Unlike the previous straight to Video release DC Animation, Batman: Gotham Knight in DVD format pretty much not a haunting quest and is definitely cheaper (I recalled that I bought Superman : Doomsday close to $40 and by chance. I never saw The New Frontier at all. ).
Is it a good "successor" to the like of Animatrix (a Movie related Animation)?
Answer : NO
Where as Animatrix was Good as a movie spin-off device (having interlinked components and element faithfully represented to the movie's feel and style), Gotham Knight is an idea that's purely GREAT on print but a letdown on execution. Sure some characters/events are bridged into the movie but some don't.
Having foreign talent was a fantastic idea. In fact I would agree that having the Japanese to animate it was cool. That is if they really are given a Free Hand to actually made it to "Anime" effect rather than to some weird effect.....none of the Japanese feel of energy was channeled into the animation, just the very business-like approach that akins to Gonzo's way of making anime.
(Meaning that they are just making stuff that they "think" what the International Market would like. Do they look like they are trying to make good original anime??? Not so much to me most of the time. )
Similarly that's how I felt about it. Either the people from DC are demanding the Japanese to stick to do what they are told, or the Japanese are too polite to push and do what they felt their clients would want.
The stories are pretty ok. Each had their own appeal. I just round this up so it's less painful for me to type and for you to read.
(1)Have I Got A Story For You
Interestingly this is the only one I considered to be the BEST animated one of the lot to show case the energy and dynamics that Japanese Animation Studios can offer. While most superficial anime lovers would point out that it's that "UGLY" style, this is one where it excels exhibiting it's character on both animation and narration. For those who found this story to be familiar, Google to see what writer Josh Olsen had to say about it. Oh course, the answer can be found on the Disc 2 under Bonus Batman TAS episodes (there are 4. More details later).
(2)Crossfire
Shoot me but I don't find it exactly fantastic especially it coming from Studio I.G.
The story was pretty simple. 2 cops escorting a crook back to the Arkham and got caught in a crossfire. Importance? It bridge by going to a geographical location of great importance in Begins and explaining a situation/decision/concept that will be integral to the End of the DK Movie. However I didn't spot Crispus Allen in the Dark Knight movie. OR maybe he did and was killed.
(3)Field Test
Lucius was one of the few characters that really brought a smile to people's face whenever he appeared in Begins since there's always some really interesting exchange between him and Bruce. Needless to say, Lucius's appearance always mean a new gadget for Batman. A testimony of Batman's personal values.
(4)In Darkness Dwells
A very polished animation nothing short from expectation by Madhouse.
If you are curious to know what happened to the Scarecrow after Begins, this is the one you need to watch. I don't really find the scythe throwing part necessary however.
(5)Working Through Pain
Only to bridge the previous story to next I guess. A real filler story. Lol. It expands on Wayne's Journey that was seen on Begins. It said something we already know but there's no harm being reminded again. I find the ending of this segment rather amusing.
(6)Deadshot
I am not too sure if anyone would agreed that Deadshot is actually a B-graded Batman villain.
Over here, Deadshot is a flamboyant Assassin. Needless to say, it's a recurring theme of Batman fighting someone "similar yet different". Batman facing off his sole enemy - The Gun. He is not really fighting Deadshot. Deadshot is just a pussy with a Gun.
Disc 2 consist of 2 documentary specials: one about Batman's Greatest Villians, the other about Bob Kane, Creator of Batman. The one thing I find consistent about DC's New Animation Videos are that the Extras are really worth the money despite the main feature film being more or less disappointing. There's also 4 episodes from the The Animated Series althought there's not enhancement with the last feature I am the Night looking pretty rough and raw.
Crap. I still wrote too much. The next post will be about the Dark Knight Movie.
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