I didn't base it on the IMDB, but on the official site you just posted a link to.
"Starring the voice talents of Kevin Conroy (et al)"
Well I'm keeping my fingers crossed in any event. :v
Like I said, although it may not be accurate, he's listed as such on IMDB.com:
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) (V) Kevin Conroy ... Bruce Wayne / Batman (voice)
To list him as anyone else within a Batman cartoon is criminal; it's like someone else voicing Lex Luthor instead of Clancy Brown. I mean that's signature to me...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
{[] I'm delighted to hear Conroy is involved. I'm a big fan of the Animated Series.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited March 2008
Speaking of The Animated Series, I got lucky and found Superman: The Animated Series Vol. 3 today during lunch...and at a good deal I might add.
The World's Finest stories on it are some of the best ones ever. If "Knight Time" doesn't make you laugh, as Superman tries to imitate a missing Batman, then I don't know what will. Comedy gold! ) ) )
I'll revisit these old eps when I get home. Great animation!
Apparently we don't discover how The Joker comes to be; he springs up full-blown in the opening sequence showing him and his men pulling off a bank robbery. I don't know if I like this as I think that it is extremely important to explain the origin of the villain and it's more entertaining as well. BTW, when I talk about origin, I am specifically referring to how The Joker ended up looking the way he does, not why he became a criminal.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Apparently we don't discover how The Joker comes to be; he springs up full-blown in the opening sequence showing him and his men pulling off a bank robbery. I don't know if I like this as I think that it is extremely important to explain the origin of the villain and it's more entertaining as well. BTW, when I talk about origin, I am specifically referring to how The Joker ended up looking the way he does, not why he became a criminal.
For what it's worth Dan, this is actually pretty common knowledge and it's sort of how the character was handled in the comics as well. When he first appears, he's already The Joker and Bob Kane & Co. didn't fill out his backstory until somewhat later.
Somewhat more disappointing for me is the fact that he uses makeup instead of having actual bleached skin. In the comics his disfigurement was behind his insanity and taking that away really changes the character in some very fundamental ways for me. Then again, Harvey Dent's disfigurement triggers the birth of Two Face, so maybe Nolan didn't want two villains with similar origins.
Apparently we don't discover how The Joker comes to be; he springs up full-blown in the opening sequence showing him and his men pulling off a bank robbery. I don't know if I like this as I think that it is extremely important to explain the origin of the villain and it's more entertaining as well. BTW, when I talk about origin, I am specifically referring to how The Joker ended up looking the way he does, not why he became a criminal.
I think loads of people have even seen this scene; it was shown in Imax cinemas. So about as spoilery as the trailer!
;% Guys, I realise that it's not the biggest spoiler in the world, but considering that it is almost always people like Rogue and Tony who provide spoilers, you could at least pretend it's groundbreaking news. )
Tony, my fear is that we will be introduced to a psychotic criminal wearing clown makeup and Nolan will treat it casually as if it is perfectly natural. Perhaps if The Joker adopts the makeup and suit as a kind of disguise, fine, but I do think that the film needs to acknowledge his wearing makeup.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
If you'll remember the end of the last one, the Joker was treated as pretty big news; one to watch out for. He's not going to be treated as if he was normal.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited March 2008
The new Gotham Knight DVD just became a little more desirable for my dollar... KEVIN CONROY will voice Batman! Smart move for Warner to connect the old/popular with the new.
Batman Gotham Knight Voice Cast Announced
Source: Warner Premiere, DC Comics March 19, 2008
Warner Premiere and DC Comics have officially announced the voice cast for Batman Gotham Knight:
Kevin Conroy, the bench mark by which fans compare all Batman voices, returns to the title role in Batman Gotham Knight, the third release in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series from DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation, it was announced today. The all-new, original movie will street July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as OnDemand and Pay-per-View. The film will be available for download on the same date.
Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award-winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.
Conroy set the standard for modern day Batman voices with his performance in Batman: The Animated Series, The New Adventures of Batman and Robin and The New Batman Superman Adventures. He reprised the role as an aging Bruce Wayne playing mentor to a new Caped Crusader in Batman Beyond. Animation legend and Batman Gotham Knight producer Bruce Timm said Conroy was the obvious choice for both widespread fan approval and to provide an overriding sense of continuity within a film in which Batman appears in so many new, visual variations.
"Anytime we initiate an animated Batman project, 'Will Kevin Conroy voice Batman?' is the first question we hear from fans," said Bruce Timm , Executive Producer. "To meet Kevin is to know that he's not anything like Batman, and yet he manages to perfectly nail that indefinable element that is Batman. He's got the voice, he's got the acting chops, and he's absolutely the best man for the job."
Conroy provided a central, rallying point for a cast that perfectly meshes stars of some of today's highest rated primetime television series with many of the most popular voiceover actors in the business. Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) are heard in multiple segments of the six-story film as police detectives Crispus Allen and Anna Ramirez, key members of a special unit who learn to trust the Dark Knight's motives. Parminder Nagra (ER, Bend It Like Beckham) supplies the voice of Cassandra, a mystical Indian woman who teaches Bruce Wayne to endure and manage his pain. David McCallum (Navy NCIS, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Great Escape) takes on the role of loyal servant Alfred. George Newbern (Father of the Bride) and Alanna Ubach (Legally Blonde) also join the cast.
The cast also features popular voice over artists Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Jason Marsden, Jim Meskimen, Pat Musick, Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Corey Padnos and Crystal Scales.
Batman Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $19.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains over 100 minutes of bonus features plus 4 bonus episodes. All the content fr m the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.
Batman Gotham Knight 2-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc will feature incredible extras including:
"Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman.
"A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City's most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.
"Batman: The Animated Series" Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
"Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" - DC Universe animated original movie
Audio Commentary - Featuring the filmmakers of Gotham Knight.
Widescreen (1.78:1)
5.1 Dolby Digital
Batman Gotham Knight was headed by an impressive list of directors who have brought their distinctly different anime styles to the classic Batman character. The production was divided among three renowned studios – Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse – and included the truly inimitable visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka. With stories written by several of the most talented writers of film , comic books, and animation, including Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), Emmy®-winner Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, The Dark Knight), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello, Batman Gotham Knight presents thrilling new adventures of Batman that spotlight several of Gotham City's most dangerous villains, including the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unnerving marksman known as Deadshot. Batman Gotham Knight is produced by Emma Thomas (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Michael Uslan & Benja m in Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Toshi Hiruma.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Well one person I know that would foam at the mouth over this interview is J.D.
EXCL: SHH! Chats Up Maggie G. on Dark Knight
Source: Edward Douglas March 24, 2008
One of the surprises from last week's ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas was Warner Bros.' star-studded "The Big Picture" presentation which featured some of the cast and filmmakers of the studio's big summer movies including Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. One person who showed up unannounced was actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who replaces Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes in the upcoming sequel, and Superhero Hype! had a chance to talk to her briefly on the red carpet for the event.
Despite being the new girl in the franchise, Gyllenhaal was gracious towards her predecessor when asked whether her portrayal was inspired by Holmes' version or would be completely different. "I think she's a wonderful actress and I really admired the work that she did in the first Batman, but I don't think it would have worked if I tried to imitate her. I think the only way to do it is to do it like myself," Gyllenhaal told us.
"They just (expect you to) suspend your disbelief," she continued when pressed about whether there'd be any sort of nod or mention of the fact that Rachel Dawes looks and acts completely different in the movie. "I'm Rachel Dawes now. I mean, how many Batmen have there been? Lots of them!"
Even though Gyllenhaal has become a name actress in recent years, she's continued to do smaller independent films with only a few exceptions, so we asked her whether joining a blockbuster franchise like Batman has made her life any crazier. "It hasn't really started yet, that craziness," she admitted to us. "I imagine it will and I'll just take it as it comes, that kind of thing, and in terms of the actual making of it, I anticipated it was going to be much different than making a small movie, and in the end, it didn't feel that way, and I think it was because I was working with really good actors like Gary Oldman and Michael Caine and Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Heath Ledger. It felt like making any other movie, and I think Chris Nolan has a lot to do with that, and also because he really likes and respects actors, so it felt like doing good scenes in any movie."
Before she was whisked off to the presentation, we asked whether she'd been getting into any of the action in the new movie and how that had been. "Somewhat," she responded. "They took really good care of me. I thought I might get bruised up but in fact, I didn't. They really knew what they were doing. I was scared to do some of the action stuff I had to do, and I did it once, and I was like, 'Oh, this is a blast!'"
Next up for Gyllenhaal is Rebecca Miller's adaptation of her own novel The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, but we hope to have more with the vibrant young actress closer to the release of The Dark Knight on July 18.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Well one person I know that would foam at the mouth over this interview is J.D.
{[] Rogue.
Next up for Gyllenhaal is Rebecca Miller's adaptation of her own novel The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
Uh-oh. Miller is a dreadful filmmaker. And I'll have to sit through another one of her films. I swore I never would after being subjected to The Ballad of Jack and Rose.
New interview with Christian Bale over at EW.com in which he talks about TDK, the notion of a third Batman film, and even a bit about the new Terminator film. Click on thru to read.
New interview with Christian Bale over at EW.com in which he talks about TDK, the notion of a third Batman film, and even a bit about the new Terminator film. Click on thru to read.
Very cool. I caught the link there where Nolan talks about the responsibility he feels toward Heath Ledger. Great stuff.
I cannot wait for this film... B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
New interview with Christian Bale over at EW.com in which he talks about TDK, the notion of a third Batman film, and even a bit about the new Terminator film.
Great interview. Three quick comments:
1)Like Loeff, I can not wait until this film.
2)If Bale makes another Batman film, it will be Batman 3notBatman 7. This series has no connection with the Burton/Schumaker films.
3)The Terminator films are incredibly important to me (kind of like Iron Man with Tony and Bats with Rogue ) and I really hope that Bale is referring to Terminator 4, rather than a reboot. I don't want a reboot. The first two films are masterpieces and I want them to be left alone. I can deal with a sequel, even if it's terrible, as it's not intended to revisit or reimagine the first film or two, but I can not deal with a reboot.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
New interview with Christian Bale over at EW.com in which he talks about TDK, the notion of a third Batman film, and even a bit about the new Terminator film. Click on thru to read.
Very cool. I caught the link there where Nolan talks about the responsibility he feels toward Heath Ledger. Great stuff.
I cannot wait for this film... B-)
Great article, Tony. I echo Loeff and Dan (like that's news with me) on the anticipation of finally seeing TDK. I really think it's going to be good.
If perhaps everything goes well with the sequel and they do a third, would it be too much to actually make a more TRADITIONAL looking Bat costume? Please????
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
If perhaps everything goes well with the sequel and they do a third, would it be too much to actually make a more TRADITIONAL looking Bat costume? Please?
I agree. If they won't go for the spandex and leather of the comics, it would be a good idea to make a costume more sleek and less busy (compared to the TDK one), just like (*WARNING: nerditry alert*) what has been done with Snake-Eyes.
3)The Terminator films are incredibly important to me (kind of like Iron Man with Tony and Bats with Rogue ) and I really hope that Bale is referring to Terminator 4, rather than a reboot. I don't want a reboot. The first two films are masterpieces and I want them to be left alone. I can deal with a sequel, even if it's terrible, as it's not intended to revisit or reimagine the first film or two, but I can not deal with a reboot.
From what I've read, T4 will take place in the future and chronicle the war of men vs. machines. I've heard rumors that it will be a trilogy and end with...
Kyle Reese going back in time to save Sarah Connor and subsequently knock her up, thus bringing the saga around full circle.
...In that respect, it will ignore the TV show and instead be a sequel to T3, which really undid the ending to T2, which come to think of it, drastically revised the future history hinted at in T1.
If perhaps everything goes well with the sequel and they do a third, would it be too much to actually make a more TRADITIONAL looking Bat costume? Please?
I agree. If they won't go for the spandex and leather of the comics, it would be a good idea to make a costume more sleek and less busy (compared to the TDK one), just like (*WARNING: nerditry alert*) what has been done with Snake-Eyes.
If nothing else, I'd love to at least see a costume with the distinctive black bat on the yellow oval. But given Nolan's sensibilities, I very much doubt we'll ever get anything like that. My guess would be that Batman's suit in a third Nolan Batpic would probably look very much like what we have by the end of TDK.
...In that respect, it will ignore the TV show and instead be a sequel to T3, which really undid the ending to T2, which come to think of it, drastically revised the future history hinted at in T1.
I hope you're right as I don't mind at all if it's a sequel to T3 (which I'm not a big fan of.) I just don't want it to be a reboot. That way, if it's not of a great quality, it's easy to disregard it in favour of the first two films.
It should be noted that I don't agree with you that T2 revised the future history hinted at in the first film, but then of course we have drastically different views on T2.
If perhaps everything goes well with the sequel and they do a third, would it be too much to actually make a more TRADITIONAL looking Bat costume? Please?
I agree. If they won't go for the spandex and leather of the comics, it would be a good idea to make a costume more sleek and less busy (compared to the TDK one), just like (*WARNING: nerditry alert*) what has been done with Snake-Eyes.
If nothing else, I'd love to at least see a costume with the distinctive black bat on the yellow oval. But given Nolan's sensibilities, I very much doubt we'll ever get anything like that. My guess would be that Batman's suit in a third Nolan Batpic would probably look very much like what we have by the end of TDK.
I'm not a Batman geek, but I would love a much smoother and cooler Batmobile in The Dark Knight, if not the third film.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
It should be noted that I don't agree with you that T2 revised the future history hinted at in the first film, but then of course we have drastically different views on T2.
Sure it did.
T1 ends with the clear message that "a storm is coming" as Sarah looks off into the distance, knowing the dark future that awaits her. The movie even ends with the photograph that Reese cherished so much in the future.
The whole point of T2 is undoing the future. Have you forgotten the whole "There is no fate but what we make" speech, which is repeated again and again? By the end of T2 Myles Dyson, who Arnie said was the man primarily responsible for the technology that led to Cyberdine is dead, his files destroyed, and all traces of the future Terminator technology have been destroyed too. Dyson even said at one point that they never would have made any progress without access to the future Terminator hardware which was subsequently destroyed. As Sarah and John ride off into the night she says that she doesn't "know what the future will hold" anymore and she seems relieved by that. Its very clear that they intended to change the future. There was even a scene filmed but never shown with an alternate future in which Sarah is still alive and John is a successful senator. But even without that, the film (when taken on its own merits) clearly tells us that things are going to be different.
And remember, the notion of making T3 didn't happen until many many years later.
T1 ends with the clear message that "a storm is coming" as Sarah looks off into the distance, knowing the dark future that awaits her. The movie even ends with the photograph that Reese cherished so much in the future.
The whole point of T2 is undoing the future. Have you forgotten the whole "There is no fate but what we make" speech, which is repeated again and again? By the end of T2, all traces of the future Terminator and Cyberdine technology have been destroyed and as Sarah and John ride off into the night she says that she doesn't know "what the future will hold" anymore and she seems relieved by that. Its very clear that they intended to change the future. There was even a scene filmed but never shown with an altenate future in which Sarah is still alive and John is a successful senator. But even without that, the film (when taken on its own merits) clearly tells us that things are going to be different.
But that doesn't revise the future history. The ideology of the two films may have differed in that the first one was certainly more fatalistic and the second film was more idealistic, but I did not leave the second film thinking there would be no war and Skynet would not exist. In the first film, Sarah defeated the Terminator, however it was made clear that it was only the beginning. In the second film, the victory was more complete, but the film (at least for me) still imparted a sense of inevitability.
Granted, it was more subtle than in the first film, but even with Arnie committing suicide ( ), I would argue it was still there. In fact, the tone and nature of Arnie's committing suicide ( ) helped IMO impart this sense of inevitability. I say that as it was a tragic moment (and IMO one of the most tragic moments in the history of cinema), yet just as the T-1000 never stopped chasing after John and co, it was IMO made clear that it was ultimately futile. Plus, T2's philosophy on time travel was arguably that any attempt to change time is futile, like the first film.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Let's agree to disagree Dan. I don't want to hijack this thread. Suffice it to say that I saw a very different movie from what you saw and I'm pretty sure there are even some interviews with James Cameron where he basically says what I said.
EDIT: check out this interview with Cameron and pay close attention to the second and third paragraphs. That's pretty cut and dry in my book.
I'm not a Batman geek, but I would love a much smoother and cooler Batmobile in The Dark Knight, if not the third film.
... don't hold your breath. I loved the sleek Batmobile from the 1989 movie (my favorite version for the record) but again, given Nolan's vision the Batmobile HAS to be along the lines of the ungainly urban assult vehicle we saw in Batman Begins. I would not expect anything different even with other vehicles; just look at the very sparse and utilitarian BatBike from TDK.
... don't hold your breath. I loved the sleek Batmobile from the 1989 movie (my favorite version for the record) but again, given Nolan's vision the Batmobile HAS to be along the lines of the ungainly urban assult vehicle we saw in Batman Begins. I would not expect anything different even with other vehicles; just look at the very sparse and utilitarian BatBike from TDK.
Yeh, I know. The problem is that he's Batman! Yes, he became so out of tragedy and because of vengance, but he's still one of the coolest superheroes of all time, and should be treated as such. If he can't have a cool car, then what's the point? )
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited March 2008
I actually enjoyed the Tumbler---sure, it didn't have cool bat-fins, but IMO it worked.
"Does it come in black?" :v
My favourite Batmobile was the one Adam West drove, ;% but the one from Tim Burton's films was pretty f-ing cool B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I actually enjoyed the Tumbler---sure, it didn't have cool bat-fins, but IMO it worked.
"Does it come in black?" :v
My favourite Batmobile was the one Adam West drove, ;% but the one from Tim Burton's films was pretty f-ing cool B-)
Why be embarassed? ) Adam West was The Man! My favourite car was the one from the first Burton film. Completely black, extremely smooth, some great special features, and very very cool. :007)
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
I actually enjoyed the Tumbler---sure, it didn't have cool bat-fins, but IMO it worked.
"Does it come in black?" :v
My favourite Batmobile was the one Adam West drove, ;% but the one from Tim Burton's films was pretty f-ing cool B-)
Why be embarassed? ) Adam West was The Man! My favourite car was the one from the first Burton film. Completely black, extremely smooth, some great special features, and very very cool. :007)
My brother and I picked up a very nice Hot Wheels die cast 1/18 scale replica of Adam West's Batmobile a couple of weeks ago (being collecting fanatics we have most of Batman's TV and movie rides as die-casts except that gaudy neon explosion from Batman & Robin). It will hold us over until we can get our hands on a hyper-detailed Elite version that Hot Wheels will be releasing in a few months.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
It will hold us over until we can get our hands on a hyper-detailed Elite version that Hot Wheels will be releasing in a few months.
Oh God...keep me posted when that comes out...they might get my $$$$ B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
It will hold us over until we can get our hands on a hyper-detailed Elite version that Hot Wheels will be releasing in a few months.
Oh God...keep me posted when that comes out...they might get my $$$$ B-)
Will do. The Elites are going for around $130 on Ebay (pre-sales only); I'll be sure to let you know when a firm release date comes up (looking like late April right now). There's also a "Super Elite" version in the pipeline with even more detail that will probably sell in the $400-$500 range.
Here's a couple of pics from Ebay of the Elite to whet your appetite.
Comments
Yes, according to IMDB.com, Conroy will be voicing Batman but they aren't always accurate...
No one would be more pleased than me if he did reprise the role because the art...I'm just too spoiled to the Bruce Timm style of animation...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
"Starring the voice talents of Kevin Conroy (et al)"
Well I'm keeping my fingers crossed in any event. :v
Like I said, although it may not be accurate, he's listed as such on IMDB.com:
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) (V)
Kevin Conroy ... Bruce Wayne / Batman (voice)
To list him as anyone else within a Batman cartoon is criminal; it's like someone else voicing Lex Luthor instead of Clancy Brown. I mean that's signature to me...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The World's Finest stories on it are some of the best ones ever. If "Knight Time" doesn't make you laugh, as Superman tries to imitate a missing Batman, then I don't know what will. Comedy gold!
I'll revisit these old eps when I get home. Great animation!
Knight Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEOCxDdRxb4
Pay special attention to the exchange between Commissioner Gordon & Supes.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Apparently we don't discover how The Joker comes to be; he springs up full-blown in the opening sequence showing him and his men pulling off a bank robbery. I don't know if I like this as I think that it is extremely important to explain the origin of the villain and it's more entertaining as well. BTW, when I talk about origin, I am specifically referring to how The Joker ended up looking the way he does, not why he became a criminal.
For what it's worth Dan, this is actually pretty common knowledge and it's sort of how the character was handled in the comics as well. When he first appears, he's already The Joker and Bob Kane & Co. didn't fill out his backstory until somewhat later.
Somewhat more disappointing for me is the fact that he uses makeup instead of having actual bleached skin. In the comics his disfigurement was behind his insanity and taking that away really changes the character in some very fundamental ways for me. Then again, Harvey Dent's disfigurement triggers the birth of Two Face, so maybe Nolan didn't want two villains with similar origins.
I think loads of people have even seen this scene; it was shown in Imax cinemas. So about as spoilery as the trailer!
Tony, my fear is that we will be introduced to a psychotic criminal wearing clown makeup and Nolan will treat it casually as if it is perfectly natural. Perhaps if The Joker adopts the makeup and suit as a kind of disguise, fine, but I do think that the film needs to acknowledge his wearing makeup.
Batman Gotham Knight Voice Cast Announced
Source: Warner Premiere, DC Comics March 19, 2008
Warner Premiere and DC Comics have officially announced the voice cast for Batman Gotham Knight:
Kevin Conroy, the bench mark by which fans compare all Batman voices, returns to the title role in Batman Gotham Knight, the third release in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series from DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation, it was announced today. The all-new, original movie will street July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, as well as OnDemand and Pay-per-View. The film will be available for download on the same date.
Batman Gotham Knight is a fresh and exciting new entry into the Batman mythos, spinning out of a 40-year history in animation including the Emmy®-winning Batman: The Animated Series, widely considered a pivotal moment in American animation. A cross section of distinguished creators, award-winning producers, and acclaimed writers weave six interlocking stories that reveal Bruce Wayne's journey to The Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world's most revered animation visionaries.
Conroy set the standard for modern day Batman voices with his performance in Batman: The Animated Series, The New Adventures of Batman and Robin and The New Batman Superman Adventures. He reprised the role as an aging Bruce Wayne playing mentor to a new Caped Crusader in Batman Beyond. Animation legend and Batman Gotham Knight producer Bruce Timm said Conroy was the obvious choice for both widespread fan approval and to provide an overriding sense of continuity within a film in which Batman appears in so many new, visual variations.
"Anytime we initiate an animated Batman project, 'Will Kevin Conroy voice Batman?' is the first question we hear from fans," said Bruce Timm , Executive Producer. "To meet Kevin is to know that he's not anything like Batman, and yet he manages to perfectly nail that indefinable element that is Batman. He's got the voice, he's got the acting chops, and he's absolutely the best man for the job."
Conroy provided a central, rallying point for a cast that perfectly meshes stars of some of today's highest rated primetime television series with many of the most popular voiceover actors in the business. Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) are heard in multiple segments of the six-story film as police detectives Crispus Allen and Anna Ramirez, key members of a special unit who learn to trust the Dark Knight's motives. Parminder Nagra (ER, Bend It Like Beckham) supplies the voice of Cassandra, a mystical Indian woman who teaches Bruce Wayne to endure and manage his pain. David McCallum (Navy NCIS, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Great Escape) takes on the role of loyal servant Alfred. George Newbern (Father of the Bride) and Alanna Ubach (Legally Blonde) also join the cast.
The cast also features popular voice over artists Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Jason Marsden, Jim Meskimen, Pat Musick, Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Corey Padnos and Crystal Scales.
Batman Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $19.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains over 100 minutes of bonus features plus 4 bonus episodes. All the content fr m the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.
Batman Gotham Knight 2-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc will feature incredible extras including:
"Batman and Me a Devotion of Destiny: The Bob Kane Story" - The comprehensive chronology of the remarkable life of the creator of Batman.
"A Mirror for the Bat: The Evil Denizens of Gotham City" - A stimulating documentary covering Gotham City's most nefarious of characters, combined with a look into the symbiotic relationship Batman shares with his enemies.
"Batman: The Animated Series" Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
"Sneak Peek: Wonder Woman" - DC Universe animated original movie
Audio Commentary - Featuring the filmmakers of Gotham Knight.
Widescreen (1.78:1)
5.1 Dolby Digital
Batman Gotham Knight was headed by an impressive list of directors who have brought their distinctly different anime styles to the classic Batman character. The production was divided among three renowned studios – Studio 4ºC, Production I.G and Madhouse – and included the truly inimitable visions of directors Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka. With stories written by several of the most talented writers of film , comic books, and animation, including Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), Emmy®-winner Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Jordan Goldberg (Associate Producer, The Dark Knight), and award-winning comics writers Greg Rucka and Brian Azzarello, Batman Gotham Knight presents thrilling new adventures of Batman that spotlight several of Gotham City's most dangerous villains, including the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc and the unnerving marksman known as Deadshot. Batman Gotham Knight is produced by Emma Thomas (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Michael Uslan & Benja m in Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Toshi Hiruma.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
EXCL: SHH! Chats Up Maggie G. on Dark Knight
Source: Edward Douglas March 24, 2008
One of the surprises from last week's ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas was Warner Bros.' star-studded "The Big Picture" presentation which featured some of the cast and filmmakers of the studio's big summer movies including Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. One person who showed up unannounced was actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who replaces Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes in the upcoming sequel, and Superhero Hype! had a chance to talk to her briefly on the red carpet for the event.
Despite being the new girl in the franchise, Gyllenhaal was gracious towards her predecessor when asked whether her portrayal was inspired by Holmes' version or would be completely different. "I think she's a wonderful actress and I really admired the work that she did in the first Batman, but I don't think it would have worked if I tried to imitate her. I think the only way to do it is to do it like myself," Gyllenhaal told us.
"They just (expect you to) suspend your disbelief," she continued when pressed about whether there'd be any sort of nod or mention of the fact that Rachel Dawes looks and acts completely different in the movie. "I'm Rachel Dawes now. I mean, how many Batmen have there been? Lots of them!"
Even though Gyllenhaal has become a name actress in recent years, she's continued to do smaller independent films with only a few exceptions, so we asked her whether joining a blockbuster franchise like Batman has made her life any crazier. "It hasn't really started yet, that craziness," she admitted to us. "I imagine it will and I'll just take it as it comes, that kind of thing, and in terms of the actual making of it, I anticipated it was going to be much different than making a small movie, and in the end, it didn't feel that way, and I think it was because I was working with really good actors like Gary Oldman and Michael Caine and Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Heath Ledger. It felt like making any other movie, and I think Chris Nolan has a lot to do with that, and also because he really likes and respects actors, so it felt like doing good scenes in any movie."
Before she was whisked off to the presentation, we asked whether she'd been getting into any of the action in the new movie and how that had been. "Somewhat," she responded. "They took really good care of me. I thought I might get bruised up but in fact, I didn't. They really knew what they were doing. I was scared to do some of the action stuff I had to do, and I did it once, and I was like, 'Oh, this is a blast!'"
Next up for Gyllenhaal is Rebecca Miller's adaptation of her own novel The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, but we hope to have more with the vibrant young actress closer to the release of The Dark Knight on July 18.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
{[] Rogue.
Uh-oh. Miller is a dreadful filmmaker. And I'll have to sit through another one of her films. I swore I never would after being subjected to The Ballad of Jack and Rose.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20184780,00.html
Very cool. I caught the link there where Nolan talks about the responsibility he feels toward Heath Ledger. Great stuff.
I cannot wait for this film... B-)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
1)Like Loeff, I can not wait until this film.
2)If Bale makes another Batman film, it will be Batman 3 not Batman 7. This series has no connection with the Burton/Schumaker films.
3)The Terminator films are incredibly important to me (kind of like Iron Man with Tony and Bats with Rogue
Great article, Tony. I echo Loeff and Dan (like that's news with me) on the anticipation of finally seeing TDK. I really think it's going to be good.
If perhaps everything goes well with the sequel and they do a third, would it be too much to actually make a more TRADITIONAL looking Bat costume? Please????
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I agree. If they won't go for the spandex and leather of the comics, it would be a good idea to make a costume more sleek and less busy (compared to the TDK one), just like (*WARNING: nerditry alert*) what has been done with Snake-Eyes.
From what I've read, T4 will take place in the future and chronicle the war of men vs. machines. I've heard rumors that it will be a trilogy and end with...
If nothing else, I'd love to at least see a costume with the distinctive black bat on the yellow oval. But given Nolan's sensibilities, I very much doubt we'll ever get anything like that. My guess would be that Batman's suit in a third Nolan Batpic would probably look very much like what we have by the end of TDK.
It should be noted that I don't agree with you that T2 revised the future history hinted at in the first film, but then of course we have drastically different views on T2.
I'm not a Batman geek, but I would love a much smoother and cooler Batmobile in The Dark Knight, if not the third film.
Sure it did.
T1 ends with the clear message that "a storm is coming" as Sarah looks off into the distance, knowing the dark future that awaits her. The movie even ends with the photograph that Reese cherished so much in the future.
The whole point of T2 is undoing the future. Have you forgotten the whole "There is no fate but what we make" speech, which is repeated again and again? By the end of T2 Myles Dyson, who Arnie said was the man primarily responsible for the technology that led to Cyberdine is dead, his files destroyed, and all traces of the future Terminator technology have been destroyed too. Dyson even said at one point that they never would have made any progress without access to the future Terminator hardware which was subsequently destroyed. As Sarah and John ride off into the night she says that she doesn't "know what the future will hold" anymore and she seems relieved by that. Its very clear that they intended to change the future. There was even a scene filmed but never shown with an alternate future in which Sarah is still alive and John is a successful senator. But even without that, the film (when taken on its own merits) clearly tells us that things are going to be different.
And remember, the notion of making T3 didn't happen until many many years later.
Granted, it was more subtle than in the first film, but even with Arnie committing suicide (
EDIT: check out this interview with Cameron and pay close attention to the second and third paragraphs. That's pretty cut and dry in my book.
http://www.sydfield.com/featured_jamescameron2.htm
Now, bringing this back on topic...
... don't hold your breath.
"Does it come in black?" :v
My favourite Batmobile was the one Adam West drove, ;% but the one from Tim Burton's films was pretty f-ing cool B-)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
My brother and I picked up a very nice Hot Wheels die cast 1/18 scale replica of Adam West's Batmobile a couple of weeks ago (being collecting fanatics we have most of Batman's TV and movie rides as die-casts except that gaudy neon explosion from Batman & Robin). It will hold us over until we can get our hands on a hyper-detailed Elite version that Hot Wheels will be releasing in a few months.
Oh God...keep me posted when that comes out...they might get my $$$$ B-)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
What are you implying here, Dan? Huh? :v
Do you want to wake up at three in the morning and have these guys standing over your bed?
I didn't think so...
Don't think for one moment that we can't get to you because you're down in Australia...just ask Paul Hogan didn't he regret it.
I like you, Dan - honestly I do but you think long and hard about the next thing you say about Batman. Conform. Now. X-(
You're welcome.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Will do. The Elites are going for around $130 on Ebay (pre-sales only); I'll be sure to let you know when a firm release date comes up (looking like late April right now). There's also a "Super Elite" version in the pipeline with even more detail that will probably sell in the $400-$500 range.
Here's a couple of pics from Ebay of the Elite to whet your appetite.