Funko Pop Dark Knight Teaser Trailer

A fun sizzle reel I created, starring Dark Knight Funko Pop Heroes (and villains). Check it out!

Bat Romance

The Importance of Batman's Love Life

Batman doesn't just need little boys in colorful costumes, he needs love in his life, and I'm all for it. I'm not talking about turning the world of The Dark Knight into a romantic comedy, but adding a touch of "bat romance" adds to the story and makes it more interesting. 

This isn't to be confused with the lifestyle of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne--we all know that's an act, so he's expected to be seen with hotties on each arm. As for the Bruce Wayne that only Alfred knows, how is the man supposed to get some sugar when he's always in the cave?

From the Batman: The Animated Series episode, "The Demon's Quest", a two-part episode so good it could have been an animated movie.

Batman has no shortage of eligible (and willing) females, so why not? They might be bad for him, but The Caped Crusader is no stranger to living dangerously. Plus, the man has no sense of humor; he could use a little fun. So, who do you think is Batman's most fitting (or sexiest) female?

Dark Knight Double Whammy

Holy Blu-Ray, Batman!

Winter is a damned good time for Batman: we have The Dark Knight Rises coming to home release on December 4, and then Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (animated feature) on January 29, 2013.

 

Michael Emerson of LOST will be doing the voice for The Joker in 'Returns' and I'm sure he does a fantastic job. The Joker in Frank Miller's famed graphic novel, "The Dark Knight Returns" is a little bit different, so I think Emerson will match it really well. Actually, my favorite part about Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is the ending, so I'm already excited . . .

As for 'Rises', I recently made a post that I'm not that excited about the blu-ray release. It was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as I will certainly be at the door on the morning of its release. I'm mostly looking forward to the special features, as well as being able to read subtitles (there is a line by John Blake that I do not understand).

After experiencing it on IMAX ten times during its run (not bad), I look forward to stretching out on the couch during all 2 hours and 40 minutes. Plus, when I have a day to waste, I can't think of a better way to spend it than as a couch potato running a Dark Knight Trilogy marathon! 

Speaking of formats, have you seen or heard of the new 4K and 8K TV's slowly making their way to market? They are 8 and 16 times the resolution of 1080p, respectively (8K apparently approaches IMAX resolution). I'm sure the color quality, sound, and contrast ratios are superior, to boot. I wonder what kind of format will support it, i.e. what will come after blu-ray?

Nevertheless, these new ultra high resolution displays are absurdly expensive, but if I could afford it, I'd get an 8K projector with the largest, creamiest screen and 22.1 surround sound with enough watts to wake up the zoo.

Here is an awesome trailer for The Dark Knight Rises blu-ray release:

PODCAST: Episode 5

The Bat and the Cat wraps up with a complete overview of The Dark Knight Rises, delving into the last third of the movie. If you haven't seen the movie -- first of all, why not? -- there are definitely a lot of SPOILERS on this episode.


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"Vanilla" Dark Knight Rises

I went and saw 'The Dark Knight Rises' for the 5th time, and this time it was at my local theater on a standard 35mm projection.

While still a great film (I found myself paying attention to more details since I wasn't too occupied by being "wowed"), I found the experience quite underwhelming. It definitely made me appreciate the IMAX experience that much more.

SPOILERS BELOW

Here are things that I noted:

• The trailers definitely made me feel like I was there way too long. The film's 164 minute runtime is just right, in my opinion, but I like that there are no trailers attached to the IMAX film.
• The sound--nowhere close to the IMAX experience. From the opening logo, to the prologue. On IMAX, you feel like you're in the plane. Sounds that are meant to be jarring like gunshots, explosions, aircraft (such as The Bat), and the scene where Bruce Wayne shoots the bow-and-arrow a hair away from Selina Kyle really startle you in the IMAX setting. Furthermore, when Batman saves Blake from trouble, you actually here a hint of The Bat hovering behind him.
• Color quality. No comparison. I felt like the color here was notably muted. IMAX color really pops and with the high resolution and bright projection, it gives it a more realistic quality. For example, the first time we see Officer Blake on the rooftop with Commissioner Gordon, it was so dark I couldn't see his face right away.
• Scene cropping. It is known that this movie was filmed for both IMAX and widescreen formats, and while it doesn't take away from the movie itself, the widescreen version doesn't give you that realistic sense of height. Furthermore, the establishing shot of Gotham Stock Exchange is completely different.

 

Bottom line

I'm going back to IMAX for 'The Dark Knight Rises' because I want that to be my last impression. Once it's gone from theaters, it goes to blu-ray and we'll never get to experience it on IMAX again. So, I'm maximizing it now. Definitely worth the extra drive and arriving early to get the best seat.

A Nod to Anne Hathaway's "Catwoman"

I know that the movie isn't out yet and it might be a little premature to be singing praises to Anne Hathaway in the role of Selina Kyle. I know the camp is divided with a lot of haters to one side. I even heard my co-workers just recently say: "I don't know what it is about her but I can't stand Anne Hathaway!"

Now, I know how they feel. I have an irrational dislike for other actresses... though I think people who can't appreciate Hathaway's talent are just plain missing out. She was adorable in the Princess Diaries movies but she shows off her acting chops in Love and Other Drugs... and what girl didn't enjoy a little bit of The Devil Wears Prada? Come on!

Just like most ass-kicking girls, Hathaway stated that she had always wanted to have a role similar to - if not - Catwoman. As a character, Catwoman was ahead of her time, breaking out of the typical female stereotypes and exploring what it means to be a "bad girl" but be accepted and respected at the same time. Forget wanting to fall in love with the "bad boy" -- become the badass girl! Be Catwoman! 

I am digging the suit. I am digging her curves in the suit. I'm digging the concept of her "cat ears" with the goggles/mask. I love that she is channeling Julie Newmar with the whole look. 

Is she going to do Selina Kyle/Catwoman justice? I would bet she will since she is Nolan's choice for the role. I guess we will always have to see when the movie hits theater later this month. I would make a 'Well, it's better than Halle Barry's Catwoman!' joke but that would be unfair on my part since I have never watched that movie (and I don't know if I want to).