Search - Batman Returns [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1992 DVD Release: 10/18/2005 Format: DVD - Color,Soft-Matted WSE for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 2 hrs 6 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 14 Genres: Fantasy, Superhero Film, Master Criminal Films See Also: Batman Returns, Batman Returns, Batman Returns [Blu-ray]

In this first sequel to 1989's Batman, the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton) is up against the Penguin (Danny DeVito), the hideously deformed scion of a wealthy Gotham City family. The Penguin plots with evil businessman Max Schreck (Christopher Walken) to become mayor and then turn Gotham into a cathedral of crime. Upon overhearing these plans, Schreck's mousy secretary Selena Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) is tossed from a high-rise window by her boss. Rescued by a covey of kittens, Selena transforms into the leather-clad Catwoman. In this guise, she teams with the Penguin and Schreck to divvy up their ill-gotten gains and help discredit Batman-but she also has her own scores to settle. Paul "Pee-Wee Herman" Reubens, Vincent Schiavelli and Jan Hooks play significant bits, while Pat Hingle and Michael Gough make returns as, respectively, Commissioner Gordon and Alfred the Butler. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Michael Keaton - Batman / Bruce Wayne
Danny DeVito - The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot
Michelle Pfeiffer - Catwoman/Selina Kyle
Christopher Walken - Max Shreck
Michael Gough - Alfred Pennyworth

Caped Crusader fans rejoice! Batman Returns makes a grand reentrance into the DVD world thanks to the timely release of Batman Begins into living rooms everywhere. This 2-Disc Special Edition is just what the doctor ordered, with a gorgeous presentation and bonus materials seemingly sent down from the DVD heavens. The first thing you'll notice is how good it looks. The widescreen image (16 x 9, 1.85:1) has a beautiful pop to the stark images that was severely lacking in the previous release. And how about that sound? DTS, for all you who have the pleasure of running it, and a slam-bang solid 5.1 track to immerse you in this crazy carnival ride right out of Tim Burton's head, which is cracked open for all to see with one of his usual dry audio commentaries. The track is full of Burtonesque scatter shots of ideas and memories, though it's interesting to hear his repeated reactions to the film's criticism. The real juice comes from the bonus materials, which are packed over two hours of documentaries and featurettes. Included is a made-for-TV special along with a continuation of the "Shadow of the Bat" documentary that flows through each of the four Batman film-series DVD reissues. Everything from Annette Bening's original casting to the lukewarm studio exec reception are discussed in a frank and rather refreshing way that only time can afford. With additional featurettes focusing more on the individual aspects of the production, including production design and a fascinating look at the re-creation of the batsuit, there's so much covered that you can't help but get sucked in. The funny thing is that the disc isn't even done yet -- you've still got a handful of smaller featurettes on the film's heroes and villains along with the Siouxsie and the Banshees "Face to Face" music video. It's nice to finally see this series getting the treatment it deserves, even if you're going to think twice about picking up the Schumacher installments (though the idea of those documentaries is definitely tantalizing). Whether it was worth the extended wait or not, there's too much grade-A material in this edition for people not to be drawn to it. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide