Actors: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy
Directors: Christopher Nolan
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 165 minutes
Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars
Prior to the release of “The Dark Knight Rises”, there were many questions that were being asked. Most importantly “Could it actually be better “The Dark Knight”? Well, the answer is no but it is still fantastic and easily one of the best films of the year. “The Dark Knight” exists in a world entirely of it own. It is by far the best superhero movie to date, yes even better than “The Avengers”. “The Dark Knight Rises” does provide a very satisfying ending to a fantastic trilogy from Christopher Nolan. I am sure some might disagree but I was left very happy with how the events came together in this film. But I have to give Tom Hardy the coolness award since Bane was easily my favorite part of the film and no, his voice was not a problem for me at all. In fact, his voice was one of the factors that I loved the most. Speaking of voices, I am also glad that Bale calmed down his Batman voice, so it is not so cowlI saw this film in IMAX and though it is a hard act to follow the Blu-ray presentation is extremely impressive as well.
This releases comes in a three-disc set including two Blu-rays and one DVD. There is also a Ultraviolet digital streaming copy included. Warner Bros’ 1080p transfer does look stunning, as I started to say above. The most important factor is that the switch between traditionally filmed sequences presented at 2.40:1 and 70mm IMAX scenes presented at 1.78:1 are seamless. Though, I was impressed most with the audio on the film. Literally my surround sound was pumping with this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. I wasn’t a major fan of Hans Zimmer’s score prior to this but I was really digging it on this Blu-ray. I see myself revisiting this score again now. Overall easily, one of the best Blu-ray presentations of the year!
Before we get to the special features, I would like to quickly mention that Warner Bros has just released the new “The Dark Knight Rises FX” app, which is jam-packed with some really cool features including being able to shoot their own video and have the Camo Tumbler drive through it; put themselves in the Camo Tumbler in a photo. You can also impose yourself into The Dark Knight Rises “RISE” poster and also place the mask from Batman, Bane or Catwoman onto your own photo. This is highly recommended for all fans of the film. The app is free and available now from the App store and is compatible with 4th generation iPod touch devices, iPhone 4, iPad2 and the New iPad. Check it out, here.
The special features are impressive and a really step up from fellow-superhero Blu-ray release “The Avengers”. Most of the extras of located on the second Blu-ray with the exception of “The Second Screen Experience”, which allows allows you to sync your device with the Blu-ray for additional content. The first feature on the second disc is quite the whooper filed under “Production”, running just over an hour. It is consisted of twelve featurettes including “The Prologue: High-Altitude Hijacking,” “Return to the Batcave,” “Beneath Gotham,” “The Bat,” “Batman vs. Bane,” “Armory Accepted,” “Gameday Destruction,” “Demolishing a City Street,” “The Pit,” “The Chant,” “The War on Wall Street” and “Race to the Reactor.” They feature Christopher Nolan along with cast and crew as they dig deep into the film’s production. “Characters” are broken down in two three featurettes, totally about 30 minutes, including “The Journey of Bruce Wayne,” “Gotham’s Reckoning” (Bane) and “A Girl’s Gotta Eat” (Selina Kyle). “Reflections” consists of two features including “Shadows & Light in Large Format” which focuses on Wally Pfister role and “The End of a Legend” looks into the end of this trilogy. “The Batmobile” is an awesome piece on of the coolest aspects of Batman…his car, it also runs just sign of an hour. Lastly there are four theatrical trailers summing up this release.
Official Premise: The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.
“The Dark Knight Rises” available on Blu-ray Combo pack, DVD and for download 12/4!
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