|
Considered
the darkest, most difficult, most uncommercial entry into
the Batman franchise, the often unfairly maligned Batman
Returns is indeed the most complex and sinister episode
of the series. But, arguably, it also contains some sublimely
beautiful imagery and intriguingly adult thematics, and plays
(thankfully) in almost 180-degree opposition from the abysmally
high-camp of Batman & Robin.
Indeed,
many Batman fans fall into two camps. There are the pro-Tim
Burton fans, who champion his dark, rich and offbeat visions,
arguing that they best suited to the myths and caricatures
of the world of the Dark Knight. And to a lesser degree, there
are also fans of subsequent helmer Joel Schumacher's lighter,
campier, somewhat more commercial episodes, which are as garish,
bright and innocent as Tim Burton's are adult, menacing and
oppressive.
Whatever
the case, Batman Returns contains plenty to make it worth
viewing again or for the first tiime. Aside from the beautiful
sets, production design and cinematography, there are the
rather underrated performances. Michael Keaton's Batman, though
even here beginning to feel overpowered by the overload of
villains, still manages to convey the inner demons and obsessions
of Bruce Wayne to good effect. Unlike the other, later Batmans,
we still actually care about his neuroses and predicaments.
Danny
DeVito probably garnered the most criticisms for his scary,
abrasive performance as The Penguin, but it is worth noting
that perhaps the script and Burton tended to place too the
emphasis on the character, burdening him with having to carry
more of the picture than is necessary. So to many's surprise,
it was Michelle Pfeiffer's bold, aggressive, emotionally open
portrayal of Catwoman, who (in her tight-as-hell S&M leather
get-up complete with bullwhip) unquestionably steals the show.
Her frenetic late-night prowls and kinky rendezvous with Batman
give the film a definitely heated and erotic charge.
There
are, of course, the usual Bat-gadgets, vehicles and action
set pieces, but it still seems that the film and it's psychosexual
traumas were just a bit too dark and ambiguous for most moviegoers
to enjoy. Too bad...hopefully this new DVD release will incite
some to take a sceond look at this film's many overlooked
virtues.
Video:
How Does The Disc Look?
There
is, however, no question that the new DVD edition of Batman
Returns from Warner is anything less than stellar. Featuring
a brand-new anamorphic 1.85:1 matted transfer, as well
as open matte full-frame version on the flipside, the picture
proves to be superior in every way from any previous video
editions. It shows the powers of the capabilities of the DVD
format to great effect, and although there have been some
opinions voiced that the previous laserdisc release is superior,
whoever said that is smoking some serious smack. Directly
comparing both, the DVD's image is sharper and more stable,
with great depth and contrast to the image. The blacks are
rock solid, the colors very well-saturated with no chroma
noise or bleeding, and only a couple of minor artifacts that
you really wouldn't notice without looking hard.
Audio:
How Does The Disc Sound?
The
new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack remaster is very good, with
strong bass response and good use of the rear surrounds. It
isn't the best or most dynamic soundtrack, especially compared
with today's ear-shattering, bombastic action scores, but
it creates a much more enveloping soundfield than the laserdisc
or, of course, the VHS version.
Supplements:
What Goodies Are There?
The
extras are pretty standard Warner fare, but the production
notes and cast bios are well fleshed out and interesting,
though strangely no trailer is included. The usual English
French and Spanish subtitles and language tracks are included,
as well as a nice, easy-to-navigate menu.
Final
Thoughts
So, if you are a Batman fan, or want to give this film a second
(or third) look, this DVD delivers the goods. Well recommended.
|
