Customer Reviews

The Batman Legacy - All 4 Feature-Length Films

5 star:		(87)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(42)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

This review is for the "Batman Anthology" set, where each movie is packaged in a new, 2-disc special edition. There is also an older, "Batman Legacy" set with the bare-bones editions, and Amazon seems to be grouping the two reviews together.

It's about time that Warner Home Video has finally given these superhero films the two disc, special-edition treatment they deserve. Each film comes with restored/enhanced video and audio, and all the special features one expects from a current dvd release these days; we get commentaries, archival music videos and trailers, making-of featurettes, interviews, retrospectives, and deleted scenes. The last bit will be of special interest to some fans, especially because the Batman Forever DVD finally includes those missing sequences we saw in the storybooks and trading cards (though they appear here in rough form). Also of interest to fans of the animated series is the abandoned "Robin sequence" from the original movie, where they got Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamil to bring the storyboards to life. Overall the special features are excellent, and these special editions are not a cheap double-dip.

The big question is if you should shell out for the box set, which includes the generally reviled "Batman and Robin." Personally I completely love the first three movies, and since the box set is about the price of buying them seperately or even cheaper, I'd say go for it. The Batman and Robin edition has enough special features to be worth the investment, and besides that the complete box set just looks nicer on my shelf. If you only like two of the four movies, it's a harder decision. If you can guarantee to yourself that you'll never be tempted to pick up more than two of the films, grab them individually. But if you're a collector who might eventually cave-in and get the others for completion's sake, the best bet is to buy the box set now.

Either way, it's nice to finally own these films with all the trimmings.

"Haven't you ever heard of the healing power of laughter?"
"I am Catwoman. Hear more roar."
"It's true, I was there #1 son, but, they treated me like #2!"
"By the way, I've seen your mind - freak!"
"Your not sending me to the cooler!"
- The Joker wants to put eternal smiles on Gothamites, Catwoman has more than a frog in her throat, The Penguin can't get family time, The Riddler has a meeting of the minds, while, Mr. Freeze cools off, as they all try their hand at destroying "Batman"

Finally, after roughly five years since the release of the bare bones "Batman Legacy" DVD edition & on the heels of "Batman Forever"'s tenth anniversary on video, comes the "Batman Anthology". The first four "Batman" films are represented here with 2 discs covering each film in widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, with director's commentary.

"Batman"
- Disc 1: feature film & one (!) theatrical trailer ("Warner" advertised the sh*t out of this film in 1989 & all they put is one release trailer!)

Disc 2: On the set with Bob Kane -the creator of "Batman" takes a small tour thru the set of the first film. It lasts about 2 minutes & really isn't worth losing sleep over, if you miss it.

"Shadows Of The Bat: The Cinematic Saga Of The Dark Knight" Parts 1-3: this is definitely worth checking out. Everything you pretty much need to know about the progression of Batman from the comic pages of D.C. to the big screen release of the first film is here. If there is a reason to get this box set this is it. Big thumbs up.

"Legends OF The Dark Knight: The History Of Batman"
Need another reason to own this box set? here it is. Doc covers the complete history of Batman, from an idea of Bob Kane's, to comic hero, to T.V. star of the 60's, to big screen Dark Knight hero of the 80's & 90's. Another big thumbs up.

"Batman" Documentary Gallery - O.K. look behind the scenes at making the film. From the gadgets & sets, to the costumes & the score. Cool enough to look at, but, something you would expect from a box set like this.

Hero & Villians Profiles - basically, a bit of a rehash look at the main characters from the first film.

Robin storyboard sequence - an idea that was dropped & might have actually pissed off a lot "Batman" fans. Basically, it's a chase sequence with Batman chasing The Joker through the streets of Gotham City. The chase eventually leads to a circus, The Flying Graysons, & the origin of Robin. I, personally, thought this sequence was overkill & makes you question did the filmakers need to have the Joker be responsible for both the origins of Batman & Robin?

Prince's music videos - yup. Oversexed & silly even for it's time. I couldn't even sit through watching "Batdance". Prince is O.K., but, can you really take a man seriously when he's dressed as half-bat, half-clown? I call it half-as*ed.


"Batman Returns"
- Disc 1: Feature film & theatrical trailer (yeah, just one)
- Disc 2: "The Bat, The Cat, & The Penguin" - original CBS special shown with a repeat showing of "Batman" in June of 1992, a couple of weeks before the release of "Batman Returns". Robert Urich hosts & its pretty cheesy in some areas.

"Shadow Of The Bat: The Cinematic Saga Of The Dark Knight" Part 4 - decent chronicle of the history of "Batman Returns". There is a big problem, however, with the interviews. All of the Michael Keaton, & some of the Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito interviews are rehashed from the CBS special, & its like watching pete & repeat. Nothing has been changed. My advice watch this first then go to the CBS special. Trust me on this one.

Heroes & Villians - profile of main characters

Beyond Batman Doc Gallery - behind the scenes look to "Batman Returns"

Siouxe & The Banshees "Face to Face" music video - ever wonder what happened to this group? Watch this video & wonder no more.


"Batman Forever"
- Disc 1: Feature film & wow!..., 1 trailer
- Disc 2: "Riddle Me This - Why Is Batman Forever?" - CBS special that was broadcast with "Batman Returns" in June 1995, a couple of weeks before the theatrical release of "Batman Forever". Chris O'Donnell hosts & asks the question: Do you like your cheese grilled or with a slice of tomato? Taste the cheese.

"Shadow Of The Bat: The Cinematic Saga Of The Dark Knight" Part 5 - everthing you need to know about "Batman Forever" & the rumors & gossip surrounding the film are debunked right here. Great stuff.

Beyond Batman Doc Gallery - a look at the making of the film. Just like the first two films.

Deleted Scenes (!) - Holy cutting room floor, Batman!
alternate beginning (Two-Face escapes Arkham Asylum. "The Bat Must Die!" in blood on his cell wall), Bruce Wayne faces his fear in the bat-cave, are a few of the deleted scenes. Pretty cool, overall.

Seal, "Kiss From A Rose" video - classic video from the film, but where the hell's the "U2" video!?

Heroes & Villans Profile


"Batman & Robin"
- Disc 1: Feature film (sheer toy-ettic torture) & trailer
- Disc 2: "Shadows Of The Bat: The Cinematic Saga Of The Dark Knight" Part 5 - YES!!! Joel Schumacher finally apoligizes for making this film!!(my soul reason in buying this box set was to see what was going to be said about this fourth film)

"Warner Brothers" wanted a more family inspired film, with lots of toys for the kiddies.

With the film being rushed into production & the emphasis, from toymaker Kenner, for more characters & vehicles to be "toy-ettic" (so they can make massive amounts of money off the toys, even if the movie sucks, which it does) "Batman & Robin" was doomed from the starting gate.
Why didn't Schumacher bow out of the project if he knew it was gonna suck?
Even after all this I still find the film painful to watch.
Chris O'Donnell adds: "Batman Forever" felt like we were making a film. "Batman & Robin" felt soft, like making a toy commercial."

Deleted scene - Alfred's lost love. Ho-hum.

Batman doc gallery - behind the scenes of "Batman & Robin"

four music videos - they all suck. Believe me.

Heroes & Villans Profile


Overall, this is a great set & is worth getting, for the right price that is. This isn't the last definitive set for the "Batman" films. "Batman Begins" isn't included in this set, but, it seems like the franchise has been revived with the latest film & hopefully won't fall to the trappings of "Batman & Robin".
Either way Batman is forever.

Compiling the first four Batman films, which as a previous reviewer noted both helped resurrect comic to film adaptations and nearly kill them as well, the Batman Anthology is better left on the shelf and the Special Editions of the first two films are the only ones worth purchasing. The first film, released in 1989 and directed by Tim Burton, cast Michael Keaton as a brooding Dark Knight trying to save Gotham City from the diabolical Joker (Jack Nicholson) while wooing reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger). This first film was revolutionary in it's tone and delivery when first released, and it hasn't aged very well, but the page it takes out of Frank Miller's classic Dark Knight Returns helps seperate it from the campy television series, which is why it became the blockbuster it did. Nicholson was perfectly cast as the Joker, and his performance will go down in history as one of, if not the, best comic book villains of all time. The second film, Batman Returns, was released in 1992 with Burton in the director's chair again and Keaton reprising his role and this time taking on the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the sexy Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) as well as a crooked mayor (Christopher Walken). Batman Returns was one of the few super hero sequels that managed to successfully capture the spirit of the first film, and be it's equal as well. The third film, Batman Forever, saw Joel Schumacher take over as director, and Val Kilmer dawning the cape & cowl this time around to take on the Riddler (Jim Carrey) and Two-Face (an overacting Tommy Lee Jones). Bats is also joined for the first time by Robin (Chris O'Donnell) as he woos the beautiful Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman). This film was a split between critics and fans alike, as the dark tone is pretty much gone and replaced by an uber-campiness, but it's nowhere near as bad as what would follow it. 1997' Batman & Robin is arguably the worst comic to film adaptation of all time, with Schumacher back at the helm and the miscasting of George Clooney as Batman, with Chris O'Donnell returning as Robin, and Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl. They take on Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), but before you get to that point you'll be wondering how this piece of crud ever got greenlit. Each film has been re-released in Two-Disc Special Editions with an assortment of extras, but this box set features no exclusive features itself. If you're a Bat-fan, then you already know to skip this set and just buy the first two (and maybe the third depending on how much you liked it) instead of getting this.

In order to convey where I'm coming from, I was never able to see the original Batman or the equally stunning Batman Returns in theaters when they were initially released. I figured that these new Blu Ray discs in combination with my high definition monitor. Well, I was beyond blown away with the image transfers from DVD to Blu Ray. As one would expect, with each progressing film the picture gets better. But even Batman and Batman Returns look great, especially considering how old the source material is. This is, without a doubt, a must have for any die-hard Batman fan if you want to experience the first four films in the highest quality available. Noteworthy is the fact that although the less than impressive third and fourth films are a bit goofy, they do look visually stunning on Blu Ray. If there is any silver lining for "Forever" and "B&R," it's the fact that the colors jump off the screen.

Great set of all four original Batman movies. The quality of the picture and sound are by far the best I've seen and heard for these movies. The special features are even better. You get a bunch of things such as commentary by both directors, featurettes, music videos and a six part documentary through all four of the films. It even makes Batman and Robin more enjoyable even though it is the worst one of them all.

This set,however, could been absolutely seen as a rip off to people who own the set on 8 disc regular dvd as it has the same special features that was on the previous one that was discontinued but now reavailable again. Is it worth the money for bluray? If and only if you never owned the box set before. I never owned it and when I found out it would be rereleased I figure I would spend the extra 24 dollars and get it on bluray(59.99 for regular; 84.99 for bluray).I only owned the old version of the first three that had no special features at all, so it was a no brainer for me and well worth it.

Here we have it, all four Batman films all together in one DVD box set. The series started in 1989 with the original classic Batman. In 1992, the series was continued with the superior Batman Returns. In 1995, Batman's story continued, and Robin was introduced in Batman Forever. The series ended in 1997 with Batman & Robin. Here I'll review each film, as well as the DVD.

Batman: Here, Batman is played excellently by Michael Keaton. Batman must save Gotham City from The Joker (Jack Nicholson). Keaton makes a great Batman, and Nicholson is superb as The Joker. Tim Burton brings a dark visual style which I vastly prefer to Joel Schumacher's neon colored versions. Movie: (5/5)
Picture Quality: The picture quality is quite good. A few specks show up every now and then, but nothing too bad. Black level is dead on with excellent clarity. (4.5/5) Sound: The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is excellent. It was great to hear the Batman theme with such clarity and force. A great soundtrack all around. (5/5) Extras: The extras are some very interesting production notes, which are quite informative. (3/5)

Batman Returns: The best film in the series. This time, Batman (Keaton) must save Gotham from the evil monster, The Penguin (Danny DeVito), and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Once again, Keaton makes an excellent Batman. DeVito is also excellent as the montrous Penguin, but it's Pfeiffer who unquestionably steals the show. Easliy the best film in the series. (5/5) Picture: Batman Returns features stunning imagery as well as some dark imagery which the DVD captures beautifully. Black level is dead on. The picture is wonderfully crisp and clear. Great all around. (5/5) Sound: The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is also great. Surrounds are used heavily and to great effect. I've never heard this film be so clear and dynamic! (5/5) Extras: Some very interesting production notes. (3/5)

Batman Forever: Here's where the series took a dip. Burton gave up the directoral reigns to Joel Schumacher. This film is still pretty good, though, despite what others think. Batman is played by Val Kilmer who makes a pretty good Batman, but he's no Michael Keaton. This time, Batman must battle Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey). Batman falls in love with Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman), and teams up with Robin (Chris O' Donnell). (4.4/5) Picture: The DVD displays stunning image quality. The colors are so vibrant and bold. Black level is dead on. (5/5) Sound: The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is incredibly clear and dynamic. Surrounds are put to heavy use. (5/5) Extras: Again, some interesting production notes. (3/5)

Batman & Robin: Easily the worst of the series. I still find it somewhat enjoyable for it's pure campiness. Now George Clooney plays Batman. Clooney's okay, but Michael Keaton IS Batman. Batman (Clooney) and Robin (O' Donnell) must save Gotham City from Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), and Bane (Jeep Swanson). They're joined by Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone). (3.7/5) Picture: The picture quality is pristine, with excellent clarity. The colors are very vibrant and bold. Black level is also dead on. (5/5) Sound: The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is very clear and dynamic. The surrounds are put to constant use. (5/5) Extras: Again, some interesting production notes. (3/5)

Conclusion: The Batman Legacy is worth it if you're a fan of the series, or really like the Batman character. While Batman Forever and more so Batman & Robin are a little less than perfect, the first two films are more than worth it.

How can one judge a set like this . First there is Tim burtons masterpiece Batman. A movie that word can not do justice to. It is every bit effective today as when released in 1989 (can it be that long ago?). His follow-up Batman Return though different is a much under appreciated masterpiece. DeVito and Walken had real chemistry and seemed to have a great time. Keaton again pulled off the ultimate Batman performance. All in all a great follow up. I give both Batman and Batman Returns 5 stars each. Unfortuneately for the next two movies we fall into the Joel Schumacher years. Apparently determine to bring Batman back into the the 1960's camp mold, we see the change coming in Batman Forever, but a good performce by O'Donnell as Robin and Jim Carey's stint as Riddler saved that movie. Forget Kilmer as Batman, he just did not have it. Things then fell apart with Batman and Robin. Despite a decent show by Arnold this movie was a mess and never gave Clooney a chance to see what he could do in the role. Batman was a joke again and this movie was an insult and disaster to all Batman fans. Batman Forever gets 3 stars while Batman and Robin barely scrapes 1 star. My advice, skip this set and simply buy the first two Batman movies by Tim Burton.

First of all I would like to point out the striking similarites between the Superman series and the Batman series, as it strengthens my following arguement. Both Superman and Batman had exceptional first movies, decent sequels (Though those penguins with missles on their backs really had my eyes rolling), and then two stupendously horrendous follow-ups. The third and fourth installments of both franchises are not even worth watching. I mean, Superman pitted against a supercomputer created by Richard Pryor, an intelligence-draining machine crafted by the Riddler, a "Boy" wonder who's almost 30, Superman splitting in two and fighting himself, three different actors playing the same role, people turning into plants, batgirl, completely inventing a new villian (Nuclear Man... ugh) rather than borrowing from the tried and true pantheon of the comic, nipples on a superhero's suit... the list of bad ideas goes on and on.
This leads me to my point. The studio (Warner Bros.) should have stopped after the second sequel for both franchises, but noooo, there was money to still be made, and even though the material was wearing thin they went ahead and made atrocious films that stole the glory from the originals. They were weakly written and weakly directed, mostly because it didn't matter anymore. The studio knew people would go to see the films based on the previous successes, and that my friends is the greatest attrocity inflicted upon the movie-viewing public. They think we are stupid. Superman III, Superman IV, Batman Forever, and Batman and Robin should have never been made.
Now, should you buy this collection or the Superman collection. That's up to you. You don't get any extras with this set and the Superman set's extras really aren't that great. You can purchase the movies separately. Batman, Batman Returns, Superman: The Movie, and Superman II are all great films. That is definately the route to go in my opinion.

I will spare everyone the movie reviews of the movies in this set , because frankly i think you have had to at least seen one or two movies in this set at some point. It's 2010 and these movies are old. With that being said the first two are the best and the last two are just ok. But the High def collection as a whole is great , because the picture quality and the audio quality on all four films is really good. And that is the reason your buying this set on blu-ray in the first place. Right! In this collection is Tim Burton Batman 89 and Batman returns and Joel Schumacher Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. This collection is filled to the brink with Special Features. Including Audio commentary , behind the scenes , trailers and other great amazing features. Do you love batman , did you enjoy the films in this set and do you want the best picture and audio available on any format. If the answer is yes , then what are you doing reading this. Click Add and Buy.

I Can see so far from recent reviews that people are angry over the double dip boxset...but Why?? Don't get me wrong I do despise double dips but only when the movie studio does absolutely nothing to improve the quality or bonus features from the previous release, for example, Carlitos Way Ultimate edition, The transporter special delivery edition, Edwards scissor hands 15th anniversary edition. Meet the parents bonus edition, you get the idea. I mean when the first original Batman dvd box set came out in the late 90's i knew it was bound to be released because the quality wasn't that good, sound was medicore for an action flick, and there was no bonus features. I don't understand..How can you batman fans be surprised. Don't get me wrong i hate it when movie studios re-release a dvd to promote the new movie hence, Batman Begins, but this is a very legitimate release. Some Worthy double dips being released this year include Evil dead 2 limited edition book of the dead, The man who fell to Earth Criterion Collection, Mallrats extended anniversary edition....Here were getting 2-disc special editions for each movie not to mention enhanced picture and sound! To me that is a worthy double dip. If Warner Bros. re-released each Batman movie with only a deleted scene or a commentary then I can see the criticism. Double dips are annyoing and are very greedy, but theres nothing you can do about it just be smart about it and do more analyzing. And one more important note, I highly doubt Warner Bros. will be re-releasing another Box set of Batman containng Batman Begins. Batman Begins looks pretty stocked with special features not too mention a bare bones release at the sametime. Oh yeah one last final note....For people who are hesitate on re-buying the same dvd over and over again..go to a website www.IGNDVD.COM and go the category "DOUBLE DIP DIGEST" here you dvd fans will given a more detailed insight on whether or not to purchase a more recent edition of your favorite film. Trust me this site has helped me with my double dip temptations..>.!!!