10 minutes of Batman Begins footage

[AmericanDragon 0]

From Ebert and Roeper's show:

 

http://s27.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3FV4BZ4...982ZUXGMKSCTUR9

[AndrewTS 0]

Yeah, I remember looking through the episode list for Volume 3 and nothing really jumped out at me. I just watched the episode of Gotham Knights, Legends of the Dark Knight. It's awesome. Seeing Batman and Robin in their inhumanly muscled up forms and the bright colors contrasted with Frank Miller's Batman was pretty cool to see. I also recognized the voice of Miller's Batman this time around as being Michael Ironside. I can't believe I never caught that before.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Aaaah, yes, I remember that one well. The Miller-style Batman being back-to-back with was practically an animated version of the West show was bizarre and awesome all at once.

 

There's just enough eps remaining to fill another set (23), and perhaps they could throw in one of the Batman guest appearances on Superman to bring it to 24.

 

JOEL: Hey! Who's talking about Batman? I love Batman. All those muscles, the tight rubber armor and that flashy car. I heard it can drive up walls.

NICK: Yeah, sure, Joel.

[AmericanDragon 0]

The episode also had that jab at Joel Schumacher in it.

[AndrewTS 0]

I just edited my post to include it.

[AmericanDragon 0]

I uploaded the Gotham Knights Legends of the Dark Knight episode.

 

Roll, Robin!

[AndrewTS 0]

Thanks.

 

Oh, and volume 2 has 3 commentaries as well (the box says 4, though, but that's a mistake). I was thinking of volume 1 which had 2.

 

And each of the three collections has 28 episodes each. So if they do a four-disc set of the New Adventures they could throw in more extra features, unless they try to squeeze it into 3 discs.

[AndrewTS 0]

Thanks for the ep d/l, but I've tried downloading and it keeps stopping at around 14/15%. =/ I don't know what's wrong.

[AmericanDragon 0]

Two negative reviews for Batman Begins. There are some spoilers. I really don't understand these reviews. They're basically saying that comic book movies shouldn't have depth because they're "only about comic book characters."

 

http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/movies/rev...930/index1.html

 

You have to pay to read Variety reviews so here's the text.

 

It's more Bruce Wayne than caped crusader in "Batman Begins," a telling of the legendary character's formative experiences that gives precedence to psychology over super-heroics. While developing an elaborate backstory for the 66-year-old comic book figure, director Christopher NolanChristopher Nolan delivers a very serious would-be franchise launcher that, perhaps inadvertently, bears closer thematic comparison to "Kill Bill""Kill Bill" and aspects of "Star Wars" than to what audiences primed on the Burton/Schumacher films or the TV series might expect. Ambitious, well made but not exactly rousing, lavishly produced Warner Bros. release will ride heavy promotion and want-see to big openings worldwide, but is too dark and talky to appeal to kids and won't inspire much repeat viewing, which casts sought-after blockbuster B.O.B.O. in some doubt.

 

After so much to-and-fro about how to revive the Dark Knight (the studio's last entry in its four-picture set, the lamentable "Batman and Robin," appeared just eight years ago), it was a fairly gutsy bet on Warner's part to entrust the job to Nolan, a crafty young director whose "Memento""Memento" and "Insomnia""Insomnia" evinced storytelling smarts, visual flair and good instincts with actors.

 

But these matters aren't at issue. Rather, it's the story that's been chosen to be told, and the degree of gravity invested in it. From the opening scene, Nolan and co-screenwriter David S. GoyerDavid S. Goyer ( the "Blade""Blade" series) foreground the demons that haunt and drive Bruce Wayne, and it's a full hour before "the Bat-Man" (as he was originally called) shows up. Psychological depth is all well and good, but it's an open question how much time you want to spend on it when the subject is a cartoon character.

 

The filmmakers seem intent upon making Bruce/Batman and his actions as plausible (one resists saying realistic) as possible, emphasizing that he's a distinctly human hero with no super powers. All the same, guys, he was still born in a comic book, and it's doubtful Batman would have lived very long had the original DC ComicsDC Comics been as drained of sheer childlike fun as this film is. There is talent and cleverness here, but not much excitement.

 

Jumping around in time during the opening stretch, pic details how Bruce Wayne (Christian BaleChristian Bale as an adult, Gus Lewis as a kid), the only child of a wealthy philanthropic industrialist, is traumatized at an early age upon accidentally falling into an empty well that's home to an enormous number of bats; feels guilt over the murder of his parents at the hands of a derelict robber; leaves his palatial home upon reaching maturity to investigate criminality in the darker corners of Asia, and is rescued from a dreadful prison (in what the press notes indicate is Bhutan) by a mysterious fellow named Ducard (Liam Neeson). A tough taskmaster, Ducard teaches his specially selected pupil about achieving justice and becoming a legend.

 

Although shot in Iceland amidst spectacular terrain that recalls the Alaskan setting of "Insomnia," this long instructional section is filled with philosophical gobbledygook about developing strength by facing your deepest fears, methods of focusing anger and vengefulness, and how "you must journey inwards."

 

Some of this is delivered while Ducard and Bruce face off with large swords on a frozen lake, and one must be forgiven for imagining that what's onscreen are outtakes from "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," with Neeson's Jedi knight teaching Obi-Wan Kenobi dueling techniques.

 

It doesn't stop there, however, as "The Last Samurai""The Last Samurai" is invoked with the entrance of Ken Watanabe as the charismatic leader of a vigilante ninja org called the League of Shadows.

 

In the end, Bruce proves himself a worthy student, returning home to take on the rampant corruption in Gotham (or is it Sin City?). Half the city is in the pocket of gangster Carmine Falcone (Tom WilkinsonTom Wilkinson). Others up to no good are Dr. Jonathan Crane (Cillian MurphyCillian Murphy), a young psychiatrist who leads a double life as the sinister Scarecrow, and Earle (Rutger Hauer), who has taken charge of the Wayne family industries.

 

Although none of these figures qualifies as a great villain, Bruce begins developing his alter ego with help from ever-loyal butler Alfred (Michael CaineMichael Caine) and company high-tech expert Lucius Fox (Morgan FreemanMorgan Freeman). Fox functions much like "M""M" in the Bond films by turning Bruce on to useful gizmos, including a very powerful armored vehicle ("Does it come in black?" Bruce inquires, in one of the better lines).

 

Batman begins modestly by disrupting a drug shipment and handing Falcone to the police, one of whose few honest officers is Detective Sergeant Jim Gordon (Gary OldmanGary Oldman). Also on the good team is Bruce's childhood friend Rachel (Katie HolmesKatie Holmes), a very young-looking assistant district attorney who is disappointed that Bruce appears to be a dissolute playboy with no ideals.

 

Nolan and Goyer dwell on the idea of the masks one chooses to put on for the world to see, as well as the notion of character being defined by deed not word; concepts are entirely appropriate to Batman, but are hardly new or worth belaboring. Then there's the late-on surprise of who the main bad guy turns out to be, which is all right but further splinters the villainy.

 

All along, pic emphasizes the real-worldliness of Bruce. This is even a Batman movie in which the Batcave is an actual bat cave. But when it comes to Batman's attacks on adversaries, the film fudges it, throwing a flurry of images on the screen with quick editing that obscures how the winged one manages to so easily drop in on his enemies.

 

What this incarnation of Batman lacks is theatricality, a sense of showmanship to put over the new approach. Although little jokes and quips are gradually introduced, only slowly does Nolan dare to begin having any fun with the material, and even then far too cautiously. It's not that the film is prosaic, but it is terribly sober, afraid to make grand gestures and build to major payoffs. It's as if, out of a desire to appear smart and not to pander to the large public destined to see the picture, Nolan restrained himself from providing moments that might prove too audience pleasing.

 

As opposed to the highly designed Gotham City of the Tim BurtonTim Burton pictures, this one features cityscapes that recognizably belong to the real Chicago, with a fictional monorail system added in. Nor is there anything fetishistic about the Batman costume, which is plain and functional.

 

With an ideal physique and bearing for the role, Bale makes for a committed, driven, urbane and intelligent do-gooder; only oddity is the somewhat electronic quality of his voice as Batman. Neeson is a fearsome mentor, and Murphy makes a strong impression as the corrupt doctor, although the Scarecrow persona is woefully undeveloped. Oldman is effectively cast against type as the most decent man in GothamGotham, Holmes is OK, and Caine dryly does all he can in the butler role that could have benefited from some posthumous additional dialogue by Preston Sturges.

 

Unusual soundtrack collaboration by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard results in a moodily churning score that adds an extra sense of momentum to the tale. Tag promises a sequel in which the Joker is specifically indicated as the chief villain.

[Guest JMA]

Q: is this going to be the official All Things Batman thread for the time being?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Probably.

[Guest SP-1]

bears closer thematic comparison to "Kill Bill""Kill Bill" and aspects of "Star Wars" than to what audiences primed on the Burton/Schumacher films or the TV series might expect.

 

That's where the reviewer loses credibility with me.

[AmericanDragon 0]

Negative review from the New Yorker:

 

http://www.newyorker.com/critics/cinema/ar...0613crci_cinema

 

"(What do Eastern martial arts have to do with Batman? Don’t ask.)"

 

...

 

I'd be more apathetic if I weren't so lethargic. Yeah I'll have a copy of Jugs.

[Guest JMA]

Why do some critics enjoy camp so much? It makes them look effeminate.

[Guest SP-1]

I can't believe that guy had to ask that question. He just showed himself to be massively uninformed on the subject material. Dag.

[Guest El Satanico]

They're basically saying that comic book movies shouldn't have depth because they're "only about comic book characters."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Surprised? We've been bred to expect "mindless entertainment" during the Summer. Summer Movies asking you to do more than think/say "wow, that was cool" are strange and shunned. Superhero movies fit nicely within these expectations, so the rules apply to them.

 

 

The majority of reviews are positive

[Guest JMA]

It'll be interesting to see how James Berardinelli and A.O. Scott rate the film.

[AmericanDragon 0]

13 minute HBO special torrent

 

http://www.mininova.org/tor/53640

 

slight spoilers

 

edit: megaupload link

 

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=17D32AYR

[AmericanDragon 0]

a clip from the end of the tumbler chase (spoilers)

 

http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbmovies/batmanb...clips/clip1.mov

[DMann2003 0]

I was watching ET tonight which had an interview with Christian Bale, and I have to ask-

 

What happened to Christian Bale's accent, isn't the guy English?

[AmericanDragon 0]

Most of the complaints of the film are about the editing of the fights but after watching the HBO special, it looks fine. The fast editing actually makes it better in my opinion. Just look at the intensity in the fight with Ra's and Bruce. Also, finally seeing a better transition of Scarecrow's mask was awesome. Here's the link again if you missed it.

 

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=17D32AYR

 

13 minutes, 160mb

[AmericanDragon 0]

Clip of Bruce's fight with Ra's (spoilers)

 

http://files.ea.com/downloads/eagames/offi...enWclip6_su.mov

[AmericanDragon 0]

[AmericanDragon 0]

More clips at:

 

http://www.theonenetwork.com/movies/Batman.../Info_Page.html

 

The "trying to help" is just perfect.

[Guest Askewniverse]

I have gotten the Batman: Animated Series Volume 3 DVD set, and would be glad to answer questions about it.

 

Some basic stuff:

 

*snip*

 

No ticket for Batman Begins, or even a trailer, but they did put in a cel reproduction (mine was of Batman and Robin, not sure if they have others), and a game piece for a contest online (I didn't win anything, though).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where was the cel reproduction and game piece? My copy didn't include them.

 

Volume 2 remains my favorite set of the three, largely due to Robin's Reckoning and Almost Got 'Im.

 

(Several villains are telling stories about the time they almost got Batman)

Killer Croc: "There I was, when Batman came nosing around. He was getting closer and closer and closer..."

Poison Ivy: "And?"

Killer Croc: "I threw a rock at him!"

(Villains stare at Crock)

Killer Croc: "It was a big rock."

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Good news on this front. One of my best friends works at DC in New York and got to go to the company advance screening last night. He's a huge comic nut and reports that this one delivers on pretty much all sides. Called it a solid A-, satisfying just about everything for people who fancy themselves Dark Knight Returns or Year One type fans.

[AmericanDragon 0]

11 minutes of b-roll footage

 

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=082C7G72

 

There are a lot of spoilers though. You get to see stage 2 Batman without cgi and some other scenes.

[AndrewTS 0]

Where was the cel reproduction and game piece? My copy didn't include them.

 

Volume 2 remains my favorite set of the three, largely due to Robin's Reckoning and Almost Got 'Im.

 

(Several villains are telling stories about the time they almost got Batman)

Killer Croc: "There I was, when Batman came nosing around. He was getting closer and closer and closer..."

Poison Ivy: "And?"

Killer Croc: "I threw a rock at him!"

(Villains stare at Crock)

Killer Croc: "It was a big rock."

 

It was inside when you unfolded it. On the plastic wrapping there was a gold sticker mentioning the cel and game piece. I ordered mine just before my birthday off Amazon, BTW. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

 

And yes, Vol 2 is my favorite too, because of those shows, Heart of Steel, Harley and Ivy, Mudslide, and perhaps my favorite of the TAS episodes, I Am the Night.

 

No surprise that Vol 3 seems lackluster after that edition. In a cute touch, though, Croc almost gets him via big rock in "Sideshow" (Batman was unconscious, but a sedative was taking effect on Croc).

 

Hm, I wonder if we'll ever see a box set of Birds of Prey. I'd heard a lot about it but I'd never seen it.

[Guest Askewniverse]

It was inside when you unfolded it.  On the plastic wrapping there was a gold sticker mentioning the cel and game piece.  I ordered mine just before my birthday off Amazon, BTW.  I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

None of the copies I saw had the gold sticker. Eh, no biggie. I just wanted to make sure I didn't get a bum set.

 

Hm, I wonder if we'll ever see a box set of Birds of Prey.  I'd heard a lot about it but I'd never seen it.

I used to watch it. It wasn't very good. There was some decent eye-candy, but the storylines sucked. If WB plans to release a BoP set, they'll probably do it when Batman Begins drops on DVD. There's bound to be some people who will blindly buy a Batman-related live-action TV show.

[cabbageboy 0]

I'll probably end up seeing this when it comes out but I can't say I am exactly jacked for it. Maybe it was due to Batman and Robin killing whatever interest I had in Batman, I dunno. Perhaps it is also the trailer not really thrilling me....it looks way too much like some curio backstory rather than a Batman adventure.

 

And frankly, no matter what smoke and mirrors relaunching talk they do the bottom line is still Ra's Al Ghul and Scarecrow are the heels in this movie. I remember Ra's Al Ghul on the cartoons and the dude was the most boring guy on earth. His whole villain schtick consisted of standing by a volcano and calling Batman "detective."

[AmericanDragon 0]

And frankly, no matter what smoke and mirrors relaunching talk they do the bottom line is still Ra's Al Ghul and Scarecrow are the heels in this movie.

 

What exactly are you saying? I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, I really don't understand your post. I don't think they ever tried to tell anyone that Ra's and Crane weren't villains.

[Guest JMA]

Personally, Ra's is probably one of my favorite Batman villains. He's probably up there with The Joker and Two-Face in terms of the favorite villains for Batman fans.