"Batman: Year One" Animated Film Review

Ever feel every Batman movie that comes along is merely a slick rehash of stuff you've seen before? Don't get me wrong. I'm a huge fan of the ever avenging Bat, especially on the animated front. I watch each Batman movie that's released - animated or live action - but after awhile, it feels like those pro comic fanboys serve up the same stuff in new packaging. Now comes "Batman: Year One", and any feelings of recycling bat goodness vanish as quickly as Catwoman cracking her pythonic whip across a bad guy's temple.

That flashy feline femme-fatale entertains as just one of the many treats to be found in this direct to video animated film. Based around a landmark Frank Miller story from 1987, the plot focuses on Bruce Wayne's homecoming to Gotham city - after training abroad in ways of the bat - and so much more of course. Sound a bit like "Batman Begins" with Christian Bale? Indeed. However, there's more comic book character delight to be found here.

In some ways, this is far more of a showcase for Jim Gordon - better known to true believers as Commissioner Gordon. Usually, the good Mr. Gordon merely triggers the bat signal, and confidently awaits his own personal caped crusader to clean up his town's mess. Here, he's not even Gotham's Police Commissioner yet. Gordon's a much younger man - complete with a pregnant wife - and the narrative spotlight highlights what becomes a fascinatingly complex character.

Bruce Wayne's transformation (transfiguration?) into as ruthless and as coldly bitter a figure as any of his villainous enemies is handled deftly. When Wayne lies bleeding to death in stately Wayne Manor - refusing to call on butler Alfred's help until he comes up with a fearful, vigilante persona - it's both fascinating and disturbing. It's a good way to describe this stark animation style. For animation fans, it's a gluttonous feast. Explosive action is non stop realistic - though pacing is so break neck, you'll barely be able to breathe. It's also so adult, so mature, it may be disturbing to some. Seeing Catwoman slink around - and kick butt - as a ghetto bound prostitute, is one of the more thoroughly adult reinterpretations of Batman legend.

Both the standard DVD and Blu-Ray offer great extras: sneak peeks at upcoming DC/Warner Brothers animated releases, plus a short movie showcasing Catwoman (Eliza Dushku) in her own separate tale, and two "Batman: The Animated Series" episodes on the BD.

"Batman: Year One" will impress Batman fans as a real triumph of storytelling, enhanced by eye popping visuals. It's often shocking, although mostly realistic violence, may disturb some, but comic book fans know full well Batman's dark adventures have never been those for the faint of heart.