The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
The biggest movie of 2008 is worth watching more than once and you can do so now with the DVD release. This sequel to Batman Begins outdoes its predecessor in so many ways, that it’s easy to forget that Batman Begins was a great film in its own right. I’ve review the film elsewhere on Power of Pop but suffice to say that watching the film over again, one realizes that the the late Heath Ledger steals every single scene he is in.
Sure, the plot may concentrate on the rise and fall of Harvet Dent/Two Face and what that means to the hopes and dreams of Bruce Wayne/Batman, but the compelling tale is the Joker. About the Joker is a commentary on rational and cold evil. The Joker is no mere super-villain, he is the evil of mankind personified. None of his crimes are too far-fetched for modern reality as we witness similar acts of terror becoming too commonplace.
Of course, the film isn’t flawless and the whole idea of Gordon’s fake death and the Joker allowing himself to be caught so that he could get to Lao does not make too much sense but in the final analysis is totally forgivable. Not to mention the marginalization of Batman as a lead character in the face of colourful villains like the Joker and Two Face.
One imagines that it would be difficult for director Christopher Nolan to follow this wonderful movie achievement but it will be intriguing to see him try.
As with most DVDs, the icing on the cake comes with the special features. That’s where this DVD is found wanting. No commentaries, no deleted scenes, no interviews. What we are left with are technical “making of” featurettes and six episodes of the Gotham Tonight series.
I guess in this instant, it’s all about the movie itself and thank goodness that this is one that bears up to repeated plays.
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