[The News Bot]

Batman Returns marked a turning point in the movie legacy of the Dark Knight, and can lay claim to being the most faithful rendition of Bob Kane’s creation thus far. Tim Burton’s interpretation visually assumes the role of a comic-book come to life, but retains the inherent darkness and gothic grandeur in which Batman’s crusade exists. It is the last great film the Caped Crusader has appeared in, until Christian Bale donned the costume. But, whereas Bale made the Bat a living, breathing and altogether more tangible character, Keaton’s last foray beautifully captured the baroque and frightening hinterland of Gotham’s alternate reality. I can’t forgive his unmasking, but his relationship with Selina Kyle and Catwoman is absolutely perfect. Or should that be purr-fect?

This new 2-discer certainly trounces the previous DVD incarnation I every way. The AV quality is magnificent – with the Bat’s Return never having looked or sounded better – but the extras fall short of its mythic stature. There’s a lot of ground covered, but it just doesn’t seem to hit the right notes – more of a quick cat-scratch and penguin-peck than a full-on, comprehensive bat-swoop. But I still have no reservations in recommending this release as pretty well essential. Batman Forever had some merit – and probably for all the wrong reasons – while Batman And Robin should be ignored and never mentioned again. The Bat is enjoying a renaissance at the moment … do yourself a favour and join in.
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