not impressive enough to grant a second viewing.

The voice acting of Bane in Mystery of The Batwoman turned me off of the film.

[OverMaster]

You forgot about The Batman that featured Dracula. That one was rather meh, it wasn't bad but not impressive enough to grant a second viewing.

Uh, actually, Joker was in that one...

[LtMarvel]

And it views better in repeat showings...

[Rabid Trekkie]

I don't know. I think people will deal if the movie is good. Plus no one said Joker WASN'T in it. So he might feature in a minor role.

Either way The Dark Knight seems to have a lot of Joker in it.

All I really want of Joker in the anime is to see him drive into Gotham so it leads into TDK. Pretty much I just want to see an anime version of Joker. He doesn't have to do anything except look really cool and give a good laugh, then fade to black.

[the goddamn batman]

But Joker was already in Gotham at the end of Begins.

[Legato]

All I really want of Joker in the anime is to see him drive into Gotham so it leads into TDK. Pretty much I just want to see an anime version of Joker. He doesn't have to do anything except look really cool and give a good laugh, then fade to black.

As I have said before Im interested in Joker making an appearance mostly to see if he will resemble either his DCAU version or if it would be close to TDK's version.

If this Gotham Knight movie is successful then I wouldn't mind a prequel movie about The Joker before the events of TDK. Depending on if the actual Dark Knight movie dont cover all of Jokers backstory.

[StoneGold]

As I have said before Im interested in Joker making an appearance mostly to see if he will resemble either his DCAU version or if it would be close to TDK's version.


Has anything else in these cartoons resembled Dini's art style at all? Why would Joker?

[kalorama]

Has anything else in these cartoons resembled Dini's art style at all? Why would Joker?

Dini's a writer, not an artist. I think you mean Bruce Timm.

I've got no strong feelings about anime for or against, but this looks like it should be pretty interesting. One of the character's best qualities is that he's adaptable to so many different styles and approaches.

[andy khouri]

New Images from "Batman: Gotham Knight"

Warner Bros. Animation has released new images from "Batman: Gotham Knight," the direct-to-DVD anime anthology bridging "Batman Begins" and this summer's "The Dark Knight."

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13169

[MaxofSteel]

I'm really liking this version of Batman. It's sort of like how I imagine an anime Batman Beyond would be.

That Bruce is lookin' a lot like Squall from FF 8 though.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/calamax34/AnimeBatman.jpg

[metalhead_dave743]

I'm really liking this version of Batman. It's sort of like how I imagine an anime Batman Beyond would be.

That Bruce is lookin' a lot like Squall from FF 8 though.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/calamax34/AnimeBatman.jpg

That's the animation I really DON'T like. You are right that Bruce looks like Squall but Bruce isn't supposed to look like Bruce at ALL. And I'm not digging how the cape is around the neck like that.

[tomgastall]

kinda reminds me of
http://minutillo.com/steve/weblog/images/galactor.jpg
nice to see Batman w/o the second set of ears though.

[Frank]

Man seeing the trailer at CBR is a thousand kind of awesome. :eek: A real, gritty vigilante take about Batman and Gotham. What's so cool about this is that I said years ago that super-heroes should go the way of Japanese animation, I just knew it would work. I cannot wait.

[Pauly T]

Is it wrong that I'm more looking forward to this than The Dark Knight itself?

[metalhead_dave743]

Is it wrong that I'm more looking forward to this than The Dark Knight itself?

Yes it is... but isn't THAT wrong.;)

[ponset]

Happy to see one of my favorite villians is being used in one of the stories,
DEADSHOT. YAY!!!

Check out the 10 minute preview on the JL:New Frontier DVD. Good Stuff.

[Javito]

Is it wrong that I'm more looking forward to this than The Dark Knight itself?
I do know that that isn´t wrong! I´m on the same page as you.

[Cyke]

Pretty big news concerning Batman's VA... (http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/29/kevin-conroy-to-voice-batman-gotham-knight/)

Christian Bale won't be available to voice Bruce in the movie, despite the tie-in to the Dark Knight. Rather, the studio has gone back to the tried and true. And in my opinion, it's an improvement.

I just got tingles.

[metalhead_dave743]

Pretty big news concerning Batman's VA... (http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/29/kevin-conroy-to-voice-batman-gotham-knight/)

Christian Bale won't be available to voice Bruce in the movie, despite the tie-in to the Dark Knight. Rather, the studio has gone back to the tried and true. And in my opinion, it's an improvement.

I just got tingles.

A small part of me is pretty disapointed. But that small part is being drowned out by the really big part that is screaming YES YES YES YES YES FUCK YES!

This is awesome, this is beyond awesomeness. It's like an encore of something great. We once again get to hear Kevin Conroy as Batman. It was thought his days were over after Justice League's "Destroyer" but man it's going to be so FUCKING AWESOME for Conroy to reprise that role even if it isn't TAS Batman.

This rocks, and I can't wait to see it.

[Cyke]

A small part of me is pretty disapointed. But that small part is being drowned out by the really big part that is pretty YES YES YES YES YES FUCK YES!

This is awesome, this is beyond awesomeness. It's like an encore of something great. We once again get to hear Kevin Conroy as Batman. It was thought his days were over after Justice League's "Destroyer" but man it's going to be so FUCKING AWESOME for Conroy to reprise that role even if it isn't TAS Batman.

This rocks, and I can't wait to see it.

You know what I appreciate? An established but niche American VA reprising a character on an Anime project. To me, life would be so wonderful if the casts of JLU and the Fox Spidey and X-Men shows did anime versions. I'm a big fan of cross-pollination. I love it when creators explore new options and different takes on old favorites.

[The Zapper]

Pretty big news concerning Batman's VA... (http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/29/kevin-conroy-to-voice-batman-gotham-knight/)

Christian Bale won't be available to voice Bruce in the movie, despite the tie-in to the Dark Knight. Rather, the studio has gone back to the tried and true. And in my opinion, it's an improvement.

I just got tingles.

Awesome. There couldn't be a better replacement for Bale. I know I'll be buying this on day one.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Pretty big news concerning Batman's VA... (http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/29/kevin-conroy-to-voice-batman-gotham-knight/)

Christian Bale won't be available to voice Bruce in the movie, despite the tie-in to the Dark Knight. Rather, the studio has gone back to the tried and true. And in my opinion, it's an improvement.

I just got tingles.

I knew there was only one way that this movie could get better. Don't get me wrong, I like Bale as Batman, but Conroy is Batman.

[the goddamn batman]

Conroy... really? Ugh.

Conroy is the man, don't get me wrong. But here's the thing. He's TAS Batman. He's not Nolan Batman. This isn't a tie in to TAS, it's a tie in to Nolan's Batman.

And then, there's what, six, eight different stories here? All with different visual styles and they'll have the same voice? So Batman/Bruce, will look totally different... but sound the same... and sound like a completely unrelated Batman?

I dunno... that sounds terrible to me. I'm just going to think of one cartoon while watching another cartoon, when I should either A: be thinking of the movies (which I'm not so sure is going to work for various reasons) or B: enjoy it on it's own... which seems to be more and more the case as news comes out about this.

Regardless, I expect it to be visually stunning. For that and that alone I'm sure I'll love it.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Conroy... really? Ugh.

Conroy is the man, don't get me wrong. But here's the thing. He's TAS Batman. He's not Nolan Batman. This isn't a tie in to TAS, it's a tie in to Nolan's Batman.

And then, there's what, six, eight different stories here? All with different visual styles and they'll have the same voice? So Batman/Bruce, will look totally different... but sound the same... and sound like a completely unrelated Batman?

I dunno... that sounds terrible to me. I'm just going to think of one cartoon while watching another cartoon, when I should either A: be thinking of the movies (which I'm not so sure is going to work for various reasons) or B: enjoy it on it's own... which seems to be more and more the case as news comes out about this.

Regardless, I expect it to be visually stunning. For that and that alone I'm sure I'll love it.

I don't know, Bale would have been doing the voices for all the different stories so I don't really see a difference there.

About it being an unrelated Batman, I can kind of understand this. I mean this is supposed to be about the movies. But the thing is, for me an possibly others, Conroy isn't just the voice of TAS Batman, but Batman himself. I'm reading the comics and its Conroy, I'm daydreaming of a Batman adventure and its Conroy, if I'm not paying attention during the movies (both Burton and Bale) I'm hearing Conroy's voice. So for me this fits like a glove.

[the goddamn batman]

I never said I thought Bale should do the voice either.

Perosnally, I think each one should have it's own Batman voice. They're different looks, so they should sound different.

At least with Bale it would be the right Batman voice for the tie in. Using Conroy just seems like the wrong move... but ultimately it's the same voice for each short that really bothers me.

That and this just feels less and less like an actual tie in to Nolan's movies as it goes. Just seems like a marketing ploy to sell it.

[The Zapper]

this just feels less and less like an actual tie in to Nolan's movies as it goes. Just seems like a marketing ploy to sell it.

I don't care if it's a "marketing ploy" or not. It looks great and I'm excited to give them my money.

[the goddamn batman]

I don't care if it's a "marketing ploy" or not. It looks great and I'm excited to give them my money.

Agreed. I'm just saying it doesn't sound much like what it's being sold as.

[Tuan]

You know what I appreciate? An established but niche American VA reprising a character on an Anime project. To me, life would be so wonderful if the casts of JLU and the Fox Spidey and X-Men shows did anime versions. I'm a big fan of cross-pollination. I love it when creators explore new options and different takes on old favorites.

The 90's X-Men toon actually had an anime intro when the show was picked up over there. Some of you may have already seen it but for those who have not, here they are. Keep in mind, this anime was back in the 90's, so it ain't high quality or anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjJywCyY2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDtHh5Sw79I

[Cyke]

The 90's X-Men toon actually had an anime intro when the show was picked up over there. Some of you may have already seen it but for those who have not, here they are. Keep in mind, this anime was back in the 90's, so it ain't high quality or anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjJywCyY2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDtHh5Sw79I

I saw it back when X-Men first hit syndication 10 years ago. But there were no VAs there. The closest we got to it were the Capcom games.

[Jettison]

Wow....thats the coolest X-Men animation Ive ever seen!

I would love to see an X-anime of that quality!

[metalhead_dave743]

Eh, I'm impressed with the art, they look a whole hell of a lot better than the American X-Men cartoon in the ninties(which was pretty good then) but at the same time it still has the same Anime-isms that make me dislike that very style in the first place.

[metalhead_dave743]

Voice cast announced. An article of who is playing who resides below this little blurb. And I'm happy to say, Conroy will be playing Batman in ALL SIX episodes of Gotham Knight. YES YES YES YES YES!

Kevin Conroy, the bench mark by which fans compare all Batman voices, returns to the title role in Batman Gotham Knight, the third release in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series from DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation, it was announced today. The all-new, original movie will street July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as OnDemand and Pay-per-View. The film will be available for download on the same date.

Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award-winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.

Conroy set the standard for modern day Batman voices with his performance in Batman: The Animated Series, The New Adventures of Batman and Robin and The New Batman Superman Adventures. He reprised the role as an aging Bruce Wayne playing mentor to a new Caped Crusader in Batman Beyond. Animation legend and Batman Gotham Knight producer Bruce Timm said Conroy was the obvious choice for both widespread fan approval and to provide an overriding sense of continuity within a film in which Batman appears in so many new, visual variations.

"Anytime we initiate an animated Batman project, 'Will Kevin Conroy voice Batman?' is the first question we hear from fans," said Bruce Timm , Executive Producer. "To meet Kevin is to know that he's not anything like Batman, and yet he manages to perfectly nail that indefinable element that is Batman. He's got the voice, he's got the acting chops, and he's absolutely the best man for the job."

Conroy provided a central, rallying point for a cast that perfectly meshes stars of some of today's highest rated primetime television series with many of the most popular voiceover actors in the business. Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) are heard in multiple segments of the six-story film as police detectives Crispus Allen and Anna Ramirez, key members of a special unit who learn to trust the Dark Knight's motives. Parminder Nagra (ER, Bend It Like Beckham) supplies the voice of Cassandra, a mystical Indian woman who teaches Bruce Wayne to endure and manage his pain. David McCallum (Navy NCIS, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Great Escape) takes on the role of loyal servant Alfred. George Newbern (Father of the Bride) and Alanna Ubach (Legally Blonde) also join the cast.

The cast also features popular voice over artists Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Jason Marsden, Jim Meskimen, Pat Musick, Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Corey Padnos and Crystal Scales.

Batman Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $19.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains over 100 minutes of bonus features plus 4 bonus episodes. All the content fr m the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.

Batman Gotham Knight 2-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc will feature incredible extras including:

"Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman.

"A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City's most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.

"Batman: The Animated Series" Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.

"Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" - DC Universe animated original movie

Audio Commentary - Featuring the filmmakers of Gotham Knight.

Widescreen (1.78:1)

5.1 Dolby Digital

Batman Gotham Knight was headed by an impressive list of directors who have brought their distinctly different anime styles to the classic Batman character. The production was divided among three renowned studios – Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse – and included the truly inimitable visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka. With stories written by several of the most talented writers of film , comic books, and animation, including Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), Emmy®-winner Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, The Dark Knight), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello, Batman Gotham Knight presents thrilling new adventures of Batman that spotlight several of Gotham City's most dangerous villains, including the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unnerving marksman known as Deadshot. Batman Gotham Knight is produced by Emma Thomas (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Michael Uslan & Benja m in Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Toshi Hiruma.

[PamGrierOverdrive]

I had no interest in this when I saw the awful sneak peek on the awful New Frontier DVD, but given Conroy's involvement (and the pedigree of the writers involved), I'll give it a shot. Just not a big fan of anime, particularly on a Batman project.

[andy khouri]

ABOUT TIME: Kevin Conroy to Voice Batman in "Gotham Knight"

Fan Favorite Kevin Conroy returns to the benchmark title role for "Batman: Gotham Knight," the newest DC Universe animated film, released July 8, 2008.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13437

[metalhead_dave743]

ABOUT TIME: Kevin Conroy to Voice Batman in "Gotham Knight"

Fan Favorite Kevin Conroy returns to the benchmark title role for "Batman: Gotham Knight," the newest DC Universe animated film, released July 8, 2008.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13437

Beat ya to it there buddy.

[The Batman]

It'll be great to hear Conroy as Bats again. I think Romano does a good job on The Batman but Conroy is the best.

I'm curious to see what that Bob Kane featurette is going to look like given how controversial his position as "the creator" of Batman has become lately.

[PamGrierOverdrive]

I'm curious to see what that Bob Kane featurette is going to look like given how controversial his position as "the creator" of Batman has become lately.


What's this about?

[The Batman]

Bill Finger had a hand, depending on who you ask a very BIG hand, in the creation of Batman and his world. It's something that went unacknowledged, and unrewarded, for quite some time. I think that alot of the blame for this gets put on Bob Kane and the contract he signed that gave him full credit for creating Batman.

It's something that makes the title “Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story” just seem inaccurate to me.

[The Batman]

You can check out a slightly slanted against Bob Kane version of the story here. (http://www.geocities.com/batmanmagazine/nftc5.htm)

[Pyro]

Well, I'm not particularly looking forward to this movie, but I love me some Kevin Conroy as Batman. He really is the best (*scoffs at Jeremy Sisto*). I thought they were originally going to have Bale voice Bats, though.

[Sean Whitmore]

Voice cast announced. An article of who is playing who resides below this little blurb. And I'm happy to say, Conroy will be playing Batman in ALL SIX episodes of Gotham Knight. YES YES YES YES YES!

But of course. It's a continuous story broken up into parts, so all the VAs remain the same throughout. (Though besides Bats, only a couple other characters make recurring appearances)


SEAN

[metalhead_dave743]

But of course. It's a continuous story broken up into parts, so all the VAs remain the same throughout. (Though besides Bats, only a couple other characters make recurring appearances)


SEAN

Yeah but there were rumours saying something like "Is he going to Batman in one epi or all six?" So I'm just glad he's confirmed for all six.

[PamGrierOverdrive]

You can check out a slightly slanted against Bob Kane version of the story here. (http://www.geocities.com/batmanmagazine/nftc5.htm)


Very interesting. I had never about this before. If true, it's a shame when shit like this happens.

[metalhead_dave743]

Here is a new Trailer (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809997857/video/7356000)

It's so great to hear Conroy's voice again, even if it is for just two lines in this clip.

[MaxofSteel]

Here is a new Trailer (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809997857/video/7356000)

It's so great to hear Conroy's voice again, even if it is for just two lines in this clip.

My only gripe about Conroy voicing this film is that it'd be weird seeing him voice the younger looking Bruce Wayne:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/calamax34/AnimeBatman.jpg

It's hard for me to picture Conroy's Wayne voice to this face.

Bale would've been perfect for it IMO.

But other than that I'm glad he's back too.

[Sean Whitmore]

My only gripe about Conroy voicing this film is that it'd be weird seeing him voice the younger looking Bruce Wayne:

What's funny is, despite his young appearance, that's actually modern-day Bruce.

Although one of the stories does feature a young Bruce during his world traveling.


SEAN

[metalhead_dave743]

My only gripe about Conroy voicing this film is that it'd be weird seeing him voice the younger looking Bruce Wayne:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/calamax34/AnimeBatman.jpg

It's hard for me to picture Conroy's Wayne voice to this face.

Bale would've been perfect for it IMO.

But other than that I'm glad he's back too.

I actually despise that look of Bruce Wayne. If anything, I think Conroy's voice will be an improvment on that drawing.:biggrin:

[xnef1025]

Mostly spoiler free review.

So I managed to get a look at this DTV movie a little early. Quick version review: I'll be purchasing the 2-disc special edition come July 8 and it'll be worth every penny.

This is an awesome Batman cartoon. Much like the Animatrix, it tells 6 different loosely connected stories, each using a different manga inspired style(and rest easy, none of the styles are Pokemon).

While the visual style is anime, the tone is all DCAU. Even with the radically different looks, the stories feel like some of the best of B:tAS. The first story veers the most away from a traditional episode but actually takes a lot from the late season Animated series ep where the kids told their interpretations of what Batman is. The one with the Miller inspired Dark Knight Returns mutant leader fight.

These stories do take place in the Batman Begins universe and there are some interesting ties and consequences from that movie shown. A few familiar DCU faces show up as well aside from the usual supporting cast.

Anyway, I'd highly recommend picking this up to anyone who likes Batman Begins, the animated series or anime in general.

[Dr. Ghost]

I like anime, and I like Batman, but I don't like that "bishounen" design they gave him.
He doesn't look like the type to rough up some thugs.
The others are fine
Other than that, this looks great.

[The Batman]

I like anime, and I like Batman, but I don't like that "bishounen" design they gave him.
He doesn't look like the type to rough up some thugs.
The others are fine
Other than that, this looks great.

Man I know. That design looks like a foppish easy living billionaire playboy; someone I could never see being the Batman.

:wink:

[Mia]

I managed to see this (God bless the Internet). The last two episodes Working Through Pain and Dead Shot were the best. The others I didn't care about, they were just Batman fighting goons/freaks. Working Through Pain is the best and strongest episode really though, and has the strongest character development.
I'll be buying the DVD when it hits the street.

[StoneGold]

Keep in mind, that one design is just for one segment. Every animator interprets him differently.

That said, Conroy does have a little trouble matching the Bruce Wayne voice in that segment. Thank god he does the Bruce Wayne voice, though. That was one of the things I didn't like about when the show went to the WB, he kind of stopped doing it, basically just had Bruce doing the Batman voice.

[Jared]

These stories do take place in the Batman Begins universe and there are some interesting ties and consequences from that movie shown. A few familiar DCU faces show up as well aside from the usual supporting cast.


From the trailer it looks as though it features monsterous mutants, cyborgs, and possibly some kind of force field. These aren't things I'd expect in the universe established by Batman Begins.

Even so, it looks cool, and it's Batman. That's enough to get my money.

[Sean Whitmore]

From the trailer it looks as though it features mostrous mutants, cyborgs, and possibly some kind of force field. These aren't things I'd expect in the universe established by Batman Begins.

The force field isn't full-blown Dr. Doom variety; it's introduced with the same sort of quasi-realistic explanation as the rest of the Begins equipment.

I mean, it's still out there, but not SO much more out there than the Tumbler or the flying cape. :smile:


SEAN

[The Batman]

Or the microwave emitter weapon that only emits microwaves at certain things?

[metalhead_dave743]

Keep in mind, that one design is just for one segment. Every animator interprets him differently.

That said, Conroy does have a little trouble matching the Bruce Wayne voice in that segment. Thank god he does the Bruce Wayne voice, though. That was one of the things I didn't like about when the show went to the WB, he kind of stopped doing it, basically just had Bruce doing the Batman voice.

He actually mentioned that in a video interview with the Comic Book Club. It was more of a studio descision and not really his own.

I don't feel like linking it because there are five segments of the interview and I don't know which segment he talks about it, but type in Kevin Conroy on youtube and you'll be able to find it.

[twilight]

Saw this the other night at the local indie cinema.

Didn't really do it for me.

None of the stories really added anything.

-Twi

[Surtur]

I have to say I didn't care for it. It wasn't bad, just didn't do anything for me.

[kalorama]

None of the stories really added anything.

-Twi

Added anything to what? Not sure what you mean.

[andy khouri]

Rucka talks Gotham Central in "Batman: Gotham Knight"

CBR sat down with writer Greg Rucka to learn how he brought his beloved "Gotham Central" characters to life for the "Batman: Gotham Knight" animated DVD that hits stores this week.

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17118

[metalhead_dave743]

Finally saw it today. It arrived at my doorstep on the release date haha.

Nothing really amazing... but it's a cute little story. I like how it sort of gradually shifted from being the perspective of other people to being the perspective of Batman in the end.

I'll definitley watch it again.

[ultramandingo]

.......... not a big anime guy but i thought most of it was pretty great - azzarello and ruckas were my faves - cool seeing gotham central types crispus allen and " ramirez " - pre " crisis " versions again

[DWEarhart]

I think I can do with the single disc version, though I'd like to see the villains section on the second disc. I can do without the Bob Kane segment. I know enough about him, his work, and what kind of person he was.

[Lucky Luciano]

I'll burn this on DVD tonight and check it out when my schedule eases up tommorrow. I actually want to see how this turned out.

[kalorama]

The visuals were nice, but I didn't find any of the stories particularly compelling. I also thought that Conroy's Batman voice wasn't really a good match to the tone of the stories. This Batman needed something with a harder edge to it.

[the goddamn batman]

Between the costumes and the voice, I had a hard time taking this as in between Nolan's movies. Personally.

I think, "In Darkness Dwells" was the best tie in, story wise. "Have I Got A Story For You" was the most interesting animation. "Field Test" would have been better if the Batman costume didn't suck.

I have no real love for Deadshot, so while it was a fine story, it didn't do anything for me beyond that.

[LtMarvel]

I couldn't justify the extra $12 for the second disk.

Great stories, nice film.

[metalhead_dave743]

I'm actually going to go against the grain here and say that I enjoyed Conroy's voice VERY much as "Nolan's Batman."

It was definitley Conroy doing the vocals but it sounded kinda different from his TAS/JLU Batman. I felt his voice was very good. It WOULD have been better if they could have gotten the cast from Begins/TDK to reprise their roles, but it's no biggie.

I treat this movie as a little run of the mill couple of normal days in the life of Batman. Nothing BIG is really going to happen to him, we'll have that in TDK.

[Damiean Dark]

Anyone is better then bales awful voice even the guy from JL new frontier was very good and thats just an actor brought in for that animated movie you would think Bale would work on it for TDK, a multi million dollar movie, but it seems this is not the case that great scene with Batman, Gordon and Harvey on the roof arguing was completely RUINED when bale opened his mouth. Its like he has a frog down there:mad: .

[the goddamn batman]

you would think Bale would work on it for TDK, a multi million dollar movie, but it seems this is not the case

It's such a ridiculous assumption that Bale didn't bother working on his Batman voice just because you don't like it. Maybe... and, this is a pretty big stretch, I know, but just maybe the people making the movie actually, you know, like the voice. Maybe that's the way Bale and Nolan want it to sound!

It's a crazy thought, I know. It's probably more accurate to assume that since you don't like it, these professionals didn't do any work on it at all... or have a preference different than yours. I mean, these are the same guys that didn't even bother to make a batmobile specifically for the movie.:rolleyes:

[kalorama]

Why is Cripus Allen's female Latina partner named Anna Ramirez instead of Renee Montoya? I know that her character is supposed to be in the Dark Knight, but why isn't she Renee Montoya there as well? Is it an ownership rights issue because the character originally appeared on B:TAS when it was on Fox?

[Damiean Dark]

It's such a ridiculous assumption that Bale didn't bother working on his Batman voice just because you don't like it. Maybe... and, this is a pretty big stretch, I know, but just maybe the people making the movie actually, you know, like the voice. Maybe that's the way Bale and Nolan want it to sound!

It's a crazy thought, I know. It's probably more accurate to assume that since you don't like it, these professionals didn't do any work on it at all... or have a preference different than yours. I mean, these are the same guys that didn't even bother to make a batmobile specifically for the movie.:rolleyes:

:biggrin: Okay i messed up on the batmobile:biggrin: it was so terrible i thought it was something they bought to ease the cost of building one!. but the voice from Bale really is terrble the scene i mentioned with Dent and Gordon was ruined when Bale croaked his line there is no difference from BB. if there is one thing disliked or by most fans its the voice like i said even that guy from new frontier was amazing compared to Bale it was unique and seemed Batman bale DOESNT sound like anyone would imaging batman to sound except some fanboys who would not admit it.

[kalorama]

Initial caps and periods. They're not your enemies.

[Damiean Dark]

And denial isnt just a river in Egypt.:biggrin:

[the goddamn batman]

Why is Cripus Allen's female Latina partner named Anna Ramirez instead of Renee Montoya? I know that her character is supposed to be in the Dark Knight, but why isn't she Renee Montoya there as well? Is it an ownership rights issue because the character originally appeared on B:TAS when it was on Fox?

Nolan said something about this once... I think she started as Montoya... but became a different character, so they changed her name rather than have the name Montoya on a character that no longer was Montoya. If that makes any sense.

[the goddamn batman]

:biggrin: Okay i messed up on the batmobile:biggrin: it was so terrible i thought it was something they bought to ease the cost of building one!. but the voice from Bale really is terrble the scene i mentioned with Dent and Gordon was ruined when Bale croaked his line there is no difference from BB. if there is one thing disliked or by most fans its the voice like i said even that guy from new frontier was amazing compared to Bale it was unique and seemed Batman bale DOESNT sound like anyone would imaging batman to sound except some fanboys who would not admit it.

Bottom line? Your opinion of the voice has nothing to do with the work put in by Nolan-Bale, or their preference.

Also, you only speak for yourself. You continue to try an associate your opinion with the opinion of "most fans"... and I don't think that's really the case. Maybe most fans on this here message board, but that's only a fraction of total fans.:wink:

and yes, punctuation is your friend.

[Tanjint]

I was wrong about how awesome this was gonna be...not bad by any stretch but I had too much faith in too few of the names involved.

good, but not awesome.

-T

[Dr. Ghost]

the way i see (or, hear, to be more appropriate) bale's voice in bb:
bruce wayne is in the early stages of being batman, so his voice sounds kind of rough and odd, but then he improves it.

[Sean Whitmore]

Nolan said something about this once... I think she started as Montoya... but became a different character, so they changed her name rather than have the name Montoya on a character that no longer was Montoya. If that makes any sense.

It makes sense, but it's hard to believe that, in a movie already packed with main characters, they're going to have time to differentiate Ramirez that much from Montoya.


SEAN

[the goddamn batman]

Yeah... all I know is that Nolan felt she wasn't Montoya anymore... for whatever reasons.

I appreciate that thought. Admiting it's not the same character and changing her name rather than use a name just because it's from the comics.

[Damiean Dark]

the way i see (or, hear, to be more appropriate) bale's voice in bb:
bruce wayne is in the early stages of being batman, so his voice sounds kind of rough and odd, but then he improves it.

I know no one wants to hear this But the voice should imo be a natural part of him not a forced thing that needs improving down the line it goes back to the big question is Batman a tool by wayne to scare criminals in BB or is it the dark part of his soul created the day his parents died like in the comics?. In BB imo its most definatly the former a fact that lowers the whole movie for me. Thankfully TDK seems like nearly a completely seperate movie if reviews are accurate.

[Jared]

It makes sense, but it's hard to believe that, in a movie already packed with main characters, they're going to have time to differentiate Ramirez that much from Montoya.


SEAN

That was my thought as well when I read Nolan's remarks. My best guess is that it's a situation where they didn't want to bring in a character like Montoya if she's not going to be long for this world.

[andy khouri]

They didn't use Montoya out of respect for the character and for DC. Nolan explained in our interview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16888) that if they change a character too much; that if they are no longer representing that character, they need to make a new character.

[andy khouri]

The Score of "Batman: Gotham Knight"

CBR News talks to composer Christopher Drake, who scored two of the six chapters of the "Batman: Gotham Knight" DVD feature. A longtime Batman fan, the project was a dream come true for Drake.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17154

[Tanjint]

more thoughts on GK:

I didn't like that most of the stories were man on the street point of view. I prefer stories from the POV of Bats or even a villain. It gets too awkward trying to approximate street kids and the like imo.

The shorts got better as the film progressed. My sister and I found ourselves saying "this is the best one yet..." from about the third or fourth one on. The second to last and the last seem the strongest to me.

-T

[metalhead_dave743]

Anyone is better then bales awful voice even the guy from JL new frontier was very good and thats just an actor brought in for that animated movie you would think Bale would work on it for TDK, a multi million dollar movie, but it seems this is not the case that great scene with Batman, Gordon and Harvey on the roof arguing was completely RUINED when bale opened his mouth. Its like he has a frog down there:mad: .

Well I and plenty of others have enjoyed his Batvoice. Just because YOU don't like it, doesn't mean it's ruined.

[the goddamn batman]

more thoughts on GK:

I didn't like that most of the stories were man on the street point of view. I prefer stories from the POV of Bats or even a villain. It gets too awkward trying to approximate street kids and the like imo.

The shorts got better as the film progressed. My sister and I found ourselves saying "this is the best one yet..." from about the third or fourth one on. The second to last and the last seem the strongest to me.

-T

I'd have to say the first short was my favorite.

[the goddamn batman]

Well I and plenty of others have enjoyed his Batvoice. Just because YOU don't like it, doesn't mean it's ruined.

I think if you're honest with yourself, Dave, you'll find that Bale's voice ruins that scene.:wink:

[ultramandingo]

............ anyone check out the comentary ? dig "batman" cooking for the 911 rescue workers !

[metalhead_dave743]

I think if you're honest with yourself, Dave, you'll find that Bale's voice ruins that scene.:wink:

If honesty = Bale's Batvoice being bad... then I choose to be a LIAR my whole life.:biggrin:

[ultramandingo]

. I can do without the Bob Kane segment. I know enough about him, his work, and what kind of person he was.

......actualy it was pretty good , it kinda portrayed him as a egotistical blowhard ( claimed to have boinked marilyn monroe ! ) plus name checks finger and robinson - and how many golden age'ers ever got a chance got to milk their creations , or hang out in the playboy mansion ?
........besides stan lee

[DWEarhart]

......actualy it was pretty good , it kinda portrayed him as a egotistical blowhard ( claimed to have boinked marilyn monroe ! ) plus name checks finger and robinson - and how many golden age'ers ever got a chance got to milk their creations , or hang out in the playboy mansion ?
........besides stan lee

Yeah. I read about all of that stuff elsewhere, but it's cool for DC to have done something on him.

Have you seen the villains profile portion? If so, how was it?

[ultramandingo]

Have you seen the villains profile portion? If so, how was it?

.....pretty much dido , ruka , azzeralo , dini , ect. telling us all what we allready know - batmans gotta lotta crazy nut cases in his roladex - xept they left out king tut and egg head !!!!

[DWEarhart]

.....pretty much dido , ruka , azzeralo , dini , ect. telling us all what we allready know - batmans gotta lotta crazy nut cases in his roladex - xept they left out king tut and egg head !!!!

Bastardos! No love for The Bookworm either, I'm sure.

Thanks for the info. I actually found the double disc for a decent price. I'll just flip a coin and let that decide which version I get.

heh. heh heh heh.

[ultramandingo]

Thanks for the info. I actually found the double disc for a decent price. I'll just flip a coin and let that decide which version I get.
.

..... the best thing on either disk - for some reason they put " over the edge " and " legends os the dark knight " from season 4 on disk 2 - who needs disk 1 ?

[LtMarvel]

I liked "Crossfire" the best.

[Majinlex]

The music for "In Darkness Dwells" was really powerful. Made for some really cool fight scenes. Good job, Christopher Drake!

[Rabid Trekkie]

Saw this last night (was going to get it Tuesday but life sucks) and I enjoyed it. I didn't have a lot of high hopes for it, just expected some good stories and cool scenes and enjoyed myself a lot. It's got a bit more story to it than the much longer Final Fantasy: Advent Children. And except for the first one, I thought the art and look of everything was awesome. My favorites were Crossfire and Deadshot. Especially that one scene in Crossfire where Bats stands in the fire, great theatrics.

[andy khouri]

Timm talks "Batman: Gotham Knight"

Animated Batman guru Bruce Timm, executive producer of "Batman: Gotham Knight," tells CBR why Batman is perfect for anime, the violent Wonder Woman DVD and how he'd pitch the Question for a DCU DVD.

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17170

[jtd]

I really enjoyed this DVD. The visuals were beautiful.

"Working Through Pain" has to be the best Batman story since...we'll, I can't remember a better story. While it was playing, I was thinking "Wow...this is such a unique & awesome perspective for a Batman story". I was left thinking that it was so good, I pleasantly surprised one's done it before.

It's worth buying/renting the DVD for that story alone.

-Peter

[spidervenom]

I thought the the movie was ok, But for the movie alone, I would reccomend the last two segments. I thought the ending for working through pain was just perfect.

[twilight]

And except for the first one, I thought the art and look of everything was awesome.

That was actually the only one that impressed me.

-Twi

[Schmakt]

Super super letdown for me.
I (tried) to watch Begins for the 3rd time two nights ago... It was the first time that I didn't fall asleep.

I had high hopes for this animated version since I just can't understand why people liked Begins so much... and b/c I'm still really stoked for the next film...

But I thought this was pretty horrible. Too much computer animation... I really hated the anime look that permeated most of the art style. The voices just didn't seem to match the characters either. (most notably that scene where Bruce was talking to the black guy who was supposed to be Morgan Freeman... that scene was just awful.) The music, while good, was bigger and more self-important than it should have been. The movie did not warrant the soundtrack.

I think the Deadshot one was the easiest to watch... there were some need visuals a la Wanted.

But... I dunno... I wanted to like it so much that I bought the special edition DVD... and I haven't purchased a DVD in a long long time. I might try to get stoned and watch it again this weekend, but more than likely I'm just going to take the loss and take this piece of crap to the used DVD store.


Oh. And the booklet that came with it? If you're going to give away some sort of booklet with a DVD, at least make the booklet actually FIT inside the DVD case. It's not like it's oversized and awesome or anything. It's small and even Jim Lee's art doesn't *pop* like it should... and then it doesn't even go in the case. Dumb dumb dumb.

At least I get $3 off my popcorn when I go see the new one... although I'm being forced to reconsider going at all after realizing how boring these last two movies were.

[Rabid Trekkie]

I really hated the anime look that permeated most of the art style.

You are aware that the "anime look" was one of the whole reasons for this DVD right?

[Loren]

You are aware that the "anime look" was one of the whole reasons for this DVD right?

Personally, what irked me the most about the "anime look" was something common to anime, but which had no business whatsoever in this film: the dialogue was not perfectly synced to the mouths. This was especially noticable with the kids' conversation in the opening scene, where the lips were such a poor match to the words that I double-checked my DVD player to make sure all my settings were right. I was only able to conclude that nothing was wrong when I realized the sound effects were still properly synced.

Even in later segments, where the lip-sync was a little better, the mouths still had a very mechanical, unexpressive quality to them. The timing was better, but the shape of the mouths still didn't match the words spoken. They just opened and closed in equal amounts, like puppets.

As far as I'm concerned, while this is understandable in a translated cartoon, there's no excuse for it in a movie that's supposed to be in English to start with.

[Black Atom]

Personally, what irked me the most about the "anime look" was something common to anime, but which had no business whatsoever in this film: the dialogue was not perfectly synced to the mouths. This was especially noticable with the kids' conversation in the opening scene, where the lips were such a poor match to the words that I double-checked my DVD player to make sure all my settings were right. I was only able to conclude that nothing was wrong when I realized the sound effects were still properly synced.

Even in later segments, where the lip-sync was a little better, the mouths still had a very mechanical, unexpressive quality to them. The timing was better, but the shape of the mouths still didn't match the words spoken. They just opened and closed in equal amounts, like puppets.

As far as I'm concerned, while this is understandable in a translated cartoon, there's no excuse for it in a movie that's supposed to be in English to start with.

There is an excuse, actually. In Japan, the drawings are usually done before the voices are recorded. The voice actors come in later and synch up the dialog to what's already animated. This is, naturally, different from the US method, where voices are recorded first and sometimes the mannerisms of the actors are injected into the final character animation (one thing I prefer about Western animation)

[Sean Whitmore]

There is an excuse, actually. In Japan, the drawings are usually done before the voices are recorded. The voice actors come in later and synch up the dialog to what's already animated. This is, naturally, different from the US method, where voices are recorded first and sometimes the mannerisms of the actors are injected into the final character animation (one thing I prefer about Western animation)

Yeah, even when watching anime in the original Japanese, the synch is quite off.

What I don't get is why the synch appears off when I watch a live-action Jackie Chan movie. I mean, I understand looping, but sometimes it looks like the movies have been dubbed into Cantonese.


SEAN

[hYPE]

The first story I didn't enjoy to much but as the movie progressed I was getting a kick out of all of them.

[mattx110]

Yeah, even when watching anime in the original Japanese, the synch is quite off.

What I don't get is why the synch appears off when I watch a live-action Jackie Chan movie. I mean, I understand looping, but sometimes it looks like the movies have been dubbed into Cantonese.


SEAN
I just saw "The Myth" which btw, has the most awesome and impossible fight scenes ever. All 3 big ones are like... that couldn't happen. But it's great. You think they can't get more insane than they take away gravity!

But it seemed oddly dubbed throughout. In Chinese and English.

[Tanjint]

The first story I didn't enjoy to much but as the movie progressed I was getting a kick out of all of them.

exactly, it gets better as it goes. but i still wasn't really satisfied till the last two...which were pretty great.

come to think of it, i'd rather they made the last two into a DCAU bats episode..cause those were way worth it. but the first several shorts don't feel like they get Batman and are, imo, too much from the man on the street POV and not enough from Batman's/a character I care about like a relatively prominent villain or something.

-T

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

I liked the Scarecrow/Killer Croc one the best, especially the scenes in the cathedral and the sewers. Reminded me of "Batman: The Cult" but with a musical score to boot.

The others were alright too, especially Deadshot. I recommend it.

And btw, I am still awaiting my copy of Batman #678 here in this "Green Zone". There's something wrong when the DVD arrives before the comic.

[andy khouri]

Josh Olson Has A Batman Story for You

The Oscar-nominated writer of "A History of Violence," fanboy Josh Olson talks to CBR News about his contribution to "Batman: Gotham Knight" as well as his next project, a sequel to "The Wizard of Oz."

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17217

[ibnalxuffasch]

The story Olson is referring to in the article is "The Batman Nobody Knows." It's in Detective Comics #560 and "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told."

[Black Atom]

Awesome. There couldn't be a better replacement for Bale. I know I'll be buying this on day one.

To be fair, Weezie from The Jeffersons could provide a better Bat-voice than Bale.

Honestly, I have to say I thought it was great. "Have I Got a Story For You" and "Working Through Pain" were both great, but "In Darkness Dwells" just might be my favorite simply because of how well it (from an artistic perspective) utterly exemplifies the mythology of Batman. I don't think even the DCAU shows have managed to, from a purely visual and stylistic standpoint, capture the grit, creepiness and brutality of Batman's world so well. "In Darkness Dwells" is also the piece that seems like it fits least into the Nolan Bat-verse which is odd given that it's written by Goyer.

"Field Test" was the piece I thought fit easiest into Nolan's Bat-verse and I should've liked it more but I just couldn't get over the bizarreness of the
Bat-design. "Crossfire" was the only one I thought could be considered bad. Not sure what was going on there.

[Tanjint]

can someone list me who wrote which ones, i'm still not clear

have i got a story for you-josh olson

crossfire-greg rucka

field test-jordan goldberg

in darkness dwells-david goyer

working through pain-brian azzarello

deadshot-alan burnett


is this correct???^^^^


-T

[Black Atom]

can someone list me who wrote which ones, i'm still not clear

have i got a story for you-josh olson

crossfire-greg rucka

field test-jordan goldberg

in darkness dwells-david goyer

working through pain-brian azzarello

deadshot-alan burnett


is this correct???^^^^


-T

That's correct.

[the_coldest_sun]

To be fair, Weezie from The Jeffersons could provide a better Bat-voice than Bale.

Honestly, I have to say I thought it was great. "Have I Got a Story For You" and "Working Through Pain" were both great, but "In Darkness Dwells" just might be my favorite simply because of how well it (from an artistic perspective) utterly exemplifies the mythology of Batman. I don't think even the DCAU shows have managed to, from a purely visual and stylistic standpoint, capture the grit, creepiness and brutality of Batman's world so well. "In Darkness Dwells" is also the piece that seems like it fits least into the Nolan Bat-verse which is odd given that it's written by Goyer.

"Field Test" was the piece I thought fit easiest into Nolan's Bat-verse and I should've liked it more but I just couldn't get over the bizarreness of the
Bat-design. "Crossfire" was the only one I thought could be considered bad. Not sure what was going on there.

I totally agree with everything you said there. Well, except of course for the Weezie part. Lol.

[Dr. Banner]

Who's Weezie?

What does his Batman voice sound like?

[MaxofSteel]

To be fair, Weezie from The Jeffersons could provide a better Bat-voice than Bale.

That doesn't sound very fair to me. :frown:

[Dr. Ghost]

Who's Weezie?

What does his Batman voice sound like?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B5EXoF4J7vI
weezie is the woman.

and just in case, that guy was being sarcastic.

[Sean Whitmore]

"Crossfire" was the only one I thought could be considered bad. Not sure what was going on there.

crossfire-greg rucka

Mystery solved!

Nah, I kid Rucka. But yeah, it was pretty weak installment. (On another note, it figures he'd write the segment that prominently features Not-Montoya)


SEAN

[Darth Dizzt]

Looks like I'm the only one around here who totally despised this release. I would have prefered they released a feature length movie as they have done in the past. The six stories were for the most part - idiodic.

[Dr. Banner]

I think it'd have been better if they'd brough Nolan into the project more and followed more closely within his vision. That would've made this great instead of just so-so.

[andy khouri]

The Emmy-winning comic book cartoon veteran talks to CBR about his role in "Batman: Gotham Knight," why he chose Deadshot as a villain, and why he thinks his old "Super Friends" cartoons are "unwatchable."

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17243

[Tanjint]

Looks like I'm the only one around here who totally despised this release. I would have prefered they released a feature length movie as they have done in the past. The six stories were for the most part - idiodic.

I was majorly disappointed as well, but I find it improves upon repeated viewings...and I found the last two shorts to be very very good...but I wished it all was as good as the last two shorts.


-T

[Jared]

I liked the last two the best as well. The only one I think I actively dislike is "In Darkness Dwells", because I just don't like the looks of it there, or the way Croc and Scrarecrow just show up and disappear.

Not much "interlocking" between all the stories, BTW. And not much in the way of set up for The Dark Knight. I kept expecting something to hint about the Joker, but there wasn't anything. I'm curious if the whole "all of the Narrrows island is now an asylum" idea will make it into the movies. It sounds a bit too Escape From New York-ish for Nolan.

I already have the TAS box sets, so I felt no need to get the 2-disc edition. I'm happy with the purchase, I'm sure I'll watch it again.

[Tanjint]

the second disc had some other stuff besides the DCAU eps, like a Bob Kane doc, and a little doc about the villains that has cool interviews with O'Neil and the writers involved with the film itself.

but if you know a lot about Kane already and don't care too much about those writers then yea, you're good.

-T

[Ite]

I was disappointed with this DVD.

I enjoyed the extras though.

[Gothos]

Am I the only person who liked the interview/essay on Bat-villains, contained on BATMAN GOTHAM KNIGHT, better than any of the featured new cartoons?

[2-4-5_Trioxin]

I didnt see the bonus stuff but Im glad I didnt buy this, its a god awfull piece of undigestable tripe.

I mean really how can you fit 6 stories into 75 minutes? They were just like some passing thought vs actually telling a story. Was a complete waste of a good chance to do something interesting and with the creative team, I am surprised.

The first story was about the worst one but it oddly was the best also since it got its point across, the rest were just if you took a dozen pages out of a comic, read them and didnt get to see what else happened.

It took place in the batman movie universe but didnt bridge any gaps or tell you what the scarecrow was up to since the last movie like it claimed to. The anime style of the animation didnt quite fit batman either, it was horrid but was a shame they went with such a common and generic look for the characters.

[Preus]

I think I'm going to try to pick up Gotham Knight sometime soon. I really like the anime style of art & I'm a big fan of Batman so the two combined should truly be a treat.

[mgs]

Not bad, just watched it on Cartoon Network. I don't know if anything was edited out though. And I liked the last story with Deadshot. Ever since his mini a while back, I've been fascinated by his character. I liked how his expertise was shown, but it was appropriate how easy he was to handle for Bats. But I'm also thinking this was a first-type meeting for them both. I don't actually know how it worked out in the comics. Or if they ever met.

[arp2008]

Which was your favorte segment?

[mgs]

Which was your favorte segment?

I thought the Deadshot one was short but sweet! ;)

[arp2008]

I found "Deadshot" to be far too short and insubstantial to call it my favorite but its certainly most enjoyable. :smile: I loved the one where he's training to handle pain, mysef. That segment had the nicest animation, IMO.

[StoneGold]

I mean really how can you fit 6 stories into 75 minutes?

The Fleischers did it in less with the old Superman cartoons.