The newest DVD title in the Warner Brothers / DC Direct series is "Batman: Year One."
Based on the 1987 4-part graphic novel written by Frank Miller, "Batman: Year One" not only tells the story of Bruce Wayne's first year as Batman but also the story of Lieutenant James Gordon who arrives in Gotham City to find a police department full of corruption.
Although this is a Batman title, the story of James Gordon's struggle to be a good cop and husband to his pregnant wife Barbara is definitely front and center. Gordon is a man who will not succumb to the bribe-taking and law-breaking ways of his fellow officers or the gentle threats of current Commissioner Loeb. James Gordon is on a mission to clean up Gotham City's crime ridden streets and corrupt police department one man at a time. Gordon is voiced by actor Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) who is spectacular in the role and adds weight to every scene. Other members of the cast include Ben McKenzie (Southland, The O.C.) as Batman and Eliza Dushku (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse) as Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Over the course of "year one" both Batman and James Gordon take beatings, physical and mental, on their quest to make Gotham City a better place. These men are not angels and along the way mistakes are made on the job and in their personal lives. These are flawed characters who want to do good but aren't always sure how to do it. Eventually they form a trust in order to work together for the greater good.
"Batman: Year One" is rated PG-13 and take this as a warning: it is the hardest PG-13 animated movie I have ever seen. Before you decide to watch it with your 10 year-old who has seen PG-13 movies before, please know that this film contains a graphic beating with a baseball bat, strippers, and child prostitution. If you're ready to look your child in the eye and explain those things then be my guest. There are plenty of other Batman titles out there for the kids including the exceptional "Batman: Brave and the Bold" and "Young Justice." Those titles are fun for everyone while "Batman: Year One" is more akin to the Christopher Nolan films. (I will say, however, that as an origin story this movie is even better than Nolan's "Batman Begins.")
My only complaint would be that the movie is too short and clocks in at just a little over an hour. The Blu-Ray adds a Catwoman short with Dushku once again voicing the feline villain/hero and, as with "Batman: Year One," this short is also for adults. Other special features include the mini documentaries: "Heart Of Vengeance: Returning To His Roots," "Conversations With DC Comics" as well as an audio commentary by the film's creative team.
Although not your typical all-ages animated comic book movie, "Batman: Year One" is definitely a great addition to the DC Direct series.
Drumroll please... 9 out of 10 drumsticks!!!
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