[amazon_link asins=’B0746XNZH3′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’moviegazett03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7cc81893-b81d-11e7-bba3-9f7ea78fd434′]Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Batman television series. To celebrate the milestone, Warner Bros. released Return of the Caped Crusaders. The animated film saw Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar make welcome returns to their respective roles of Batman, Robin, and Catwoman. Warner Bros. Animation has returned with a fun sequel featuring the ’60s cast, Batman Vs. Two Face. Unfortunately, the film marks the final performance of Adam West, who died earlier this year.
As any fan of the original television series knows, Two Face never actually appeared on the show, but apparently there were always rumors that a young Clint Eastwood was considered for the role. Whether there’s any truth to that, who knows? It’s fun to imagine though. The absence of one Batman’s key adversaries always struck me as odd. Now, however, that has issue has been rectified with none other than William Shatner (Star Trek: The Original Series) stepping into the role of Harvey Dent/Two-Face!
At Springfield Penitentiary, Batman and Robin witness Dr. Hugo Strange (Jim Ward) unleash an experiment to cure criminals of their evil impulses. Just to add a little more fun to the proceedings, the Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Egghead, and Mr. Freeze are incarcerated too. However, when the experiment goes awry, District Attorney Harvey Dent (Shatner) is left physically and emotionally scarred. Harvey is now a villain called “Two-Face’ eager to do battle with the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder.
While a series of plastic surgery procedures have restored Dent’s facial features, and apparently, he’s been cured in some fashion. However, within six months his criminal impulses begin to reassert themselves. Somebody is committing Two-Face crimes before long. Soon, Batman and Robin find themselves at odds trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
Batman Vs Two-Face is an impressive entry into the 1966 cannon, one that respects what came before, while introducing some new, worthwhile elements. Most importantly perhaps, Batman Vs Two-Face stands as a fitting tribute to Adam West, a man who for many, was the Caped Crusader.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Warner Brothers has delivered a solid 1080p transfer. Sharpness is satisfactory, with no real softness apparent. The image looks strong throughout, with no apparent shimmering or source flaws. The rather dark palette looks full, and concise. Blacks are deep, and inky. Whites look appropriate, and never blown out. Shadows appeared smooth and clear.
The DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack creates a wonderful sense of the action throughout, involving all five channels in an involving fashion. Battles and explosions fill the soundfield to create a full spectrum, while quieter elements are fleshed out. Dialogue is clean, and clear, while effects are accurate, and we’ll placed.
English, Latin, Spanish, and French subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- The Wonderful World of Burt Ward (HD, 14:34) Ward discusses his life and career, with an obvious emphasis on his role as role as Robin.
- Adam West Tribute Panel (HD, 39:27) Hosted by radio man Ralph German, a panel featuring filmmaker Kevin Smith, writer James Tucker, and actor Lee Merriweather share their thoughts on the late Adam West. A few clips from 2016 featuring West himself, are also included.
- The Following Tidbits Are All Related to Being on Batman:
- Burt Ward on Being Star Struck (HD, 2:03)
- Burt Ward on Ambition (0:59)
- Julie Newmar on Inspiration (HD, 1:53)
- Sneak Peeks of Part I and II of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (HD, 19:28) Various members of the cast and crew discuss their characters, and offer some insight into the story.
- Easter Egg (HD, 0:32) A quick snippet of Harley Quinn and The Joker that seems to tease a subsequent film. To find it, click on the “star” to the right of “Trailers” in the bonus features menu.
- DVD Copy of the film.
- Digital Copy.
