The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

The Batman is a film noir version of the caped-crusader and a total refresh to the epic world of the beloved comic book hero. Based on characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, The Batman is sophisticated and edgy filmmaking with a unique cinematic approach to the material. Starring Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, and Paul Dano, The Batman is one of the most fascinating cinematic takes on the iconic character.

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) faces all new challenges in the dark reaches of Gotham City as Batman.  The city of Gotham is being terrorized by a vigilante serial killer known only as The Riddler (Paul Dano). The Batman finds help in the support of sexy sleuth Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz). Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) also helps Batman with the case of The Riddler. Can the clues be decoded?

Robert Pattinson is a compelling Batman. Pattinson didn’t seem like a good choice for the role when the casting was first announced (despite numerous impressive performances with an array of acclaimed filmmakers under his belt). Despite my initial reservations, Pattinson won me over. Pattinson is the Batman. The duality of the performance is impressive and he handles the role of Bruce Wayne well. There is a sense of dedication to the role and the performance is certainly a strong one. Co-star Zoë Kravitz steals the show, though. Kravitz is seductive and entertaining as Selina Kyle. A great role and performance by Kravitz.

The Batman features compelling costumes by David Crossman (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Glyn Dillon (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story), and Jacqueline Durran (Barbie, Little Women). The costumes play a big role in the production. Both the heroes and villains have costumes that feel well designed and true to the DC characters. A great effort from the costume team – the look of Batman is pitch-perfect.

The production design by James Chinlund (War for the Planet of the Apes, The Avengers) is one of the most impressive aspects of The Batman. Chinlund is a talented designer with a good knowledge of production design work and the requirements of the cinematic language. The design here is quite ambitious and visually compelling. The dark and gothic style of the design works well for the noir approach.

The music composed by Michael Giacchino (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) deserved an Oscar for Best Original Score. Giacchino is a brilliant composer and one of the best in the business. Few composers are as talented or gifted as Giacchino. The Batman has some of the best original themes in Giacchino’s long and illustrious career. The composer never fails to impress. A knockout score with dramatic depth.  

The cinematography by Greig Fraser (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Dune) is perfection and the tone of the film is perfectly established by the cinematographic approach. Cinematographer Fraser was a great choice for The Batman. The cinematography is one of the highlights of the film. The film looks stunning and hypnotic. I was mesmerized the entire time when I first viewing The Batman in a premium 4K HDR projection setting (with Cinemark XD).

Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes, Let Me In) takes the mantle as director. Reeves is an outstanding filmmaker with a vast knowledge of cinema. There are few Hollywood filmmakers with as compelling a blockbuster voice as Reeves. Reeves understands how to make something epic, emotional, and intelligent. The Batman features a strong script by Reeves and co- screenwriter Peter Craig (Top Gun: Maverick, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2). There is something majestic in the filmmaking and the flow of the film. Reeves set out to make a film noir take on the character and he achieved his goal. Outstanding filmmaking.

The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 4K UHD from Warner Bros., The Batman is presented in 2160p HEVC / H.265 in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.29:1 widescreen. The release includes a Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range presentation. For more information on the technical presentation of the 4K release, please refer to the main 4K UHD review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Randy Miller III.

The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release provides a Dolby Atmos surround sound audio presentation. The Dolby Atmos mix includes a Dolby TrueHD 24-bit depth core. For additional information on the Dolby Atmos sound mix, please refer to the main review from my Blu-ray.com colleague Randy Miller III.

The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited-edition collectors steelbook includes beautiful collectible packaging. The steelbook art is fantastic and a wonderful choice for the release. The steelbook was produced in matte. The print is somewhat disappointing as the print quality could stand to be better. The release almost feels as if manufactured to an average-quality with the expectation of premium steelbook editions to follow (as was the case). Despite an average print quality, the steelbook design is excellent and this is still a nice edition for collectors – especially for those not willing to spring for a more expensive premium edition.

The release includes the same on-disc supplements as found on the standard 4K UHD & Blu-ray combo pack edition. For more information on these on-disc supplemental features, please refer to the review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Randy Miller III.

The Batman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Batman is a fantastic new interpretation of the beloved comic book character. Director Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes) created a great take on the iconic hero. The film has an outstanding sense of style and the film noir element is perfectly felt throughout.

A brilliant score by composer Michael Giacchino (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) helps the filmmaking soar to even greater heights. Breathtaking cinema. Perhaps the only downside is the film doesn't top Nolan's vision – but the filmmaking is certainly exceptional and a great entry in the DC universe. The steelbook edition features quality art and is a nice release for fans. Highly recommended.