Batman: Gotham Knight [Includes Batman: Black & White Graphic Novel] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2 Discs] [2008]

Gotham Knight is really just not very good. The attempt to fill in the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight was a great idea, in theory, but the storyline of Gotham Knight is not interesting and is not portrayed in a compelling way. It's hard to say what element is the worst. Like "The Animatrix," Gotham Knight is directed an animated by numerous teams, and each of it's six segments has a unique visual style. Most of these segments, despite looking nothing at all like the world they are portraying, are at least visually very attractive. That's about the only upside to this collection. Unfortunately, the downsides greatly outweigh this singular upside. Characters that are key to the plot of The Dark Knight are introduced with no backstory or context whatsoever; the drastic differences in animation and storytelling styles detract from the flow of the story - it is nearly impossible to tell if these six stores are meant to be connected or free-standing until the very end; and worst of all the portrayal of the character is not similar to the big screen portrayal in any way whatsoever. It's just not very good, period. If you want some interesting animation and several very unique takes on the character, set your expectations low and watch Gotham Knight. But if like me, you are expecting a satisfying "Batman 1.5" to fill in the story line between Chris Nolan's two films, do yourself a favor, and just imagine your own version of what probably happened.

Hello. First off I want to say I'm a 38 year old Batman fan since I was 6 years old, this includes the 60's TV reruns and comics. I have simply loved Bruce Timm's reinvigoration of Batman in Batman The Animated Series as well as Batman Beyond, and Justice League from the early 90's to 2004, needless to say I do have a passion. This latest edition to the Batman lineage simply falls short of the mark and in plain speak is a cash in on the upcoming movie. When I first found out of a new Batman animated movie in the vain of Superman Doomsday, (which is excellent) I was salivating with anticipation. Upon Buying this DVD and viewing today my inner adult ever so wanting to look on with once child like eyes turned from admiration to horror within the first 30 minutes (the main dvd run time is 76 minutes). The story is for the most part and in loose terms is a rip off of Legends of the Dark Knight from Batman the Animated Series (and for some unusual reason is included on the 2 disk version). The Pros as stated include the simply beautiful animation, this is by far is 1 of the only 2 main reasons to buy this DVD, the other being Batman purists wanting completion to their collection. The deadshot story is by far the most concise within the 6 individual parts giving a beginning to end sense of excitement. Lastly, Kevin Conroy is energetic as always, no matter who plays Batman in any future animated series, Kevin will always be unprecedented and unequaled. The cons are Bruce Timm simply banking a check for this nightmare, I have to BELIEVE that other than signing off on producing this film HE had no involvement in final production. The stories are a complete mishmash sophomoric outlet, a first chance writers disaster in the making. If you do purchase the 2 disk version as I have, The REAL payoff is the 38 minute documentary on Bob Kane the creator of Batman. The seldom seen Kane can be viewed in all his glory in a tong and cheek homage to the movie Citizen Kane. (oddly as I write this the San Francisco chronicle / Chicago tribune and Ney York Times cut jobs today, progress in called the Internet my friends) Please heed this review... If your a fan, hey pick it up.. you will no matter what I type. For those wanting to enhance the July 18th experience.. you will HATE this. Spend your money on valuable GAS to the theater instead.

This movie was way over hyped as a bridge between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. While there are some of the same characters and it helps to establish Batman as Gotham's hero, it really doesn't have much of any direct ties to the movies. As much as I love Kevin Conroy's Batman from the animated series, I also thought he was miscast in this movie. The different art style and universe it's set in just feel like they should've gone with someone else.

You can't beat the value here as a comics fan. Great deal.

The anime was awesome spot on and the fights were really good action

Not my favorite animated Batman movie. It wasn't bad. Just not crazy about some of the animation styles used.

Anything with the Gotham Knight and a graphic novel combined is a winning pair.

Nothing really bad to say...just another movie to watch.