DVD Corner's blog

Batman: Assault On Arkham Blu-ray Review

“Batman: Assault On Arkham” is a solid entry to the DC animated universe.

Based on the popular Batman: Arkham video games, “Batman: Assault on Arkham” concerns Amanda Waller gathering together a band of criminals (Killer Frost, King Shark, Black Spider, Captain Boomerang, KGBeast Harley Quinn, and Deadshot) against their will for a covert mission to break into Arkham Asylum to find an important file that The Riddler possesses. In typical narrative fashion, the group (known as Task Force X) finds that their mission is easier said than done when all hell breaks loose in Arkham. Will Task Force X complete their mission? Can the dangerous locked up inmates be contained? Can Batman maintain order? You’ll find out.

Much like the upcoming “Gotham” TV series, Batman is not the focus of “Batman: Assault On Arkham.” Instead, this animated film primarily revolves around the rogues gallery (more specifically the members of the ragtag Task Force X). While I applaud DC for trying something different from the usual formula, the results are a bit uneven at times. Aside from the always enticing Harley Quinn and The Joker scenes, ‘Assault’ just isn’t as captivating when The Caped Crusader (voiced by Kevin Conroy!) is absent. Call me crazy, but I don’t think fans want to see King Shark for a large chunk of time. Thankfully, however, the last 20 minutes is chockful of Batman AND chaotic action which makes for one hell of a climax.

While the story may be so-so and perhaps not what some fans were hoping for, writer Heath Corson does deserve credit for going all out in trying to appease fans with cameos, easter eggs, and a tease of a potential “Suicide Squad” movie. As an added bonus, you also get to see iconic villains such as The Penguin, Two-Face, Bane, Poison Ivy, The Scarecrow and others make appearances.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The animation may not be of the highest quality, but this hi-def transfer is top notch to be sure.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The sound f/x, voice acting, and music all sound bat-tastic.

Extras:
* DVD copy and Digital HD copy.
* Warner Bros. and DC trailers.
* A sneak peek at “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.” At long last, Aquaman gets his due! Looking forward to this one.
* “The Joker’s Queen: Harley Quinn”- A nearly 14 minute featurette on the Harley Quinn character in comics and in animation.
* “Arkham Analyzed: The Secrets Behind The Asylum”- A 27 minute exploration of Arkham Asylum.
* An episode of “Justice League Unlimited” (“Task Force X”), “Young Justice” (“Infiltrator”), “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (“Emperor Joker”), and “The Batman” (“Two of a Kind”).
* A passable commentary by Mike Carlin, Heath Corson, and James Tucker.

Overall Thoughts: While not perfect, there is much to enjoy about “Batman: Assault on Arkham.” Give it a watch.

August 12, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Aquaman, Arkham Asylum, Bane, Batman, Batman: Assault On Arkham Blu-ray Review, DC Animated Movies, DC Entertainment, Gotham, Gotham TV Series, Harley Quinn, Rogues Gallery, The Joker, The Penguin, Two-Face