Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6350 in DVD
• Released on: 1998-09-25
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Arabic
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 121 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Thanks to the ambitious vision of director Tim Burton, the blockbuster hit of 1989 delivers the goods despite an occasionally spotty script, giving the caped crusader a thorough overhaul in keeping with the crime fighter's evolution in DC Comics. Michael Keaton strikes just the right mood as the brooding "Dark Knight" of Gotham City; Kim Basingerplays Gotham's intrepid reporter Vicki Vale; and Jack Nicholson goes wild as the maniacal and scene-stealing Joker, who plots a take over of the city with his lethal Smilex gas. Triumphant Oscar-winning production design by the late Anton Furst turns Batman into a visual feast, and Burton brilliantly establishes a darkly mythic approach to Batman's legacy. Danny Elfman's now-classic score propels the action with bold, muscular verve. --Jeff Shannon

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

Synopsis
Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson).
Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the Marvel comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall).

Customer Reviews

Has aged surprisingly well!
I watched this recentely and expected very little, but was pleasantly surprised. Tim Burton has really created a great Gotham City in this movie, although it is best to watch this movie where you can see the screen clearly, as it is quite dark and murky in places!
Looking at the actors, Keaton is fine, if not stunning in the main role, unlike that man Nicholson, as the Joker! Although its been said many times, Nicholson does carry the film at times, but does it incredibly well, really bringing the film to life and providing many memorable moments, my favourites being the Art museum scene and the 'can I lend you a hand' gag. Just great. I don't about anyone else, but i was sad when the Joker was killed off, mainly because he was so much more vivid than Batman, but perhaps that was intentional...
The films plot is basically Batman vs The Joker to all extents and purposes, and although this premise is perhaps a little thin, theres always an action scene to liven things up.
However! This DVD offers only minimal extras like production notes and information on the cast. If you like the film (you should) then go for the two disc edition, with all its extra stuff. I already regret buying this version, and am trying to ship it off to someone as a present so i can get the two disc version!
Some may say this film is a 'triumph of style over substance.' Perhaps theres truth in that. But its a style you can get nowhere else.

The best Batman movie of the series...
This has to be the best Batman movie of them all. Tim Burton's vision is displayed amazingly on screen and the DVD release elevates that. This movie and Batman Returns share a dark gothic mood which is true to the original Batman lore. Batman/Bruce Wayne is played by Michael Keaton who is by far the best Batman, but the real star is Jack Nicholson who steals the show as the over the top Joker. The print to DVD is overall good quality, its actually Anamorphic widescreen which it doesn't state on the packaging and the sound quialty is good with Dolby Digital 5.1 which really makes the score by Danny Elfman rock. Overall, before Joel Shumacher came and destroyed the Batman mythos, this and Batman Returns share such a great visual treat, I give it top marks.

MOVIE:10, DVD extra's:1
One reason that DVD is so succesfull is that the movies contain many extra's like deleted scenes, the making of, storyboarding etc.

Now the movie itself is great. Tim burton's Original still kicks butt and is even more eye candy in it's widescreen format. Now what sucks is that this dvd doesn't have any extra's! Ok it has productions notes but it isn't interesting enough to read through.

Apart from this flaw i still recommend this DVD because the movie is great but if your expecting alot of extra's, your cheated.