The Washington Post Christmas came early for gift-giving fanboys with the release of “The Dark Knight Rises” on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download. In case you’re thinking of not purchasing “Rises” because you already saw it numerous times when it was in theaters, here are five reasons why it’s a must-buy for the superhero fan in your life....
Christian Bale as Batman in a scene from the action thriller "The Dark Knight Rises."
The Washington Post
Christmas came early for gift-giving fanboys with the release of “The Dark Knight Rises” on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download. In case you’re thinking of not purchasing “Rises” because you already saw it numerous times when it was in theaters, here are five reasons why it’s a must-buy for the superhero fan in your life.
1. Incredible HD experience: If you’re a high-definition nut, “The Dark Knight Rises” would be a supreme addition to your HD collection.
One of the best things about “Rises” in HD is watching the scenes that were filmed in IMAX. How can you differentiate? Scenes filmed with IMAX cameras will fill your entire TV screen. Scenes not filmed in IMAX automatically revert to widescreen format. Experienced in HD, “Rises” is a visual masterpiece, from the incredible locations to the costume design.
“Rises” also features DTS HD Master Audio. So if you’ve got a nice set of speakers connected to your TV, you get the movie-theater sound experience at home.
2. Second screen application: If you have an iOS device, this application is a lot of fun, and is loaded with much extra content. Just download “The Dark Knight Rises” FX app for free and sync your iOS device to the Blu-ray through a Wi-Fi connection. The extra content can be viewed on your TV or your iOS device.
This app unlocks features and content that aren’t available when you first start up the Blu-ray video, so be sure to take advantage so you can view all the special features.
Although the features that initially come with “Rises” are nice, the second screen app delivers a treasure-trove of content. There are features that give a look into the new Batcave, the filming of the epic fight scene between Batman and Bane, character bios with lots of photos and an in-depth look at all of Batman’s vehicles and gadgets. Although it’s disappointing that there is no director’s commentary with “Rises,” these features are your chance to hear the filmmakers (such as director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, co-writer Jonathan Nolan and co-writer David Goyer).
3. Hans Zimmer’s score: As with all three Nolan-directed Batman films, one of the most enjoyable aspects is the musical score of Hans Zimmer. He’s masterful at giving each major character a different musical theme. Take advantage of the DTS HD Master Audio, if you can. From Bane’s introduction to Batman’s rise after the fall, Zimmer’s score is an event within itself, and is as worthy of the high-definition treatment as the films visuals.
4. The Batmobile documentary: This fun documentary takes a look at all the Bat rides throughout history, from the Adam West wheels of the 1960s to the monstrous muscle car of the Nolan films.
5. Subtitles, for when you can’t quite make out what Bane is saying: The controversy surrounding the supposed lack of comprehension of Bane’s voice was never a big issue for me. Tom Hardy should be commended for creating a voice of villainy – one that is among the best vocals for baddies, up there with James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader and Heath Ledger’s Joker. Having said that, there were a few times where Bane would say something and I’d raise my eyebrow and say, “Come again?”
No worries here: A quick click on the subtitles option and you’ll be able to figure out whether he was saying “Gotham’s reckoning” or “something’s beckoning.”