Batman Zacina BD - Steelbook (Batman Begins)

This is a review of both the film and the Blu-ray - specifically the 'Limited Edition Steelbook' I ordered.This steelbook case is an attractive item, depicting Batman in fine detail. It is, unfortunately, a rather costly version of the film (as I review, it's priced at £29.99) so I don't recommend it ... the ordinary Blu-ray is a good buy. The picture and audio quality are superb, and there are lots of bonus features.The film ... this movie re-boots the Batman franchise. Directed by Christopher Nolan, and starring Christian Bale, this film effectively defined the live-action Batman character for a decade. This is an origin story, exploring the genesis of Batman. We get to see Bruce Wayne suffer the loss of his parents, and his gradual distancing from normality, slowing becoming more than a man ... becoming Batman! The villains of the film are, for the most part, criminal gangsters - although two 'super-villains' from the rogue's gallery are included: the Scarecrow and Ra's al Ghul.This movie, and the legacy it established, sought to place Batman in a recognisable world - depicting a sense of realism, as omitted from the earlier films. And so, for example, Batman's gadgets and his vehicle are given explanations and backstory (rather than simply just being there). Of course, having a near-immoral enemy - in Ra's al Ghul - does detract from this realism!When the film was released, it was great to see the origin of Batman thoroughly explored - as it had only been seen in momentary flashbacks in earlier movies. Here, we understand how he's able to engage in martial arts, etc., as we see him train. All the major pieces and elements that are involved in Batman as a character - from Alfred to Wayne Enterprises, from Lucius Fox to the Batmobile - are included here. The film draws on the long history of DC comics, and seeks to create a movie that genuinely reflects how Batman is conceived in the original source materials. Of course, there are deviations - as the director has taken creative licence. Nonetheless, at its core this film does adhere to the comic books.While I thoroughly enjoyed this movie - and have seen it several times since it's cinematic release - I still feel that it wasn't quite as good as it ought to have been. It lacked that special quality which makes movies truly great. And, in this case, I think that what was lacking was a singular sense of magnificent villainy ... yet what was absent here, in the first of Nolan's Batman film's, was more than made-up for in the sequel - with the arrival of the Joker. The sense of dread created by the Joker, in "The Dark Knight", is simply not apparent in "Batman Begins".Still, this is a really good film. I thoroughly recommend it. It's suitable for children and adults alike, and serves as family entertainment (although there is quite a lot of violence).This movie is an important instalment in the Batman saga ... and things go from being 'good' to 'great'. Well worth watching.

I go back some time and can remember the character from comics and when I saw him as part of a serial at the cinema. We used to go for the main film, but also to catch up with what happened to Batman. This probably wasn't the start of leaving people waiting, while the hero is in a dangerous position, but when anybody says "cliff-hanger", that's what I see, the Bat-mobile on the edge of a cliff and us on the edge of our seats.We didn't see the kind of depths, explored in this genre, that this film and it's two sequels explores. We didn't find the need for any explanations, but were accepting of the hero's right to win and the villain's to provide the reason. As I've grown up, so has the medium and the message. For all the cheesy pieces in the mix, it still doesn't need too much of a depth of reason and philosophy. I think this film and it's following chapters finds the right balance.

It's not the best film ever made. It's not even the best film Christopher Nolan has ever made. But it's the most well-executed Batman film ever made. People will argue that The Dark Knight or The Dark Knight Rises should be given that title, that there is no contest, but I would argue that there very much is. Both of those films have pacing issues, have storytelling issues, are bogged down by convoluted plots, motivations that don't quite make sense. Batman Begins is precisely executed in every regard. There is nothing about its structure, pacing, story, or characters, that is at all out of place. It is an expertly crafted film, and a loving ode to The Batman.

I think this is the best of the three Christian Bale outings as it is done on a very limited budget which in Christopher Nolans case, always results in an idea driven film. After this bigger budgets kicked in with diminished returns in the plot dept. I was disappointed with The Dark Knight and somewhat angered by The Dark Knight Rises. But this is fresh, witty and brimming with many clever new ideas. Enjoy.