DVD Corner

Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires 4K UHD Review

“Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires” is a curious idea that never pans out. 

“Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires” is a DC Elsewords animated film set in 1520. The story begins with Captain Hernán Cortés and the Spanish Conquistadors arriving on the Gulf Of Mexico Coast. Cortés, who is looking for gold, slaughters Aztec villagers, but the son of a Chief (Yohualli Coatl) manages to survive. Yohualli warns King Moctezuma and his dangerous high Priest (Yoka) about   Cortés, but Yoka receives visions telling him that the Conquistadors are gods. As time passes, Yohualli vows to train under mentor Acatzin in order to stop Cortés and avenge his father. He trains in the Bat God’s temple (the Temple of Tzinican) where he eventually becomes the Aztec Batman, but can he stop Cortés and his minions?

Much like “Batman Ninja,” writer Ernie Altbacker and director Juan Meza-León’s “Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires” is a fresh concept. The idea of merging the Batman mythos with Aztec history is certainly ripe with potential, but unfortunately the mixing of these two worlds comes off as a bit clumsy and rushed in the final product.

On paper, “Aztec Batman” should have been more compelling. It’s an adult R-Rated alternate history/Elseworlds saga about Gods, justice, prophecy, visions, and greed. There’s a lot going on within the admirable story, but the plot gets lost amid action spectacle and lackluster characterization. First and foremost, Aztec Batman turns out to be the least engaging aspect of the entire film. Not only does the character feel shoehorned in, but he just never really encapsulates Batman all that much. He feels like a local folk hero standing up to the bad guys instead of The Dark Knight. Jay Hernandez’s stiff voice acting doesn’t exactly help matters much either. There are also a few familiar faces (see the variations on Two-Face and Joker) that feel shoehorned in as well. It’s as if they are merely included to remind us this is a Batman story. The only character who fits right in here is Jaguar Woman (this film’s version of Catwoman). 

From an animation perspective, the film benefits from the collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation, Chatrone and Ánima. The locations and backdrops are full of life, the action is fast and exciting, and the character models are detailed.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. How does it look? The animation shines on 4K. The colors really pop here.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the voice acting to the action, this 5.1 track delivers.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* “The Battle Cry Of Aztec Batman”- An interview with voice actor Jay Hernandez.
* “The Batman Mythology And Aztec Inspiration”- A featurette on the melding of 2 worlds complete with interviews.

September 22, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Aztec Batman, Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires 4K UHD Review, Batman, DC Animated Film, Else world's