Movie Review
I was one of the few people who actually enjoyed the theatrical cut of the film. However, the Ultimate edition Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice surpasses what I thought of my big screen viewing. Some of the extra scenes made a more cohesive story. While I didn’t fully understand the Justice League decrypt sequence it makes more sense to me in this extended cut of the film.
The biggest “fix” is that Lex’s manipulation of both Batman and Superman is significantly more obvious. Snyder’s usage of Batman as a villain who realizes just what he’s become the moment before he attempts to end the Man of Steel is the grand opus. Each additional scene helps stitch together a masterful weave of storytelling.
The biggest contention has amongst the film community has been the “Martha” scene. That’s the moment when Bruce Wayne realizes he’s become what the Batman was supposed to fight… a Joe Chill. Not only does he realize the humanity in Superman, but also what Batman has become at the hands of the manipulation by Luthor. Snyder and writer Chris Terrio wove a masterpiece that easily overlooked.
There are many essays and studies on the film (I suggest you go read a few), it’s themes, and how the story is told, but Snyder’s inspirations and Hitchcockian vibe shine through this operatic version of the film. I dare say, to which I know many people will rebuke, that this is the best comic book film we’ve EVER gotten and I feel that this is the most misunderstood comic-book movie ever made.
The question you most likely want answered is should I watch the Ultimate Edition over the theatrical. The simple answer is YES. Do watch it. Form your own opinion. Discuss them.
Video
While BvS is desaturated each scene is still a painting. Zack Snyder and cinematographer Larry Fong know how to frame a film.
It’s codec is pristine. I could not find any flaws in the print, nor did any of the special fx look any less realistic than in theatres.
Audio
I wish I could have enjoyed the Dolby Atmos track, however, the Dolby True HD 7.1 track filled my theatre room with a delightful treat for the ears. I will be using this movie to show off my theatre equipment going forward. The blending of the track bring you into the action and you feel as though you are part of it.
Turn it up to 11!
Extras
I was a little underwhelmed with the extras. I may have been a while since I’ve reviewed anything, but I expected more for a tentpole film.
- Uniting the World’s Finest (15:05): Catch some clips from the upcoming Wonder Woman film. It also gives us a tease of future Justice League members.. the Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.
- Gods and Men: A Meeting of Giants (12:28): Blah blah blah, what comic fans have been waiting for Batman and Superman on screen… blah blah blah.
- The Warrior, the Myth, the Wonder (21:16): With glimpses of the Wonder Woman movie it also looks at her history through the comics, TV and animation.
- Accelerating Design: The New Batmobile (22:46): Interviews with the design team who redesigned the Batmobile and the stunt driver. It’s hosted by commentator Sal Maskela.
- Superman: Complexity and Truth (7:08): Zack Snyder Superman and his suit design.
- Batman: Austerity and Rage (8:15): How the Dark Knight became the darkness… plus costume design.
- Wonder Woman: Power & Grace (6:48): Gal Gadot’s transformation into Wonder Woman.
- Batcave: Legacy of the Lair (7:12): Production design Snyder’s Batcave.
- The Might and the Power of a Punch (5:15): Breakdown of the big beatdown and Batman’s strategies and weapon choices.
- The Empire of Luthor (12:33): A look at the mastermind of Lex Luthor.
- Save the Bats (4:37): Well… save them.
- Trailers
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
I’m a fan. Plain and simple. I enjoyed the visual story telling and thanks to the amazing video I can watch it over and over and over. Accompanied by the incredible Dolby tracks this film will test the limits of a lesser system. Crank it up and enjoy each and every hit, the score, and more. Unfortunately, the extras don’t have any reason to be re-watched.
