2081 replies to this topic

[[dark]]

pretty cool cover hein...

Sure is. Why was this on the cover?

[sharpshooter]

I consider that image right there to be iconic. Possibly my favourite single shot in the film. I've seen a Blu ray screen capture of that very image, and it is just fantastic.

[Agent 76]

[bondrules]

There is no (just) Batman thread, so this is where I am posting this find.


Batman to be killed off after 70 years
Batman is to be killed off after 70 years, the comic's writer has revealed.

By Urmee Khan
Last Updated: 1:12PM GMT 25 Nov 2008
Batman: Speculation is rife the super hero is to be killed off after 70 years

'Batman RIP' will see "the end of Bruce Wayne as Batman", according to Grant Morrison.

There are rumours that Batman will suffer a gruesome end when his sidekick Robin goes over to "the dark side" and destroys him in a terrible betrayal.

Batman, alter ego of Bruce Wayne a wealthy industrialist, operates in the American Gotham City.

Others speculate that Wayne may either retire from his duties or be killed by a mystery villain known as the Black Glove.

His fate will be revealed in the latest issue of DC Comic's Batman, published on 26 November.

Either way, his demise will lead to a hunt for a replacement.

"What I am doing is a fate worse than death, things that no one would expect to happen to these guys at all," Mr Morrison told Comic Book Resources.

Mr Morrison, the Scottish writer, has written storylines for comics including X-Men for Marvel and Superman for DC Comics. He took over writing the Batman series for DC in 2006.

Bruce Wayne has given up the Caped Crusader mantle once before. In the 'Knightfall' storyline, Batman's back was broken by villain Bane, causing Wayne to recruit Jean-Paul Valley to replace him.

Mr Morrison declined to reveal who the new Batman would be, but the frontrunners include Tim Drake who has been Robin since 1991 and Dick Grayson - the original Boy Wonder.

It is not the first time a superhero has met an unfortunate end in the comic world.

Last year, Captain America was killed after being shot by a sniper in New York.

Superman's death in 1992 at the hands of Doomsday became the biggest selling Superman comic in history. He was later resurrected.

Batman was co-created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger for DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics in May 1939.

http://www.telegraph...r-70-years.html

[Zorin Industries]

pretty cool cover hein...

Sure is. Why was this on the cover?

Tis Oscar season....

[sharpshooter]

Apple has noted that despite not even being released yet, The Dark Knight has already become the best selling movie download of the year on iTunes from pre orders alone.

http://splashpage.mt...wnload-of-2008/

[Harmsway]

Apple has noted that despite not even being released yet, The Dark Knight has already become the best selling movie download of the year on iTunes from pre orders alone.

http://splashpage.mt...wnload-of-2008/

It's to be expected. THE DARK KNIGHT's gonna sell like gangbusters on DVD.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Looks like he's taking his final bow...

[bondrules]

The re-release date has been confirmed.


WB to Re-Release The Dark Knight Jan. 23
Source:Variety
December 4, 2008


Warner Bros. will re-release The Dark Knight on January 23 in a nationwide launch, guaranteeing that it will become the fourth film to take in more than $1 billion in worldwide box office, reports Variety.

The film has earned $530.3 million domestically and $465.9 million internationally, leaving it less than $4 million short of the billion-dollar milestone. Only Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest have topped that mark.

The Dark Knight also is the second-highest domestic grosser of all time, trailing only Titanic.

The re-release will come six weeks after the DVD and Blu-ray Disc launch of The Dark Knight, set for Tuesday.

Dan Fellman, president of Warner's domestic distribution, made the announcement Thursday. "We wanted to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the bigscreen as it was meant to be seen," he added.

http://www.variety.c...7...yid=13&cs=1

[sharpshooter]

A new website has been launched to promote the upcoming DVD release. Check it out, this is pretty cool.

http://www.my-darkknight.com/ww/

[bondrules]

The Dark Knight DVD Review
A great film deserves a great DVD. This single-disc release isn't it.
by Cindy White


Video and Presentation
There's no getting around the fact that The Dark Knight is one of those films that simply looks better on the big screen. So unless you have a state-of-the-art home-theater system (in which case, you'll probably be watching this on Blu-ray anyway), prepare to be somewhat disappointed in the look of the film on DVD. Whether it's fair or not, we have a higher standard for this than we would for other titles not only because it's a great film, but because it's filled with some impressive visuals that we're dying to see pop off the screen at home like they did in the theater. That's just not the case here. There are some obvious problems with edge enhancement, artifacting and digitization. This is particularly noticeable in the citiscapes, in Bruce's underground bunker, the jail scene and pretty much any scene with strong vertical or horizontal lines. Shadow detail is not what it should be either, especially in a film with so many action scenes set at night and a hero who wears all black. Maybe we were spoiled by watching the IMAX scenes on the Blu-ray first, but this doesn't deliver the "wow" factor The Dark Knight really deserves.
Score: 7 out of 10

Languages and Audio
The audio fares a little better than the video here. The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack delivers where the picture falls short. It's vibrant and active across all channels. And when the subwoofer comes into play, it's satisfyingly forceful. Explosions, car crashes and gunfire all come across with nice fidelity and little distortion. When it comes to a standard audio presentation, this is about the best you can get. It's not as jaw-dropping as the TrueHD mix on the Blu-ray, but it comes pretty close. So crank it up and wake the neighbors.
Score: 9 out of 10

Extras and Packaging
The single-disc widescreen edition doesn't come with any extras (for that, you'll need to get the two-disc special edition). The cover art features the poster image of Batman standing beneath a building while the Bat emblem burns above. It's not a particularly striking package design, considering the phenomenon contained within. This is a strictly bare-bones release, so don't pick it up by mistake.
Score: 0

The Bottom Line
We here at IGN are often faced with the dilemma of reviewing DVDs of terrible films that nevertheless look and sound fantastic, and come with tons of extras. This would be the opposite of that.

http://dvd.ign.com/a...5/935399p1.html

[Harmsway]

I'm unhappy to hear that the DVD release's video isn't quite up to snuff (something a lot of reviews have commented on). Makes me wish I had Blu-Ray.

[bondrules]

I'm unhappy to hear that the DVD release's video isn't quite up to snuff (something a lot of reviews have commented on). Makes me wish I had Blu-Ray.

I agree Harms. This is the first time I wish I had BR as well. And since the 2disc edition is the same (with the extras), then we are in a no win situation.

[Tarl_Cabot]

Coming back to a multiplex near you January 23: The Dark Knight

cha-ching!

[[dark]]

The Associated Press claims that the film is a serious contender for the Best Picture gong, as well as noms for Heath Ledger and Christopher Nolan (Best Director). Deservingly so, too (even though I'd also like to see Aaron Eckhart and Christian Bale acknowledged, too).

[Judo chop]

I don't really understand the Aaron Eckhart praise. Dent goes explores more 'characterization' than side-characters (or even lead characters) normally get treated to in superhero films, but I didn't think Eckhart blew anything out of the water. Not compared to Ledger, and not compared to anything.

As I recall.

[Loomis]

I'm unhappy to hear that the DVD release's video isn't quite up to snuff (something a lot of reviews have commented on). Makes me wish I had Blu-Ray.

Same here, but then again it'll make me feel better when I eventually do end up buying it again on Blu-ray, which is something I probably won't adopt for quite a few months, both for financial reasons and because I want to see how the Blu-ray scene settles down.

I don't really understand the Aaron Eckhart praise. Dent goes explores more 'characterization' than side-characters (or even lead characters) normally get treated to in superhero films, but I didn't think Eckhart blew anything out of the water. Not compared to Ledger, and not compared to anything.

As I recall.

But you are SO! WRONG!

I think Eckhart owns the film. Blows even old Heath outta the water. IMO, at least.

No, trust me on this. Eckhart owns THE DARK KNIGHT to the extent that if I were interested in buying the remake rights I'd approach Eckhart, not DC or Warners.

[Judo chop]

But you are SO! WRONG!

Touché.

I think Eckhart owns the film. Blows even old Heath outta the water.

Douché.



But like you, TDK will probably be the next DVD I buy, and I expect, if all goes well for me this Christmas, it'll be on Blu-Ray. And then we will see...

EDIT: How many times has The Loomis© seen it? Are you still on #1? Did you always love Eckhart? Or did he only 'pop out' at you after a second viewing?

[Loomis]

Well, I™ have seen THE DARK KNIGHT twice, both times at the cinema. "Interestingly" enough, I've also been to see QUANTUM OF SOLACE twice on t'big screen.

The point that I'm lumbering towards is that I have not seen the new Bond more times on the big screen than I have the new Batman - for me this is highly, highly unusual. There was a time - and not so long ago - when if anyone had told me that a new Bat flick would not only get me to the fleapit at all but would do so twice, and moreover that the new 007 outing wouldn't get considerably more theatrical viewings out of me than said new Bat flick, a derisive snort of laughter could have been my only possible response.

Then again, I didn't catch TDK in IMAX, so it's questionable whether I've even seen the thing, really.

And, yes, Eckhart popped out at me immediately (fnarr, oo-er missus, etc.). It's a great performance, largely because he doesn't ham it up and always convinces us that Dent/Two-Face is a real person. There's no showboating, just an awful lot of quiet power. He basically does what Craig does in his Bond flicks - he doesn't act, he "be's" (*ahem*), and he's just, like, generally awesome and stuff.

The Ledgemeister is also excellent, though, don't get me wrong. And Bale knows his way around the Batcave, so to speak. But neither actor takes down the 'khart.

I have spoken.

[[dark]]

I don't really understand the Aaron Eckhart praise. Dent goes explores more 'characterization' than side-characters (or even lead characters) normally get treated to in superhero films, but I didn't think Eckhart blew anything out of the water. Not compared to Ledger, and not compared to anything.

As I recall.

And, yes, Eckhart popped out at me immediately (fnarr, oo-er missus, etc.). It's a great performance, largely because he doesn't ham it up and always convinces us that Dent/Two-Face is a real person. There's no showboating, just an awful lot of quiet power. He basically does what Craig does in his Bond flicks - he doesn't act, he "be's" (*ahem*), and he's just, like, generally awesome and stuff.

What Loomis said.

I don't think he surpasses Ledger, who, quite simply, gave an instantly iconic performance. But Eckhart delivered a wonderfully understated turn that, as Loomis said, makes you believe that Dent is a real person. Yes, Dent is given more "characterisation" than the other supporting characters, but Eckhart performs it in a genuinely engaging way.

Well, I™ have seen THE DARK KNIGHT twice, both times at the cinema. "Interestingly" enough, I've also been to see QUANTUM OF SOLACE twice on t'big screen.

The point that I'm lumbering towards is that I have not seen the new Bond more times on the big screen than I have the new Batman - for me this is highly, highly unusual. There was a time - and not so long ago - when if anyone had told me that a new Bat flick would not only get me to the fleapit at all but would do so twice, and moreover that the new 007 outing wouldn't get considerably more theatrical viewings out of me than said new Bat flick, a derisive snort of laughter could have been my only possible response.

Then again, I didn't catch TDK in IMAX, so it's questionable whether I've even seen the thing, really.

IMAX is the way to see this movie. No doubt about it.

You raise an interesting point about Dark Knight viewings vs. Quantum of Solace viewings. I, too, saw the Batman flick twice in cinemas (and was tempted to go a third time... I just might when it's re-released in January), but, to date, have only seen Quantum of Solace once (I do intend to see it a second time in the next few weeks).

While listening to the latest edition of our very own Paul Dunphy's Big Screen Podcast, it occurred to me that The Dark Knight is, without question, my film of the year. WALL•E, incredibly, clocks in at #2, leaving Quantum of Solace way back in third place. It's not a bad film by any means, but it has a few significant flaws that are ultimately pretty detrimental to the whole film.

The Dark Knight, on the other hand, knocked it out of the park in virtually every respect. I hope that one day Eon will hire a jack-of-all-trades director like Nolan to deliver top-notch action and drama (Martin Campbell, in my view, is the closest we've come).

[Loomis]

You raise an interesting point about Dark Knight viewings vs. Quantum of Solace viewings. I, too, saw the Batman flick twice in cinemas (and was tempted to go a third time... I just might when it's re-released in January), but, to date, have only seen Quantum of Solace once (I do intend to see it a second time in the next few weeks).

While listening to the latest edition of our very own Paul Dunphy's Big Screen Podcast, it occurred to me that The Dark Knight is, without question, my film of the year. WALL•E, incredibly, clocks in at #2, leaving Quantum of Solace way back in third place. It's not a bad film by any means, but it has a few significant flaws that are ultimately pretty detrimental to the whole film.

Hmmm.... here's my top three from the films I saw at the cinema this year:

1. RAMBO (albeit largely for sentimental fanboyish reasons, admittedly, although I do think it's a good film, indeed surprisingly brilliant considering how thoroughly wretched it had every right to be, so kudos to Sly for A. getting it made in the first place and B. not making a complete clown of himself [although I know that some would disagree!] - however, I cannot objectively rate it higher than TDK or QoS; I mean, I like it more, but TDK and QoS are superior films)

2. THE DARK KNIGHT

3. QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Mind you, I think the only other flick I saw at the flicks this year was INDY 4 (which is utter rubbish, if you ask me). It hasn't been a particularly bumper year for cinemagoing for me, to say the least.

[[dark]]

It hasn't been a particularly bumper year for cinemagoing for me, to say the least.

I can relate. Quantum of Solace was mildly disappointing, the new Indiana Jones movie left me cold, Get Smart was an insult to a childhood favourite show and The X-Files: I Want To Believe will be a terrible end to the franchise if this is the end of the road.

I had higher hopes for 2008.

[Harmsway]

2008 hasn't been the best of years, speaking strictly in terms of 2008 domestic US releases. I did do some repeat viewings of 2007 films that I thought were excellent, ala SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET and THERE WILL BE BLOOD, and I'd rank those over anything 2008 had to offer.

I did really enjoy THE DARK KNIGHT, which is just wonderful epic entertainment. I doubt I'll see another film I just enjoyed more, though there might be some fare coming later this month that I might deem better works of art. I also liked QUANTUM OF SOLACE, which might come in at #2 for me, but it didn't knock it out the park. I also had a soft spot for HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY. But I wasn't too big on the rest of the so-called summer spectaculars (IRON MAN isn't really my thing, and while I appreciated seeing Indy again, there's no way KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL can be construed as a genuinely good film).

But 2008 isn't done just yet. I'm still looking forward to THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, which has been getting great reviews and is looking to be the likely candidate for Best Picture at the next Academy Awards.

[Eurospy]

I hope that Mr. Ledger wins the Oscar. Because he has died? No, because he has delivered an outstanding performance. Brandon Lee did a competent job in The Crow, but unfortunately I would not be saying this for him.

(I'm one of those who'll watch an entire bad movie if it has a strong performance somewhere, and still be able to enjoy that performance.)

And what Mr. Ledger did with the Joker couldn't be more outstanding. Time and again I savoured each detail in his performance, with a character that, though the most popular, is the rogue which I always found overrated in Batman's gallery.

Of course he stands out when compared to Eckhart or Bale - but that's due to the nature of the character not the actors themselves.

Both Mr. Eckhart and Mr. Bale performed their roles exactly as they should.

Well, except for - the voice. Bale should really tone that down a notch. I didn't have that much of a problem with it in Begins. But in TDK he went overboard and beyond with the growling.

And I want to see The Riddler as a cross between Matt Wagner's Grendel, Professor Moriarty and Keyser Soze for the next one.

[[dark]]

2008 hasn't been the best of years, speaking strictly in terms of 2008 domestic US releases. I did do some repeat viewings of 2007 films that I thought were excellent, ala SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET and THERE WILL BE BLOOD, but I'd rank those over anything 2008 had to offer.

I forgot about Sweeney Todd. I didn't see that until 2008, but that ranks up there for me as well, probably alongside WALL•E if I could count it among this year's crop.

[sharpshooter]

Another website:

http://www.thedarkknightpuzzle.com/

The premise is that Two Face has hacked into the Wayne Enterprises sonar tracking system.

[Harmsway]

Some great comments from Nolan at AICN, regarding THE DARK KNIGHT and a future sequel. Here are the highlights:

If he made a third film, it would be for no reason but the continuation of story. He is currently looking into where the story would go and if it needs to go there. He maintained that it's very hard to make a movie of this scale (and specified he wasn't asking for our sympathy, drawing a laugh from the crowd) - it's two hard years and you gotta love it. One of his biggest fears is getting halfway through making a film and realizing it's unnecessary and he doesn't want to make it anymore. If there is a third story that needs to be told, there will be a third film, but nothing is set in stone or a given.

There is no 3 hour cut anywhere - no deleted scenes. He, John Nolan & David Goyer would cut scenes before they ever made it to the screen in what Nolan calls an "aggressive editorial approach." Their criteria was that every scene needs three reasons to be in the film or it's out. This made for a difficult time in the editing suite as every single scene was essential and could not be removed.

The videos shot by the Joker were in fact shot and mostly directed by Heath Ledger. For the first video, Wally Pfister came in and checked the lights, the sound guys set up a few extra mics, everyone hid around the corner and they let Heath play. Ledger had been planning to direct and was an incredible collaborator with a great mind. Nolan trusted him implicitly. Ledger's work on the first video was so fantastic that Nolan wasn't even there for the second video shoot with Anthony Michael Hall. He gave Ledger the camera and said "do whatever you want." Apparently every take Ledger did was different, but always in line with the story and always fantastic.

[JackWade]

I saw THE DARK KNIGHT three times to QUANTUM's two. I found THE DARK KNIGHT to be superior to QUANTUM, and that's no slight to Bond, it's just that the Batman film was that good.

I'm having a hard time deciding whether to give THE DARK KNIGHT or WALL-E my #1 spot for 2008. WALL-E was somethin' special. Granted THE DARK KNIGHT was as well, but as an angsty college kid, it takes something to get me all sappy feelin', and WALL-E did just that (and continues to with each subsequent viewing). I freakin' love that movie.

Edited by JackWade, 06 December 2008 - 07:02 AM.

[Loomis]

If he made a third film, it would be for no reason but the continuation of story. He is currently looking into where the story would go and if it needs to go there. He maintained that it's very hard to make a movie of this scale (and specified he wasn't asking for our sympathy, drawing a laugh from the crowd) - it's two hard years and you gotta love it. One of his biggest fears is getting halfway through making a film and realizing it's unnecessary and he doesn't want to make it anymore. If there is a third story that needs to be told, there will be a third film, but nothing is set in stone or a given.

Translation: he's currently in heavy negotiations for the third film, for which he's sure to get the biggest director's paycheck of all time - the only question is just how much $$$$ will be flowing to his account.

There is no 3 hour cut anywhere - no deleted scenes. He, John Nolan & David Goyer would cut scenes before they ever made it to the screen in what Nolan calls an "aggressive editorial approach." Their criteria was that every scene needs three reasons to be in the film or it's out.

Three reasons, eh? An interesting approach. Perhaps aspiring screenwriters should take note of this little tip. OTOH, one does note that:

This made for a difficult time in the editing suite as every single scene was essential and could not be removed.

As for SWEENEY TODD, I thought it was awful and couldn't stand more than a few minutes. You see, I loathe musicals. Mind you, I still managed to enjoy HAIRSPRAY and MAMMA MIA!, but perhaps those two are both rather more lighthearted and upbeat than TODD.

I did see quite a few good new (or recent) films this year, e.g. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, INTO THE WILD and SON OF RAMBOW, but I did most of my viewing on DVD.

[Harmsway]

As for SWEENEY TODD, I thought it was awful and couldn't stand more than a few minutes.

I remember. As far as I recall, you got up to Helena Bonham Carter's first appearance as Mrs. Lovett and shut the thing off.

You see, I loathe musicals. Mind you, I still managed to enjoy HAIRSPRAY and MAMMA MIA!, but perhaps those two are both rather more lighthearted and upbeat than TODD.

They're very much more upbeat. I somewhat enjoyed HAIRSPRAY (though I greatly prefer the original film on which it is based), but I have no time for MAMMA MIA. Clips of that film, and my general loathing of all things ABBA, have scared me away forever. I am looking forward to NINE - based on Fellini's 8 1/2 - with a cast of such notables as Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, and Penelope Cruz.

I love musicals, myself. But I'm more of an opera fan when it comes down to it, especially operas of the 20th century and beyond. SWEENEY TODD bridges the musical/opera gap, since it's been performed as both (it was even proclaimed to be the "great American opera" by a few notable critics upon its original premiere).