Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7183 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-03-29
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Arabic
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 121 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The first Batman sequel takes a wicked turn with the villainous exploits of the freakish and mean-spirited Penguin (Danny DeVito), whose criminal collaboration with evil tycoon Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) threatens to drain Gotham City of its energy supply. As if that wasn't enough, Batman (Michael Keaton) has his hands full with the vengeful Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), who turns out to be a lot more dangerous than a kitten with a whip. As with the first Batman feature, director Tim Burton brings his distinct visual style to the frantic action but this time there's a darker malevolence lurking beneath all that extraordinary production design. --Jeff Shannon

Special Features
1.85 Wide Screen
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Interactive Menus
Production Notes
Scene Access
Arabic
English

Synopsis
In director Tim Burton's sequel to his successful BATMAN (1989), the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton) is pitted against the demented, ravenous Penguin (Danny DeVito), a pitiful, orphaned psychopathic freak who once went on a baby-killing spree, and a 'power' hungry capitalist villain Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). As the two criminals plot to gain domination over Gotham City, BATMAN must plot to stop them. In the highly stylized BATMAN RETURNS--complete with dark, Gothic architecture and moody lighting--Batman (and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne) is thrown a third enemy, a terrible distraction: Catwoman (fearlessly and fabulously played by Michelle Pfeiffer). She is the slinky, sharp-clawed alter-ego of Shreck's secretary Selina. Batman must overcome his own dark past, and his present love entanglements, to rid Gotham of its evil enemies, this time with even more intricately designed sets and tongue-in-cheek humour, making BATMAN RETURNS an action-packed, darkly fun adventure.

Customer Reviews

Following a bright start dark (k)nights lay ahead for Batman
In 1989 Tim Burton started something; Batman was a film that set the standard for all comic book adaptations to follow. His visually stunning Gotham city with its claustrophobic art-nouveau architecture, perfectly complimented some sickly twisted acting. Burton had established himself as one of cinemas slickest directors and Warner Brothers had little hesitation in giving him full creative control of 1992's Batman Returns.

He hired Michael Keaton once again to play the lead role (even though Keaton had originally been an unpopular choice with fans). In the first film he proved his acting ability by playing the socio-phobic megalomaniac so darkly yet subtly that it left you craving more and he duplicates this for the sequel - soaring like a majestic vampire bat (whilst later Batmen just sucked). But in Batman Returns Keaton's character was again overshadowed by two other larger than life characters straight out of the comics.

Burton continued his casting form by hiring Danny DeVito to play The Penguin; the characters villainous tendencies to bite the noses off anyone he dislikes, strap rockets onto penguins and drive a giant yellow duck may seem abnormal, but in a world where the hero thinks he's a bat, anything goes! And of course the film would not have been complete without a love interest. Indeed Batman spent most of the second film chasing Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman), who dropped out of nowhere to steal the show.

Batman Returns is a dark and wonderfully inventive modern fairytale.

Cool as Ice and just as Purr-fect
If you want to buy a superhero movie that has it all, then buy this one! From the eery opening right through to the climatic ending, Batman Returns will have you gripped. I first saw it when I was very little (despite the rating), and I practically watched it every week. Michael Keaton seems to, so far, be the best batman. He has different factors which make Bruce Wayne so interesting. In this one, he's got over his parent's death (Joel Schumacher will bring it up again in the not-so-great Forever). Danny DeVito brings a whole new meaning to grotesque as The Penguin. Kinda feel sad for him though... Christopher Walken plays the real villian, Max, a manipulative businessman. Michelle Pfeiffer is the greatest thing about the film really. Selina Kyle is a very complex character, and as the twisted Catwoman, she adds mass sex appeal. The soundtrack is superb, and Danny Elfman is at his best during this movie. BUY IT!

Unlike other follow-ups of the saga this one is artistically and atmospherically superb,
What I extremely like about "Batman" (1989) bounces back again in "Batman Returns": schizophrenic characters (in "Batman" there were at least two super-schizophrenics - I shouldn't name them, should I? - but here there are distinctive three of them), enchanting atmosphere (the sets are beautiful, "gothically" menacing, and simply outstanding), cool acting (when I say "cool acting" I mean my absolute inability to poke finger at the characters with disrespect and contempt; quite the other way round: I do respect all the characters here, while they are never goofy, stupid, or over-sentimental), great action scenes (fighting against the hordes of clowns, great acrobatic stunts - I am especially happy with that scene where clowns are jumping onto the Xmas tree and bring havoc to the streets of Gotham, effective explosions, insane killing sprees, etc.), sharp black humour which reminds me of "Hamlet" (remember the trio wild chemistry?), fine music (it is far from being some monotonous junk or over-imposed opera pieces) and tons of other minor "Easter eggs".

By the way, I had a chance to watch "Batman Begins" one day - is it supposed to be good? No way, it is clumsy. They ruined the whole concept one more time. Why do people go for those "zero copies"? Wasn't "Batman and Robin" enough? I respect Mr Tim Burton for quitting the "Batman" project after this film. He's done more than enough for making the figure of on-screen Batman legendary. And when you think about comics as the source for the movie, you get the idea: this film is a damn impressive achievement.

10 out of 10 - it is as good as the original. Thank you for attention.