Batman: Knightfall- Part 1: Knightfall 4K UHD Review
“Batman: Knightfall- Part 1: Knightfall” is easily one of the best Batman animated films.
Based on the “Knightfall” comic book arc and adapted by Jeremy Adams, “Batman: Knightfall- Part 1: Knightfall” (an unwieldy title to be sure) is the first part of a planned trilogy of DC animated films. There’s essentially four major stories going on here. The first chronicles Bane’s life growing up in a prison with his mother (where he was born). After living in harsh conditions and in a hole for many years, he vows to be strong and survive. Eventually he is experimented on with the venom serum which enables him to break out of Gotham. Bane seeks to fix Gotham as he believes Bruce Wayne is responsible for it becoming a crime ridden city. Bane also releases the inmates of Arkham Asylum. The second story centers around the violent vigilante Azrael (AKA Jean-Paul Valley) who is trying to rehabilitate himself with the help of Bruce Wayne. The third story arc revolves around the new Robin (Tim Drake) who wants to do more, but Batman/Bruce doesn’t believe he is ready. He’s not listening to Batman and getting himself into trouble. Batman fears he will follow the same fate as Jason Todd. Lastly, we get one of the most significant deep dives into Batman and Bruce Wayne’s psyche. Batman/Bruce is tired and is going non-stop. He’s pushing himself too hard, doing too much, avoiding his trauma, and is too concerned with helping others instead of helping himself. A Doctor (Shondra) is trying to help Bruce, but he keeps pulling away. Batman’s flaws and insecurities become exploited by Bane.
Director Jeff Wamester is no stranger to DC animated films having helmed multiple Justice League films, “Green Lantern: Beware My Power,” etc. With “Batman: Knightfall- Part 1: Knightfall,” the filmmaker does his best work yet. While it remains to be seen how parts 2 and 3 pan out, the first part delivers everything you could want as a Batman fan. It’s a respectable adaptation of a beloved arc which pits Batman against the behemoth Bane, but more than that, it’s a film that focuses on characterization above all else. Sure, there’s plenty of violent action here (expect to see impaled heads, ripped out spine, eye-gouging, etc.), but the reason for the film’s success is its exploration of the characters. Bane gets a hefty backstory, Batman is damaged physically and mentally here, Robin is trying to become his own hero, and Jean-Paul struggles to shed his Azrael persona. Each and every character arc feels significant here. So often in these DC animated films the character work is minimal as the story or action takes center stage. It’s the opposite here and ‘Knightfall’ is better for it. Parts 2 and 3 can’t come soon enough (especially after the cliffhanger ending).
The animation work by WB Animation, DC Studios and Studio Mir is first rate here. There’s a very 90s look and feel to it. It’s like a mix between “Batman: The Animated Series” and the comic art seen in the ‘Knightfall’ comic books. You can’t ask for anything more.
Voice cast wise, Anson Mount delivers the film’s best performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne. He really brings new dimensions to the Caped Crusader and solidifies himself as one of the best Batman voice actors now. Michael Nando makes Bane a fearsome foe. His scenes opposite Batman are especially noteworthy. Bruce Boxleitner as Commissioner Gordon is inspired casting and Pablo Schreiber as Azrael holds promise. Keep your ears peeled for fellow geek David Dastmalchian as The Riddler.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. Grade: A-
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-
Extras include a Digital copy, “Batman Needs A Robin” (a featurette on the dynamic between the two characters) and “Breaking The Bat: Adapting Knightfall” (a featurette on adapting the story into animated films).
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