5.2 Reasons We Loved BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 was unquestionably one of the best installments of the already stellar ongoing line of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. With fantastic pacing, intelligent scripting and bone-crunchingly brilliant fight scenes, it was an extremely faithful animated adaptation that stands alongside the best of the animated and live action Batman films.

 

That all said, we knew from the start that it was the setup jabs to the knock out punch that would be coming in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2.

 

This is the second half of the animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s masterpiece chronicling the return of the Dark Knight to active duty after a decade in retirement, and our anticipation was high. We had some pretty elevated hopes, and the soon-to-be-released film met every single one of them.

 

To help get you guys excited for the upcoming January 29th Blu-ray and DVD release (we know that you’re already excited, but just go with us on this one), we’re breaking down the 5.2 Reasons We Loved Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2!

 

1. It’s Adapting the Second Half of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS

If you’ve read the previous edition of 5.2 Reasons that covered Part 1, don’t call shenanigans—we’re not just saying the same thing. (And if you haven’t read our previous entry, what the heck, dude? I thought we were friends.) Anyway, while last time we discussed how great the original graphic novel was (understatement, we know) and how faithful the adaptation is, this time, we’re excited because the film covers the second half of the tale—which includes both the Joker AND the Man of Steel.

 

2. Michael Emerson as the Joker

Emerson’s one line at the end of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 sent chills down our spines, but we were seriously unprepared for how perfect that casting choice was. Just the idea of Emerson voicing the Joker seemed brilliant, but actually seeing it happen... just, wow. Words cannot describe. His delivery with certain lines is just beyond perfect.

 

 

3. You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry, You’ll Watch in Stunned Terror

Words may not be able to describe the perfection found in the voicework, but words can certainly describe what makes the Joker hands down one of the most effective parts of the film: he’s a murderous lunatic. This Joker kills a lot of people—joyfully, violently and indiscriminately. It’s incredibly terrifying and unsettling, especially coupled with Emerson’s voice. He does a creepily casual delivery while disposing of fairgoers left and right that simply chills. Not only that, the movie doesn’t skip in the violence, which, speaking of...

 

 

4. PG-13

This movie is very action packed, with Batman kicking butt left and right against the mutant gangs and the police force hunting him down—but things reach a whole new level when the Joker and Superman come into play. And as fans, we love it. We don’t want to go into too much detail, but if you’ve read the graphic novel, you know what goes down in the Joker fight. All we’ll say in regards to the film is that it stays true to the source material.

 

5. Batman versus Superman

This marks the first time Superman and Batman have fought onscreen in a DC film and we can’t even tell you how much it made us scream in nerdy delight. We just can’t. It’s perfect. It’s everything we wanted it to be, with Mark Valley perfectly cast as Miller’s unique, government-pawn-style Superman. Action-packed, brutal, jaw-dropping and all around amazing.

 

 

5.1 The Joker Goes on Conan O’Brien

Okay, it’s David Endocrine, but Conan voices him. As if we weren’t already on Team Coco, this just cements it.

 

 

5.2 A Bald Eagle Lands on Superman’s Arm. A BALD EAGLE. LANDS. ON SUPERMAN’S ARM. It’s Fantastic.

 

 

So what are you looking forward to seeing the most in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2? And do you think you'll be rewatching Part 1 first?

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The BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS Sale

Tomorrow marks the DVD release of the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 animated feature film, which adapts the first half of the critically acclaimed graphic novel by Frank Miller that envisions a retired Bruce Wayne returning to duty as the Dark Knight after a decade out of the cape and cowl.
 
We already gave readers 5.2 Reasons to watch the upcoming film, but now we're giving you all one more big reason to get especially excited: DC Digital Comics is holding a special sale putting up not only all four issues of the original BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS limited series, but also Miller's other fan-favorite, Bat-centric stories, including BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, BATMAN: YEAR ONE (Batman #404-407), and ALL-STAR BATMAN & ROBIN—all for only 99 cents each!
 
The sale lasts for a limited time, so get the comics while you can and give them a read before or after checking out the film—or even while checking it out for side-by-side comparisons of awesomeness.
 
The 3-Day sale begins today in the DC Digital Comics Store!


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5.2 Reasons to Watch BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 1

When Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight first came out in theaters, naturally we went to a midnight showing. Afterward, we all thought basically the same thing, "Wow. We need to see that again." We went again the next day.

 

A similar thing happened after watching Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the animated adaptation of Frank Miller's seminal best-selling graphic novel. In fact, it was so enjoyable that part of our brain isn't even here right now. It's still thinking about the film and fighting with the other half to just stop writing and go home and watch it again.

 

Since, you know, job and responsibilities (dolla dolla bill, y'all), we can't really do that, we're instead going to give you 5.2 Reasons to Watch Batman: The Dark Knight Return, Part 1!

 

1. It's an Adaptation of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS

Let's get this one out there early. Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns ranks as one of the most influential and character-defining comics in modern history. His grim and gritty take on the Caped Crusader set the tone for the character for almost every interpretation that followed. Even after 25 years, it still remains a perennial best-seller month after month. All that and it's quite simply a fantastically well-told story.

 

 

2. It's a GREAT Adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns

While watching the film, we popped open a copy of the graphic novel to compare. We suggest doing the same. Seeing certain iconic images come to life brought out a childlike giddiness. It's an extremely accurate adaptation. There are some slight deviations—tweaked dialogue and extended scenes—but it all enhances the story for film and allows both comic book and film to stand on equal footing of greatness in their respective mediums.

 

 

3. Peter Weller as Batman

When they announced Peter Weller as the voice of the aged and grizzled Bruce Wayne, it just seemed like a perfect fit. It also sent our nerd-fueled brains into a conniption. (Robocop as Batman?!) Weller's take on the character plays out brilliantly. It takes a little bit to see exactly what he's doing as it's subtle, but once you get it, it's like Joker gas to the face: you can't help but grin.

 

 

4. The Score

A good or bad musical score can make or break a movie. Christopher Drake—who composed the music for a number of DC animated films including Wonder Woman and Justice League: Doom—really struck the perfect chord (ha!) for the mood and tone of the film—and most importantly, the setting. Something about the music fit perfectly with the world itself and enhanced all the dialogue and action on the screen. You might even find yourself humming it while doing everyday stuff afterward. It'll make pouring cereal super epic.

 

5. It Gets You Excited for Part 2

As the title may suggest, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 covers the first half of the graphic novel—basically the initial, uh, return of the Dark Knight. Because of the split, the pacing excels tremendously and the end leaves you very, very excited for the next installment.

 

5.1 Awesome Easter Eggs

 

 

 

5.2 We Could Watch This Iconic Moment Over and Over Again

 

 

 

Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to go watch that movie again. Let us know in the comments below (hey, that rhymed!) what you're excited to see in the upcoming film and what other adaptations you think would be awesome to see!

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