Batman

I picked up Batman Begins (two-disc edition) today and just finished watching the film again. I must say, it is one of the best superhero films around -- better than the Spider-man films? In my books yes, but I am biased -- Batman has always been my hero because he is an ordinary guy who does extraordinary things, all without the super-powers that other comic book heros have. The transfer -- both sound and video -- on the DVD is excellent. I haven't explored the extras on the second disc yet though, I look forward to doing so. If you have a choice and a few extra dollars, I'd recommend picking up the two-disc edition of Batman Begins. The single disc version only has the film. The two-disc version has the film, lots of extras, and a collector's edition comic book -- nice touch. Here's how I see the Batman films (by directors):

• Tim Burton: Gothic setting with a focus on the villians rather than Batman (think of Jack's Joker, DeVito's Penguin, and Pfeiffer's Catwoman). Enjoyable and very entertaining. A bit off-kilter in that special Burton-way. Keaton was not right as Batman though.
• Joel Schumacher: Campy. Complete utter garbage -- well, at least Batman and Robin was. Batman Forever was not too bad, but still, it was taking the Batman franchise in the wrong direction. What was up with the Batnipples? What was Clooney, Kilmer, Barrymore, Kidman, Schwarzenegger, Thurman, O'Donnell and other big names thinking when they signed on for these films? Neither Clooney nor Kilmer were right for the role of Batman -- though Kilmer did come close.
• Christopher Nolan: Reality. Ground perfectly in reality with the focus where it should be: On Batman. The Batman in Nolan's film is something that none of the other Batmans were: Frightening, yet because of the deep look into Batman/Wayne, we understand why he does what he does. Christian Bale is the perfect Batman (come on, think of the whole Batman/Wayne thing compared with his split personality in American Psycho), I am glad he signed an option to do another two Batman movies.