Batman vs. Two-Face Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Batman vs. Two-Face" showcases a visually compelling presentation with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, delivering vibrant colors including bright blues, deep blacks, and dynamic reds which stand out on screen. The disc excels in depth and layering, capturing fine details particularly well for its simplistic animation style. The colors are adequately punchy and the black levels are fine-tuned to create a vivid viewing experience. Lines remain sharp with minimal jaggies, and static backgrounds as well as fluid character designs maintain clarity throughout various scenes. Despite these strengths, the video presentation is marred by consistent banding, present in almost every scene, detracting from the overall visual quality.

This Blu-ray presentation is regrettably plagued by regular and sometimes excessive banding – an issue that is often observed in many DC animated titles. Macroblocking makes occasional appearances, most notably in the green gas scenes towards the film’s climax, further complicating the visual experience. The bitrates on this AVC encode appear insufficient to maintain clean, pristine video quality typical of high-definition animated films. Additionally, certain character designs, particularly Robin's, seem rough and sloppy at times, leading to inconsistent animation quality. Despite delivering a rich range of colors evocative of the colorful 60s palette and retaining the deep black levels, these qualities don't completely overshadow the persistent technical flaws. Overall, while the Blu-ray transfer has notable strengths, its significant shortcomings due to poor encoding and rampant banding render it sub-par in comparison to other titles in Warner’s DC animated library.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track on "Batman vs. Two-Face" provides an engaging and well-balanced auditory experience. Vocals are delivered with precision, offering clear and well-defined dialogue, firmly centered to ensure no loss in clarity during action scenes. A highlight of this track is its handling of LFE, which produces deep, guttural sounds that add significant weight to important moments, such as the roar of the Batmobile and the explosive "Biff" and "Pow" effects. The dynamic range is commendable, although not as pronounced as some other DC animated films. Nonetheless, it still provides a rich audio landscape that enhances the viewing experience.

The track maintains proper volume and stage immersion without any need for manual adjustment. High-impact sound effects, like the Evil Extractor’s machinery and explosions, are delivered with satisfying heft and precision. Notable sequences such as the large coin crashing through a game show stage and a bi-plane zooming around during the climax are standout moments that showcase excellent stage movement and weight. Gunshots, punches, and various action sounds maintain clarity and accurate low-end output throughout.

The musical score is a pleasant compliment to the film’s sound design, echoing the original television series’ spirit and fitting seamlessly into the front-oriented mix with some support from the surrounds. Although ambient effects are somewhat limited, they are effectively placed to enhance immersion without overpowering dialogue or action sounds. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a robust and enjoyable listening experience that fans of the Dark Knight will appreciate.

The supplemental features included with the Blu-ray of "Batman vs. Two-Face" are commendable, offering engaging and nostalgic content for fans. Highlights include "The Wonderful World of Burt Ward," which delves into Burt Ward's post-show life with an emphasis on his philanthropy and dog care advocacy. The "Adam West Tribute Panel" from Comic-Con 2017 is both poignant and entertaining, featuring notable figures such as Kevin Smith and Lee Meriwether celebrating West's legacy. Additionally, brief yet insightful interviews with Ward and Julie Newmar add personal touches. The disc also caters to DC enthusiasts with sneak peeks of "The Dark Knight Returns" Parts 1 and 2, among other trailers and promotional content. Collectors and casual fans alike will appreciate the comprehensive and varied extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wonderful World of Burt Ward: Burt Ward's life post-acting, focusing on his work with dogs.
• Adam West Tribute Panel/2017 Comic-Con International: A panel celebrating Adam West with anecdotes from industry insiders.
• Burt Ward on Being Starstruck: Ward discusses notable guest-stars.
• Burt Ward on Ambition: Ward shares his dream of becoming Superboy.
• Julie Newmar on Inspiration: Newmar talks about her Catwoman role and experiences on set.
• A Sneak Peek at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1: Preview of the animated film.
• A Sneak Peek at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2: Continued preview of the animated film.
• Trailers: Includes previews for upcoming DC films and promotions.

"Batman vs. Two-Face" is a nostalgic animated film that revisits the beloved 1960s television series, with Adam West reprising his role as Batman for the final time. This movie successfully captures the playful charm and campiness associated with the original series. Alongside West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar return, joined by William Shatner, who delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance as both Harvey Dent and Two-Face. The plot, revolving around evil extracted by a machine gone awry, leading to Dent's transformation into Two-Face, is simple yet engaging, maintaining the light-hearted tone. The film stands out for its impeccable recreation of the 1960s Batman ambience, complete with vibrant on-screen sound effects, clever wordplay, and signature gadgets.

The nostalgic appeal of "Batman vs. Two-Face" is bolstered by its faithful adherence to the aesthetic and humor of the 1960s show. The retro experience is enhanced through meticulous alliterations, classic catchphrases, and action scenes marked by iconic visual sound effects. The synergy between West's Batman and Ward's Robin remains charmingly intact, although some modern innuendoes slightly disrupt the otherwise pristine mimicry of the original tone. The thematic underlining of duality within Two-Face's character mirrors Batman's own identity struggles albeit lightly explored. Shatner's energetic portrayal injects fresh enthusiasm into the film but might feel a tad out of sync with the more subdued performances.

Ultimately, "Batman vs. Two-Face" is a fitting tribute to Adam West’s final performance, encapsulating the whimsical spirit of the show that defined Batman for millions of fans. It may not introduce groundbreaking elements but succeeds in delivering a heartfelt, nostalgia-filled adventure. Long-time followers will appreciate the rich homage paid through detailed recreations of villains and settings, while new viewers may find an entertainingly distinct take in today's often darker superhero narratives.

"Batman vs. Two-Face" is a meticulously crafted homage to the 1960s Batman TV show, vivid in its recreation of the iconic series' distinctive flavor. Helmed by Rick Morales, with vocal performances from Adam West, Burt Ward, and William Shatner, the film successfully channels the charm and whimsy of its predecessor while injecting updated animation and meticulous voice work. The movie delights in balancing the light-heartedness and fun action sequences emblematic of the era, making it a worthy successor to "Return of the Caped Crusaders" and a nostalgic trip for fans of the original show.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels with a solid video quality, rendered in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with AVC compression, though slight banding may be noticeable. The audio, highlighted by an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, is robust and enveloping, capturing every nuance of the dialogue and action. Despite a limited quantity, the included extras are impressively comprehensive, offering in-depth insights and additional content that enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Batman vs. Two-Face" is a delightful journey back to the heyday of TV’s campy crusader. The superb vocal talents of Adam West and his co-stars elevate this animated feature, ensuring it resonates with both longtime fans and new viewers alike. Encompassing solid audio-visual quality and substantive supplements, this Blu-ray is a must-have for collectors and a recommended watch for anyone seeking a blend of nostalgia and entertainment in their superhero fare.