Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I Review

[Doc Samson]

Really enjoyed this and it's perhaps one of my favourite animated adaptations. It achieves that rare thing that so many animated features fail to and that's to be so engrossing. I really felt engaged by the whole thing.

The first fight between the mutant leader and Batman was just insane and surprisingly violent (I say surprisingly because there are one or two cuts in this feature of risky lines from the graphic novel - for example, the guy Lana is debating calling her fat, and Batman not following his "You've got plenty of rights" line with "Sometimes I count them to make myself feel insane" line.).

I also surprisingly loved the soundtrack too. Again, it's a rarity for me to dig a soundtrack from an animated soundtrack. I'm really happy with how this work out. 4 out of 5 for me as far as animated features go.

I agree, it's engaging, and that's tough when we already know where it's going. I especially like, as you do, the fight scenes. It's choreographed almost like real life, very impressive. I can't wait for that final showdown and how they interpret it.

 

[Havok83]

Why are they selling this as a Part 1 and not a complete package? Im assuming theres a Part 2 to come. Wasnt the original adaptation just a 4 issue mini series? How does that get stretched out into 2 films?

And they are finally doing this. The movie will be re-released as a complete package this fall

 

[the5timechamp]

dammit!! now I have to double dip..

The feature is solid, doesnt suffer in translation as much as Year One did ( better bats voice actor certainly helps)..

As to where it falls in the grand scheme of bat-films..well it doesnt top Mask of the Phantasm. But that isnt saying much given that Phantasm just might be my favorite batman "anything" ever made. (arkham games, year one book, the DCAU are in that pile)