Batman: Assault on Arkham Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of "Batman: Assault on Arkham" presents a visually compelling yet technically imperfect showcase. The 1.78:1 aspect ratio maintains its fidelity throughout the runtime, delivering crisp and clean animation lines with meticulously rendered character designs and backgrounds. However, the transfer is plagued with recurrent banding that becomes especially noticeable in backgrounds and skies, lightly marred by occasional macroblocking. Despite this inherent flaw, likely stemming from the source animation, the consistency of contrast and deep black levels lend it an appreciably brooding aesthetic fitting for Gotham's dark narrative.

Color reproduction is a standout element in this presentation, with a palette imbued with both subtle and striking hues. Dominated by shades of dark grays accompanied by piercing whites, pale greens, and inky blacks, the film's muted tones suit its gritty storyline. However, as the intensity of the plot escalates, primary colors such as grisly reds, vivid purples, neon pinks, and electric blues burst onto the screen with remarkable vibrancy. While occasional softer shots linked to faux camera zooms emerge, they don’t significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Batman: Assault on Arkham" delivers an engaging and visually rich animated film experience on Blu-ray. Nevertheless, the recurring banding issues prevent this transfer from achieving flawless status. For enthusiasts of Warner's DC Universe animations, despite its mild technical shortcomings, the presentation remains solid and sufficiently immersive - capturing the essence of Gotham’s dark ambiance effectively.

The audio presentation of "Batman: Assault on Arkham" on Blu-ray showcases a well-crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that impressively enhances the viewing experience. While the sound design doesn't match the caliber of high-budget animated features, it excels for a direct-to-video release, delivering robust power and immersion. The LFE channel provides substantial support to key action elements such as gunfire, explosions, and helicopters, spreading the auditory destruction effectively via the rear speakers. Directional effects are abundant and adequately precise, contributing to an immersive soundfield during action sequences, although quieter moments lack the same environmental depth. Dialogue remains clear and well-positioned throughout, ensuring consistent comprehension without compromising the dynamic interplay of other audio components.

In addition to the primary English DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, the disc includes a French Dolby Digital 5.1 mix and a Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 mix, with optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. The aggressive and spacious nature of the audio track significantly elevates the excitement of the film. Gotham’s ambiance, filled with city noises and pedestrian activity, is naturally spread, while action scenes deliver noticeably precise effects. Every gunshot and explosion benefits from a punchy low-frequency presence, and the surrounds effectively capture the movement of objects like batarangs and boomerangs throughout the room with seamless imaging. Voices are directionally spread as needed, creating an encompassing aural environment. Moreover, the movie’s energetic score maintains an impressive dynamic range and strong separation, adding to the overall thrilling auditory experience. In essence, this audio track does an admirable job of drawing the audience into the high-stakes heist narrative of "Batman: Assault on Arkham."

The Blu-ray release of "Batman: Assault on Arkham" offers a robust set of supplemental features that will delight fans and collectors alike. The highlights include an insightful audio commentary by writer Heath Corson, creative director Mike Carlin, and executive producer James Tucker, covering vast aspects of the film’s production. Viewers can delve into Harley Quinn's character evolution in "The Joker's Queen," featuring interviews with creators and writers. Another standout is "Arkham Analyzed," an in-depth look at Arkham Asylum's integral role in Batman lore across various media forms. Additionally, there is a sneak peek of the next installment in the DC Animated Universe with "Justice League: Throne of Atlantis," and a selection of bonus cartoons from the DC Comics Vault. All features are presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Deep dive into the film's production by key creators.
• The Joker's Queen: Harley Quinn: Exploration of Harley Quinn's origins and evolution.
• Arkham Analyzed: The Secrets Behind the Asylum: Insight into Arkham Asylum's significance in Batman media.
• Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Sneak Peek: Behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie.
• From the DC Comics Vault: Bonus cartoons from various DC animated series.

"Batman: Assault on Arkham" is a bold entry in the DCU animated lineup, diverging from traditional Batman-centric narratives by centering on the anti-heroes of the Suicide Squad. While set within the beloved Arkham videogame universe, the film distances itself from its source material by reinterpreting character motivations and themes. Director Jay Oliva and co-director Ethan Spaulding adeptly merge superhero dynamics with heist film sensibilities, creating an entertaining mashup that spotlights villains Deadshot and Harley Quinn as primary protagonists. The robust voice cast, notably Kevin Conroy reprising his role as Batman and Troy Baker's chilling Joker, further elevates the film.

The plot follows Amanda Waller’s coercion of a motley crew of supervillains—including Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, King Shark, and Black Spider—to infiltrate Arkham Asylum and execute The Riddler. The narrative thrives on its high-stakes tension, enforced compliance via implanted explosive devices, and unexpected plot twists. Despite an occasionally forced script and predictable caper structure, the character development of Deadshot and Harley Quinn stands out, delivering some of the most compelling arcs in the DC animated universe.

Visually, "Assault on Arkham" successfully translates the game's 3D designs into a dynamic 2D aesthetic with a faint anime influence, enhancing fight choreography and maintaining a brisk pace across its 76-minute runtime. The film’s edgy PG-13 content—comprising strong violence, suggestive themes, and dark humor—positions it as a mature animated feature rather than a kid-friendly superhero tale. Although some supporting villains lack depth and certain narrative elements feel tacked on or underutilized, the ensemble’s colorful array of personalities and betrayals ensures a captivating watch. Overall, this movie delivers exhilarating action and complex character interplay that resonates well within the DCU animated canon.

"Batman: Assault on Arkham" delivers an invigorating animated supervillain heist narrative set in Gotham, distinctively focusing more on Batman's infamous rogue’s gallery rather than the Caped Crusader himself. Boasting an ensemble of notorious characters like The Joker, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and The Riddler, the film adeptly highlights both major and minor villains from the DC Universe. Although it’s not without imperfections, the story is compelling enough to engage both comic book aficionados and fans of the video game series. The Blu-ray edition of "Assault on Arkham" excels with a robust video transfer that surpasses its DVD counterpart and a potent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that immerses viewers into its gritty Gotham setting.

The technical presentation of the Blu-ray is praiseworthy. The video quality is crisp and vibrant, capturing the dark and atmospheric tones of Gotham City with precision. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing clarity and depth to every explosive action sequence and nuanced character interactions. Additionally, Warner Bros. enriches the experience with an array of supplemental features, including bonus cartoons and engaging commentary that adds depth to the viewing experience. While "Assault on Arkham" might not reach the zenith of DCU’s animated offerings, it stands out as a significant contribution with its unique perspective and solid craftsmanship.

Is Assault on Arkham the next great DCU animated original movie? Not quite, but it's a helluva lot of fun, not to mention a Gotham-set film that focuses on someone other than Batman for a change. Did I say someone? How about an entire legion of the Dark Knight's most notorious foes -- The Joker, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, The Penguin and The Riddler, just to name a few -- and an extended lineup of more obscure second, third and even fourth-tier beasties and baddies. It may be flawed, but it sets itself apart, and far enough to make the Blu-ray edition well worth a spin. Backed by a solid video presentation that trounces its DVD counterpart, a strong DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, and a decent armament of special features, Assault on Arkham may even be worth a blind buy.