The epic comic story created by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale is adapted faithfully to film animation in this 2 part series for disc and digital release.
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One (2021)
Released: 22 Jun 2021
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 85 min
Director: Chris Palmer
Genre: Animation, Action, Crime, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Cast: Jensen Ackles, Josh Duhamel, Jack Quaid, Titus Welliver
Writer(s): Jeph Loeb (original story), Tim Sheridan (screenplay), Tim Sheridan (script)
Plot: Batman investigates a murder spree that takes place on holidays.
IMDB rating: N/A
MetaScore: N/A
Studio: Warner Brothers
Distributed By: N/A
Video Resolution: 1080P/AVC
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 DD, French 5.1 DD
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 Hr. 25 Min.
Package Includes: Blu-ray, Digital Copy
Disc Type: BD50 (dual layer)
Region: ABC
Release Date: 06/22/2021
MSRP: $29.98
The Production: 4/5
Batman(Jensen Ackles) is in the early part of his career as a crimefighter in Gotham City when he is confronted with a serial killer nicknamed “Holiday” who is murdering victims on a monthly basis on various holidays. Harvey Dent(Josh Duhamel) is still District Attorney and working with police Captain James Gordon(Billy Burke) to solve the crimes. Crime boss Carmine Falcone(Titus Welliver) is involved somehow in the crimes as he has a family member who is also a victim of “Holiday”. The late Naya Rivera(Glee) provides the voice of Catwoman in one of her final roles.
The Calendar Man(David Dastmalchian) is confined to Arkham Asylum and knows the identity of the “Holiday” killer. James Gordon and Batman consult with the Calendar Man, who, in turn, toys with the forces of law and order from his cell in a manner reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter. The Joker(Troy Baker) and Solomon Grundy(Fred Tatasciore) also make appearances in this animated feature.
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 is based on the celebrated comic book series created by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. Each of the 13 chapters of the comic series depicted a different monthly holiday over a period of a year bookended by the Halloween holidays. This first film of 2 parts covers the holiday period from Halloween through New Year’s Day, as each holiday marks a prominent murder in Gotham City. Part 2 is scheduled for release on disc on August 10, 2021.
The screenplay by Tim Sheridan is faithful to the original comic series written by Jeph Loeb, and the animators have gone to some lengths in mimicry of the stylized artwork by Tim Sale. The result is an intriguing take on the early days of Batman when Harvey Dent was still one of the good guys and Batman was just becoming acquainted with Catwoman. Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 is definitely one of the better releases in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies Line, and this first film leaves off at a point that makes the viewer anticipate the second part yet to be released.
Video: 4.5/5
3D Rating: NA
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 appears on Blu-ray disc in a 1:78.1 screen aspect ratio. The 1080p transfer has vibrant colors and high fidelity to the fine linework of the animation.
Audio: 4.5/5
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 plays by default in English audio in DTS-HD MA 5.1. The sound stage is used well with some occasional directional audio to make things more immersive. Dialogue is typically audible at a minimal volume in a nice blend with sound effects and music score. French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 are also available on the disc.
Special Features: 3/5
Special features on the Blu-ray disc include all of the following:
DC Showcase: The Losers(16:04): This is an entertaining adaptation of the soldiers who appeared originally in DC Comics’ Our Fighting Forces magazine.
A Sneak Peek at the Next Animated DC Universe Movie, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 2(9:10): Some selected scenes and behind the scenes commentary regarding Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 2, which is scheduled to be released on Blu-ray disc on August 10, 2021.
A Preview of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1(12:34): This is the short preview prepared originally before the release of the 2012 film on Blu-ray.
A Preview of Batman: Gotham By Gaslight(8:28): This is the short preview prepared originally before the release of the 2018 film on Blu-ray.
From the DC Vault: Batman The Animated Series “Christmas With The Joker”(22:22): Episode from the animated series in which the Joker tries a different caper during the Christmas holiday.
From the DC Vault: Batman The Animated Series “It’s Never Too Late”(22:24): Episode from the animated series with villain Carmine Falcone featured prominently.
Also included is a paper insert with validation code and QR code for digital download of the feature on the Movies Anywhere app.
Overall: 4/5
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part 1 is an excellent animated Batman film covering the early part of his career before he fully developed his skills as the Dark Knight Detective. The video and audio presentation are fine, and there are some nice special features with the inclusion of 2 classic episodes from Batman: The Animated Series and a new DC Showcase short featuring the team of soldiers lifted out of the pages of Our Fighting Forces. If Part 2 is as good as Part 1, it should be worth the wait.
Timothy has worked background in theatrical features and television, just for the fun of it, in films directed by Peter Segal and Christopher Nolan. His favorite film star is Bugs Bunny, and Timothy has discovered that most of the problems in life can be solved successfully (strangely enough) by asking “What would Bugs Bunny do?” Timothy has been involved with the Home Theater Forum since 2007 and has reported from Comic Con, interviewed Bruce Campbell and Danny Trejo, and reviewed classic animation and new theatrical releases on disc.
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