Batman: Hush Blu-ray Review

Batman: Hush's 1080p AVC encode, framed in the original 1.78:1 aspect ratio, presents a solid visual experience characteristic of Warner Brothers' DCAU releases. While the simplistic animation style does not boast extensive fine details, the film makes effective use of color and shadows to create a visually engaging presentation. The greens in Poison Ivy’s scenes stand out as particularly vibrant, while the blues and orange tones during Joker and Harley’s scenes are both sharp and vivid. Black levels are notable for their depth, though occasional color banding is evident in night sky sequences.

Despite these minor digital imperfections, such as infrequent compression artifacts and mild color grading issues typical of the format, Batman: Hush remains a commendable transfer. The vivid saturation of colors, from bold primaries to more subtle background hues, keeps the visual interest throughout the film. Additionally, the transfer benefits from the absence of major digital flaws like aliasing and edge enhancement, ensuring a smoother visual experience. Fans looking for an even more impressive display might opt for the separately available 4K edition, but the Blu-ray version still offers an excellent viewing experience across various setups.

The audio presentation of "Batman: Hush" on Blu-ray and 4K UHD is delivered through a robust 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, which provides an impressively immersive experience that excels particularly during the film's numerous action sequences. The sound mix is energetic, featuring impactful low end for explosions and punches that resonate convincingly and contribute to the overall dynamic atmosphere. Swooshes and other movement-based sound effects are well-distributed through the surround channels, enhancing the chaotic but controlled ambiance typical of superhero battles. Dialog remains consistently clean, clear, and perfectly synchronized without any noticeable defects. This track adeptly balances explosiveness with clarity, offering an exceptional auditory experience for an animated feature.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track shines with its excellent immersive qualities that become even more pronounced in the latter half of the film. Dialog is predominantly anchored up front but occasionally transitions seamlessly between channels. Outdoor ambient sounds, action sequences, and Frederik Wiedmann’s excellent score benefit from well-placed and dynamic panning effects that maintain a lively soundscape from start to finish. The low end is notably strong during critical moments, delivering powerful yet balanced outcomes for explosions and gunfire, ensuring they pack a punch without overwhelming the mix. An Atmos mix could have potentially added another layer of depth, but this already stellar sound track stands resilient on its own, matching and sometimes surpassing the visual components of the film. Optional English (SDH) and foreign subtitles are cleanly integrated without any sync issues, further complementing an already impressive audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Batman: Hush" offers a concise yet engaging selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. The inclusion of the DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock animated short is particularly noteworthy as it brings a fresh perspective not seen since Catwoman in 2011. The featurette Batman: Love in Time of War provides an insightful look into Batman and Catwoman's storied relationship, which might feel repetitive but is still enlightening with contributions from key DC figures. The Audio Commentary by Producer James Tucker, Director Justin Copeland, and Screenwriter Ernie Altbacker delves deeply into the making of "Hush," covering a broad array of topics from voice casting to the score. Additionally, the Blu-ray gives fans a first look at upcoming titles like Wonder Woman: Bloodlines. Overall, the extras blend informative content with teasers for future releases, offering a well-rounded supplementary package.

Extras included in this disc:

• DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock: Brings DC's gritty World War II hero to animated life in an all-new adventure.
• Batman: Love in Time of War (Featurette): Overview of Selina Kyle and her relationship with Batman.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Executive Producer James Tucker, Director Justin Copeland, and Screenwriter Ernie Altbacker.
• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines: Advanced look at the upcoming animated film.
• From the DC Vault – The Batman/Superman Hour: The Underworld Underground Caper: Archive episode showcasing classic adventures.
• From the DC Vault – The Batman/Superman Hour: Partners in Peril: Another episode featuring vintage cartoon tales.

"Batman: Hush" stands as a significant entry in the DCAU, attempting to adapt the acclaimed 2002-03 comic arc into an 82-minute animated feature. The film diverges significantly from its source material, which may unsettle purists. The original story's dense layers and numerous characters pose an inherent challenge for adaptation, leading to necessary but sometimes jarring changes. Notably, characters like Jason Todd and Killer Croc are replaced to fit the established animated continuity. The movie's deviations become starkly apparent in its climax, where the identity and motivations of the villain Hush differ entirely from the comics, providing a twist that subverts expectations yet feels disconnected.

Performance-wise, Jason O’Mara delivers a compelling Batman, resonating strongly with fans of his previous work in the DCAU. The dynamic between Batman and Catwoman, voiced by Jennifer Morrison, is brought to the fore, adding depth to their complicated relationship. However, despite these strong voice performances, some aspects of the film's technical execution falter. Character designs and backgrounds maintain a high standard, but the animation itself often appears stiff, detracting from pivotal scenes' impact.

Overall, "Batman: Hush" offers a blend of familiar and reimagined elements, aiming to entice both newcomers and long-time fans of the comics. Despite its structural and narrative compromises, it provides an engaging, albeit imperfect, addition to the DCAU. While die-hard fans may find themselves longing for a more faithful adaptation, those willing to embrace its differences will appreciate the film's effort to bring a beloved comic to life within the constraints of its medium.

"Batman: Hush" on Blu-ray presents a robust entry into the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. This adaptation diverges significantly from Jeph Loeb's original story arc, introducing notable changes that may not appeal to purists. The altered narrative, focusing heavily on Batman and Catwoman’s relationship, compromises the pacing and lacks the satisfying twist of the original tale. Despite these plot deviations and the relatively stiff animation, which pales in comparison to Jim Lee's iconic artwork, the film delivers a compelling experience for those less familiar or less attached to the source material.

Technically, Warner Bros. provides a commendable Blu-ray package. The video presentation, framed in a 1.78:1 AVC aspect ratio, offers good clarity and rich colors that bring Gotham to life, albeit not as vividly as the 4K variant. The audio mix, available in DTS-HD MA 5.1 for English and DD 5.1 for French and Spanish, ensures an immersive sound experience with clear dialogue and effective surround effects. Subtitles are accessible in English SDH, French, and Spanish, catering to a broad audience. The disc also includes a selection of animated extras from the Warner Bros. vault, enhancing the overall value.

Is "Batman: Hush" a flawless adaptation? No. Is it an exceptional addition to the DCAU roster? Not quite, but it remains an engaging and entertaining film in its own right. The Blu-ray release showcases strong audio and video performance, bolstered by fun supplemental content. For fans of the DCAU and newcomers alike, this edition of "Batman: Hush" is a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Recommendation: Fun Watch

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Jason O'Mara, Jennifer Morrison
Directed by: Justin Copeland
Written by: Ernie Altbacker (screenplay), Jim Lee, Jeph Loeb (Comics)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 AVC
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French, Spanish DD 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 82 minutes
Blu-Ray Release Date: August 6, 2019