Batman:
Bad Blood
(2016/DC Comics/Warner Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B+/B Sound: B+/B Extras: C Film: B
Batman:
Bad Blood
(2016) is not a revamped Taylor Swift song [or classic Neil Sedaka
hit with Elton John on backup], but rather a straight to home video
release from Warner/DC. The film explores the extended family of
Bruce Wayne and Batman; fleshing out how other heroes play into the
Caped Crusader's universe.
The
animated film kicks off with a hooded hero (turning out to be
Batwoman) battling some baddies, before Batman steps in to help
battle. A clear division in morals/fighting tactics pops up right
away as we see Batwoman using a gun; something Batman instantly
berates his female counterpart for doing. Then suddenly an explosion
sends our heroes through a loop and Batman is missing... presumed
dead.
He's
not... let's get that out of the way.
The
word of Batman's ''death'' quickly spreads throughout the world; but
Dick Grayson (who has been Nightwing) takes up the cowl of Batman to
keep the legend alive. We also see the return of Damian Wayne
(voiced by Stuart Allen); who had been finishing his training in the
Himalayas. Those following the Batman series will recognize that
Damian and Grayson have NOT had the best track record with each
other; and a noticeable disdain from Damian as Grayson takes on the
Batman mantle.
A
birth right that Damian feels should be his.
Just
to throw one more expanded universe character into the mix, we are
delivered Batwing [Luke Fox]; the son of Lucius Fox (voiced by Ernie
Hudson). The character is seemingly unnecessary for this film as we
are already treated to a cornucopia of superheroes to choose from;
Batwing may just be too much.
I
love seeing other heroes get screen time, but perhaps Batwing needed
his own film rather than being haphazardly introduced here. The
emotional, interesting, and well played dynamics between Grayson and
Damian as well as the (even more) captivating personality of Batwoman
were enough for Batman:
Bad Blood;
in the end making one more character feel tacked on and wasted.
Batwoman
as previously mentioned has a different moral center than the other
heroes as she is a strong, independent, homosexual woman (Katherine
Kane) who writes her own rules fighting crime and can clearly hold
her own. Her character development was solid and I would like to see
more of her in the future.
The
film deals more with the heroes' personalities, rather than the
''death of Batman.'' Yes, his disappearance is important and propels
the story forward, but fleshing out these often forgotten characters
is what makes Batman:
Bad Blood
so good. The tension is thick and works very well. It is the third
part in the storyline that started with Son
of Batman
and the follow-up Batman
vs Robin;
this film ending with a surprise (the who, how, and why of Batman's
disappearance) that is certain to be the spark for future home video
releases.
The
technical features of this straight to video Batman Blu-ray are not
perfect, but very well done. The digital High Definition picture is
presented in a 1.78 X 1 aspect ratio that is mostly crisp, clean and
clear with a palate of darker tones that audiences are accustomed to
with Batman animated features. The animation style resembles the
last several DC/Warner home video releases for Batman, Superman, and
the Justice League; something this reviewer is not the biggest fan of
(I prefer the style of Batman:
The Animated Series
or Batman
Beyond),
but works well enough. There are banding issues throughout, but
nothing overly distracting. The sound is a solid 5.1 DTS-HD MA
(Master Audio) lossless mix that uses the full speaker range;
delivering a powerful track that surrounds the viewer in action.
Dialogue is clean and clear, remaining well balanced with the
immersive action on screen.
The
DVD is merely a downgrade of the solid Blu-ray release.
Special
features are minimal and include:
Sneak
Peak of Justice
League vs Teen Titans
Expanding
the Batman Family Featurette
Putting
the Fight in Gotham Featurette
From
the DC Vault
and
2 animated episodes from Batman:
The Brave and the Bold.
-
Michael P. Dougherty
