The Official THE DARK KNIGHT thread

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  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    SHH wrote:
    Here is the official press release from Warner Home Video about Batman: Gotham Knight:

    DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video and Warner Bros. Animation have collaborated to create a unique Batman experience in Batman: Gotham Knight. The all-new, original movie will arrive July 8, 2008 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Order due date is June 3, 2008. The original movie will also be available OnDemand and Pay-per-View as well as available for download on the same day as release date, July 8, 2008.

    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 Dark Knight, each with stylish art from some of the world’s most revered animation visionaries.

    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 & Benjamin Melniker (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight), Toshi Hiruma and Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series).

    Batman: Gotham Knight will be available on DVD for $24.98 SRP. There will also be a 2-disc Special Edition DVD available for $29.98 SRP which contains additional bonus features. All the content from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available on Blu-ray Disc for $34.99 SRP.

    Batman: Gotham Knight DVD will feature incredible extras including:

    “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.

    “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

    The 2-disc Special Edition DVD will feature even more 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.

    “Batman: The Animated Series” Bonus Episodes - Bruce Timm selects his favorite episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.

    “Batman: Gotham Knight explores an exciting moment between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight,” said Paul Levitz, DC Comics President and Publisher, “and takes our fans on a very different visual trip through Gotham and Batman’s life. We’re extremely proud of this project, and look forward to adding to the momentum our DC Universe Animated Original Movie program has been building.”


    http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6849
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    Note that TDK arrives July 18th. (and later for us Europeans)

    I dislike that title for that Bob Kane featurette. Jeez, we get it, he's legally the sole artist who can be credited as the creator of the character, but those with minimal information on the subject, should be aware of Bill Finger, too. I would hope later on, for the TDK dvd there's something similar for Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson (co-creator of Joker, amongst many other things), Dick Sprang, Lew Sayre Schwartz, and the other Golden Age masters.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Thanks for the info, AI. I can't wait to check this out. B-)
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,901Chief of Staff
    And the rumors keep on comin'! According to Comics2Film, an online resume for the actress Sarah Jayne Dunn lists her most recent role as being in The Dark Knight, playing. . .Harley Quinn! The story has a link to said resume, and I must say Ms. Dunn is pleasing on the eyes. Beyond that, I'm not sure what to make of this one.
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • clumclum Santa Cruz, CAPosts: 63MI6 Agent
    here's a sneek peek of Batman: Gotham Knight

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocITLlWOySY
    it's gonna be a great summer for Batfans! :)
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited February 2008
    clum wrote:
    here's a sneek peek of Batman: Gotham Knight

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocITLlWOySY
    it's gonna be a great summer for Batfans! :)


    Thanks for the link, clum.

    I can't say that I'm in love with the artistic approach that much; it reminds me a little of what was done in Invincible Iron Man some.

    And what's up with Batman's Barnabas Collins' look? That costume I could do without and I'm not feeling it much. I mean some of the scenes do invoke the right mood with the imagery but overall, it looks too Adult Swim for me.

    Maybe I'm set in my ways on this too much but I'm such a groupie to the Bruce Timm/Paul Dini style of animation...I hate Manga/Anime. I don't even condone the style in my art classes... :#

    I'm starting to see a wave in cartoons for this particular approach with these Eastern influences and though there is nothing wrong with the diversity aspect of it, I still want to see more in the traditional sense.


    That being said, I'll be too curious to ignore it because it's Batman.
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    edited February 2008
    a rogue AI wrote:
    Note that TDK arrives July 18th. (and later for us Europeans)

    I dislike that title for that Bob Kane featurette. Jeez, we get it, he's legally the sole artist who can be credited as the creator of the character, but those with minimal information on the subject, should be aware of Bill Finger, too. I would hope later on, for the TDK dvd there's something similar for Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson (co-creator of Joker, amongst many other things), Dick Sprang, Lew Sayre Schwartz, and the other Golden Age masters.

    So true. Bob Kane deserves all the credit in the world, but Bill Finger's considerable contributions are all too often overlooked. Really sad since he's the one who came up with so much of Batman's look, especially the idea of using a cowl rather than a simple mask covering the eyes (which I believe was Kane's original idea).
    Hardyboy wrote:
    And the rumors keep on comin'! According to Comics2Film, an online resume for the actress Sarah Jayne Dunn lists her most recent role as being in The Dark Knight, playing. . .Harley Quinn! The story has a link to said resume, and I must say Ms. Dunn is pleasing on the eyes. Beyond that, I'm not sure what to make of this one.

    Now that came out of left field. If true, it could end up being one of the best kept secrets in Hollywood. Still, I have a hard time reconciling Harley's ditzy, comedy relief persona with Nolan's dark vision. They wouldn't seem to mesh well at first blush and if she is in the movie, I'd expect a very different look for her. Heck, she could just end up playing Dr. Quinzell at Arkham.

    RogueAgent wrote:
    Maybe I'm set in my ways on this too much but I'm such a groupie to the Bruce Timm/Paul Dini style of animation...I hate Manga/Anime. I don't even condone the style in my art classes... :#

    I feel the same way Rogue. I've never been much of an anime/manga fan. The expressions are also way to exaggerated for my tastes and when I look at that art style, it all looks the same to me. Even the cityscapes all look the same with that Akira vibe to them. I thought it was just me but it makes me feel better to know that a real artist has the same critiques.

    This DVD will also be part of a deluxe BluRay edition of Batman Begins that's going to be coming out in a few months so I'll probably end up owning it thru that channel. But I can't say I care for the way Batman or Bruce Wayne are realized and I'm in no particular hurry to see it myself.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited February 2008
    Thanks for the comp in taste, Tony but I'm sure the powers-that-be would beg to differ with my mere opinion and put a spin on it to make me seem like I don't know what I'm talking about. Like they care in the first place...

    I fell in love with this style from day 1. Alot of fans at first thought that it took getting used to with the art deco feel, the bulky torsos, the smaller legs & all but they got onboard after awhile. Even when they simplified Bats look even more by 99-2000 (World's Finest too) , he still didn't lose any of his coolness.

    This new approach is definetely Nolan hacking. 8-)

    This is superhero animation. B-)


    DangerousDamesAndDemons.jpg

    Even the Superfriends cartoon art was cooler than TDK's Akira look...the stories were just corny & dumb. :))


    As for the Harley Quinn news, no way will Nolan get that outrageous with the character like the cartoon. And even if he did, do not expect her regular garb; without these two things, she ceases to be Harley...
    As Tony as stated, she'll probably just be the shrink she started out as in this...


    And now that I think of it, why would Nolan even bother casting her? She just doesn't fit with his penchant for tone & pace in Batman's world... :s
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I can't say that I'm in love with the artistic approach that much; it reminds me a little of what was done in Invincible Iron Man some.

    If I am correct, this project will be a new Animatrix, which I loved. Have you watched Animatrix? Imo, it exemplifies how Eastern animators can sometimes do wonders with Western characters. Haven't watched (much) those new Marvel animated movies, but I think they aren't that good since it's mostly American or European animators trying to imitate anime, which can only be done right in Japan.

    And according to this site: Despite recent speculation, Batman Begins star Christian Bale will not be voicing Batman in direct-to-video Batman: Gotham Knight animated feature.

    Sources within Warner Bros. Animation confirm the actor will not be lending his voice to the highly anticipated project. Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video are expected to officially announce Batman: Gotham Knight shortly, including release date information and further details on the animated direct-to-video's plot.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited February 2008
    a rogue AI wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    I can't say that I'm in love with the artistic approach that much; it reminds me a little of what was done in Invincible Iron Man some.

    If I am correct, this project will be a new Animatrix, which I loved. Have you watched Animatrix? Imo, it exemplifies how Eastern animators can sometimes do wonders with Western characters. Haven't watched (much) those new Marvel animated movies, but I think they aren't that good since it's mostly American or European animators trying to imitate anime, which can only be done right in Japan.


    My question is, how is Eastern animation doing wonders for Western characters? What was wrong with the way Americans/Europeans were drawing them to begin with? Are they trying to or ever have depicted our style? I'm not ga-ga over heroes I've grown up with taking this turn. Anime/Matrix/Manga, I'm sure, have their place in some structure but not with American comic book heroes.

    As for animators here or abroad trying to emulate the Eastern style, I ask why? I say get your own identity with a concept and stick with it. Almost every cartoon I see is slowly melding into the same thing...Manga. :#...yes, I'm a grown man that still watches cartoons...sue me. :D



    I mean if you love it, A.I., I'm happy for you. I just don't care for Batman being altered this way. I'm still going to watch and perhaps buy it though because of my love for the Batman world...

    Of course this is all subjective, I just object.
    And according to this site: Despite recent speculation, Batman Begins star Christian Bale will not be voicing Batman in direct-to-video Batman: Gotham Knight animated feature.

    Sources within Warner Bros. Animation confirm the actor will not be lending his voice to the highly anticipated project. Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video are expected to officially announce Batman: Gotham Knight shortly, including release date information and further details on the animated direct-to-video's plot.


    KEVIN CONROY!!!!!
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • clumclum Santa Cruz, CAPosts: 63MI6 Agent
    edited February 2008
    here are a few official images from Batman: Gotham Knight
    (thanks Batman-On-Film)

    http://www.batman-on-film.com/gotham-knight_first-pics_2-26-08.html
    i must agree that some of this manga/anime style looks down-right goofy (second image) but the look of the other two stories is interesting.
    i admire that they're trying something different.
    Batman Begins was different and it is magnificent.
    and so is Casino Royale. it's now one of my favorite Bond films.
    i'll be watching! :)

    EDIT: three more pics

    http://www.batman-on-film.com/gotham-knight_pics_2-28-08.html
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    The people for TDK seem to be steering their campaign away from the focus of The Joker slightly by focusing more on Dent:



    Join the Fight for Gotham City!
    Source: Solidus, dark_sentinel February 29, 2008



    It looks like the viral marketing for The Dark Knight, which took a break after the new trailer and poster were revealed in December, is starting up again. If you head to IBelieveinHarveyDent.com, you'll see that Harvey Dent's campaign site is now asking for your e-mail address and phone number so that it can provide you with info on how you can help to change Gotham City. If you sign up, this is what you'll get in your inbox...

    Citizens of Gotham! The future of our city rests in your hands!

    Alone, we are helpless against the thugs and killers menacing our city.

    Together, we have the power to take back Gotham.

    In just a few days, you'll find out how.

    Please, click below to verify your email address:

    http://ibelieveinharveydent.com/
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    It's nice to see that WB is moving on and starting up the marketing again. But I've got to say, I really don't like these viral sites. They make you go thru a lot of hoops for very little payoff at the end. I much prefer what they've done over at www.ironmanmovie.com - everything's there right in front of you and every few weeks they throw in a few more photos or clips. I think the Batman marketing people are being a little too clever for their own good with this stuff.
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    One of the reasons why I can't wait for this movie is the next collaboration between Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. Batman Begins was a fine, fine score and definitely the best for 2005. It more than stands well next to the D. Elfman masterpieces.

    I can't tell when it was the last time two (different) film composers collaborated so extensively and the result was so flawless and brilliant.
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    So... was there a new trailer with 10,000 BC?
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    There's an interview with Aaron Eckhart over at wizarduniverse.com in which he talks about his take on the character and confirms, among other things that Two Face will appear in TDK, as well as the next movie in the series. Click on through to read the full interview...


    http://www.wizarduniverse.com/030408eckhart.html
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    On the subject of Nolan's vision for and Eckhart's portrayal of Two Face. Minor, "making of" type of spoilers in there:


    http://chud.com/articles/articles/13931/1/THE-TWO-PERFORMANCES-OF-TWO-FACE/Page1.html
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    I believe in Harvey Dent is now live.
    http://www.ibelieveinharveydent.com/

    I have to say I like what they are doing a lot.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited March 2008
    a rogue AI wrote:
    I believe in Harvey Dent is now live.
    http://www.ibelieveinharveydent.com/

    I have to say I like what they are doing a lot.


    Very cool, A.I. B-)

    I'm kind of glad that they are diverting the attention away from Ledger somewhat. I do hope not totally though; it wouldn't be fair to his memory nor the effort he put into the role...
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    edited March 2008
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Very cool, A.I. B-)

    I'm kind of glad that they are diverting the attention away from Ledger somewhat. I do hope not totally though; it wouldn't be fair to his memory nor the effort he put into the role...

    Clearly I'm missing something here. What is so cool about a site with a bunch of fake political ads for a fictitious character and lame downloadable political posters?

    Maybe it's just me; I'll never understand these viral sites as they just seem so lame to me. Show me some stuff from the movie, not this fake, pasted on ancillary nonsense. 8-)
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited March 2008
    TonyDP wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Very cool, A.I. B-)

    I'm kind of glad that they are diverting the attention away from Ledger somewhat. I do hope not totally though; it wouldn't be fair to his memory nor the effort he put into the role...

    Clearly I'm missing something here. What is so cool about a site with a bunch of fake political ads for a fictitious character and lame downloadable political posters?

    Maybe it's just me; I'll never understand these viral sites as they just seem so lame to me. Show me some stuff from the movie, not this fake, pasted on ancillary nonsense. 8-)


    Stop it, Tony. Just stop it... Although I'm not ga-ga over pursuing this from a fanboy perspective, there are scores and scores of fans who take part in these campaigns.

    You've seen stuff from the movie....you know it's GOOD. You know you're going to like it. B-)

    Given the unfortunate events from a couple of months ago, perhaps the WB had to re-strategize to a degree. Stop hating...I will still honor our bet so why are you doing this?

    LET ME IN!!!!LET ME IN!!! :))
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    Hahaha. I don't know, I like such sites. If we are to entertain our time waiting for a major release, it might as well be done with cool ways. There can't be many trailers about one movie, as too much footage will spoil the eventual viewing of the film, so I guess that's where viral sites can come in. At least, they works for me.

    I am not obsessed or anything, nor have spent much time in the various TDK sites, but I just think that for what they are, they are crafted well. In no way do they - in the case of this particular titular film/site, at least - substitute the actual film-going experience (what does?), but they complement it well enough. Just my 2 cents on this.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    Stop it, Tony. Just stop it... Although I'm not ga-ga over pursuing this from a fanboy perspective, there are scores and scores of fans who take part in these campaigns.

    You've seen stuff from the movie....you know it's GOOD. You know you're going to like it. B-)

    Given the unfortunate events from a couple of months ago, perhaps the WB had to re-strategize to a degree. Stop hating...I will still honor our bet so why are you doing this?

    LET ME IN!!!!LET ME IN!!! :))

    punisher4.jpg

    No... :))

    I'm not hating Rogue; I've just never understood the appeal to these viral campaigns, especially when the content they provide is so far removed from the actual movie. It's a form of marketing that's just lost on me, that's all.

    Also, thanks to A Rogue AI for posting that link. While it's not my cup of tea, I always appreciate it when fans are on the lookout for stuff from the movies to share. I just want to be clear that my tirade was not directed at him in any way.
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    edited March 2008
    Very interesting article about the movie's art direction. Some very cool new pics there. At least, ones that I hadn't seen before.

    Anyone else would shoot indoors, use digital effects or wait for clear skies; Mr. Nolan rolls with the weather’s punches, believing that the messiness of reality can’t be faked. Another filmmaker would leave a shot like this in the hands of a second-unit director, but Mr. Nolan doesn’t use one; if it’s on the screen, he directed it, and his longtime cinematographer, Wally Pfister, worked the camera.


    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/movies/09halb.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

    source: AICN
  • Mr MartiniMr Martini That nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,703MI6 Agent
    Can the new trailer be found somewhere on-line? And if so, where?
    Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,303MI6 Agent
    Mr Martini wrote:
    Can the new trailer be found somewhere on-line? And if so, where?

    I don't think it's been released yet; according to reports from batmanonfilm.com the trailer in front of 10,000 BC was the same one we saw a couple of months ago with the Joker. It still isn't clear when the new trailer will premiere.
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    edited March 2008
    From the article above, which is a must-read by the way:

    [...] and with Steven Soderbergh’s endorsement, he landed his first studio assignment: directing Al Pacino and Hilary Swank in “Insomnia” (2002) on a $50 million budget.

    That fall, after slaving over a screenplay about Howard Hughes only to have Martin Scorsese beat him to the punch, Mr. Nolan put together a passionate 45-minute pitch for rewinding the Batman saga to its beginning. Alan Horn, Warner’s president, approved it on the spot.

    Is that available to the general public? If so, where?

    And some choice bits:

    [...] the acclaimed actor’s final role would be ... a comic-book grotesque? Worse, though Mr. Ledger had finished work on “The Dark Knight” in October and was already halfway through another film, news that the prescription drugs that killed him included sleep aids — along with narcotics — prompted Internet chatter about whether his intense performance as the Joker, styled after Malcolm McDowell’s in “A Clockwork Orange,” had been a factor in his demise.

    Mr. Ledger, however, also called it “the most fun I’ve ever had, or probably ever will have, playing a character.” But his fatigue was obvious, said Michael Caine, who briefly overlapped with him. “He was exhausted, I mean he was really tired. I remember saying to him, ‘I’m too old to have the bloody energy to play that part.’ And I thought to myself, I didn’t have the energy when I was his age.”

    Mr. Pfister, the cinematographer, said Mr. Ledger seemed “like he was busting blood vessels in his head,” he was so intense. “It was like a séance, where the medium takes on another person and then is so completely drained.”

    and:

    If he barely uses storyboards, let alone the computer-animated “previsualization” wizardry common to effects-heavy films, Mr. Nolan is on the cutting edge with one technology. He used the unwieldy Imax cameras to shoot about 30 minutes of “The Dark Knight,” including the entire opening.

    “We’ve been trying to talk filmmakers into doing this for nearly 40 years,” said David Keighley, an old Imax hand. And even after a Steadicam collapsed under the weight of an Imax camera, Mr. Nolan held firm. “If David Lean could carry a 65-millimeter camera through the desert,” he said, “why shouldn’t we be able to do this?”

    “It scares people a bit,” Mr. Nolan says of what could be called his planned-out impulsiveness. “We just go and shoot the stuff, and see what looks the best and what works. But on a big movie, you actually have more freedom. You can say, ‘O.K., it’s 3 in the morning — can we get the police to close down that street?’ ”
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    The Batman: Gotham Knight site is now up and running...


    http://warnervideo.com/batmangothamknight/
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • John DrakeJohn Drake On assignmentPosts: 2,564MI6 Agent
    {[] Looks great.
  • a rogue AIa rogue AI Posts: 128MI6 Agent
    I noticed the name Kevin Conroy there. Nice. Also, that pic that's part of the background before the flash video loads is great.
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