When it comes to direct-to-DVD animated features, DC Comics is starting to carve out their niche. First came Superman: Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier, and now they bring us Batman: Gotham Knight.
A unique approach for this feature is the story-telling style. Gotham Knight as a whole is meant as a bridge between 2005′s Batman Begins and the recent theatrical release of The Dark Knight. Instead of an hour and 20 minutes of straight animation though, the producers put together six animated shorts, each designed to show the different ways that people in Gotham City are beginning to deal with the existence of Batman-even the criminals. Comic book fans will recognize some of the scribes for the shorts; they are names familiar to the Batman universe like Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello. Then animation style is also a change for DC, as they delve into the world of Japanese anime. The use of different animation studios for each of the six shorts can sometimes be jarring to the viewer, but overall the characters and views of Gotham City are visually stimulating.
As with the other direct-to-DVD released by DC, Gotham Knight earns a PG-13 rating for some violence and occasional questionable language. Batman’s strongest nemesis is the gun, so there are naturally plenty of them present. But fans of Batman will enjoy this bridge between theatrical releases, as it builds on the mystique and dedication of the character.
The Two-Disc Collector’s Edition of the DVD is full of extras, sure to have something for even the casual fan. Long-time fans of Batman will enjoy the commentary, with voices like Dennis O’Neil (former Batman editor) and Kevin Conroy (the voice of Batman in this feature, as well as in Batman: The Animated Series). A sneak peek of DC’s next animated feature, Wonder Woman, is also on the disc. Hardcore Batman fans will also enjoy the look into the life of Batman creator Bob Kane, a documentary detailing Batman’s relationship with his enemies, and producer Bruce Timm’s selection of some of his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
Batman: Gotham Knight is sure to have something for everyone. Casual fans are sure to learn more about the many facets of the Caped Crusader, while life-long fans will love this new and unique look into the development of Bruce Wayne as Batman.