Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997 Blu-ray, DVD Review (2009)

The Dark Knight continues his resurgence, which began last July with the release of Christopher Nolan's outstanding movie "The Dark Knight," and which now extends with this new high-definition anthology from Warner.

The set includes four films--Tim Burton’s 1989 movie “Batman” and 1992’s “Batman Returns,” each with Michael Keaton behind the cape, and Joel Schumacher’s weaker entries, which include 1995’s “Batman Forever,” with Val Kilmer as Batman, and 1997’s “Batman & Robin,” with poor George Clooney featured as the Dark Knight in the dimmest, most chaotic film in the franchise.

In the wake of Nolan’s “Batman Begins” and the aforementioned “Knight,” all of these versions take a less-timely, more cartoonish look at Gotham. Still, moments are to be treasured--Jack Nicholson as The Joker, Michelle Pfeiffer as The Cat, Danny DeVito as The Penguin.

Few, however, will behold the massive piece of frozen woodenness that is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze with anything but their own coolness.

The set includes nine music videos, 18 hours of profiles, documentaries and featurettes, as well as commentaries by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher.

Grade: B-