Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics have had a long-standing collaboration that has produced numerous animated feature films. For twenty-plus years they have brought beloved superheroes and evil villains together on screen for all our enjoyment. Of course, a fan favorite has always been Batman and DC Comics has retold many of his classic stories in this medium. This summer at San Diego Comic-Con they world premiered the latest film, Batman: Hush to a packed crowd. Now you can own it on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital as it was released this month to retailers.
Batman (Jason O'Mara; The Man in the High Castle) has always lived a very lonely and solitary existence. He has Alfred (James Garrett; Titanic), Dick Greyson (Sean Maher; Firefly), and Batgirl (Peyton List; The Sorcerer's Apprentice) in his life and they are the only people who know his true identity. When Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman (Jennifer Morrison; Once Upon A Time) Bruce/Batman decides it's time to let her back into his life and he pursues a relationship with her. Meanwhile, things are getting personal for Batman.
When he saves a young boy being held for ransom, Bane (Adam Gifford; Longmire) shows up to stop him which gives Catwoman the opportunity to steal the ransom money. Then Poison Ivy (List) takes the money. Next, Harley Quinn (Hynden Walch; Groundhog Day) shows up at the Opera Bruce and Selina are attending and says she has to kill Bruce to free her love, The Joker (Jason Spisak; Young Justice), who is framed for killing Bruce"s friend, Thomas Elliot (Maury Sterling; The A-Team). Basically, All these criminals are after Batman but are under mind control by a mastermind called Hush (Geoffrey Arend; 500 Days of Summer). Oh and Catwoman and Batman become personally involved.
O'Mara once again offers his deep, resonating voice to that of the Caped Crusader and does it well will terrific tonal inflection. Morrison is somewhat new to the voice-over work but manages to hold her own. Maher, List, Garrett, Spisak, and the rest of the cast are made up of seasoned professionals so they play their parts nicely.
Unfortunately, while the cast is good, comic book purists will likely balk at all the changes that were made from the original story. The Batman/Selina love affair takes a more prominent role, perhaps to attract more female viewers. However, they become the central characters as opposed to the game of cat and mouse Batman should be playing with Hush. Other inconsequential changes were unnecessarily made, which are sure to anger die-hard fans.
The 4K is presented in 2160p video quality with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The animation is excellent with crisp lines and even the minutest of details discernible to the naked eye. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is equally as sharp, which enhances the overall viewing experience. The combo pack comes with the following extras: DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock, Batman: Love in Time of War, Audio Commentary, Sneak Peek - Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Sneak Peek - Batman: Assault on Arkham, and From the DC Vault - Batman: The Animated Series, "Catwalk".
Batman: Hush gives fans some of what they want and maybe a little of what they don't. Littered with many of our favorite villains, it has a complete storyline with twists and turns at every corner. However, it places a bigger emphasis on the Bruce/Batman -Selina/Catwoman relationship than the original comic did and it does leave out a few of those villains and twists (perhaps for time's sake). Regardless, it's a well-told story with excellent animation vocal talent. DC Comic Animated Universe once again gives viewers a delightful hour and a half.
Grade: B+
