Blu-ray Review: Batman: Bad Blood

Blu-ray Reviews, Film, Reviews, Top Story

Continuing the story built in Son of Batman and Batman Vs. Robin, Bad Blood continues to tell the story of Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, the new Robin. This edition to the animated film series also builds on the Batman Family, introducing us to Batwing, Batwoman and a surprise guest at the end.

The film opens with Batman assisting Batwoman to take on a group of super thugs. Batman still isn’t sure about Batwoman, she seems to have no qualms using guns, which Bats is obviously not okay with. The battle takes a turn when the big bad shows up and Batman tosses Batwoman to safety as the building explodes! But what has become of the Dark Knight?

So that no one thinks that he is actually missing Nightwing comes back to Gotham and dawns the Cowl to keep up appearances. Meanwhile, Damian Wayne, who is off studying at a Buddhist temple learns of Bruce Wayne’s disappearance and he returns to Gotham as well. The two of them team up with Batwoman and another new player on the field, Batwing (Lucious Fox’s son Luke in a super bat suit of Lucious’ design) to solve the mystery of the missing Bruce Wayne.

If you’ve seen the first two films, you can probably guess who the main villain of the series is. And their plan, as always, is to take over the world. They have a pretty ingenious plot, but they underestimate the ever growing Bat Family.

This is another solid entry in the Batman animated film series. It’s a strong story that focuses on some great new characters. Batwoman is a complex and interesting character, as most “Batman” characters are, and they do a very good job of developing her. Even introducing the possibility of her dating Detective Renee Montoya.

The action sequences in this film are fantastic and possibly the best in a DC animated film so far. There is even a special feature that talks about how and why they did what they did in the film that is very interesting. Director Jay Oliva continues to show why he should keep directing these films until the end of time.

The animation is gorgeous as always and once again all the voice actors are at the top of their game. Yvonne Strahovski (Batwoman) and Gaius Charles (Batwing) are a great addition to this already wonderful cast.

The film is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio. Once again Warner Bros. has produced a beautifully looking and sounding animated film.

Extras include: Putting the fight in Gotham (26 min.), Expanding the Batman Family (14 min.), Preview for Justice League vs Teen Titans (11 min.), From The Vaults including two The Brave and the Bold Episodes, “The Knights of Tomorrow” and “The Criss Cross Conspiracy” (46 min.), and a trailer for Suicide Squad.

If you’ve liked all the recent DC animated Batman films, then you’re definitely going to enjoy Batman: Bad Blood. It continues to build on the story established in the previous two films and gives us some great new characters as well as some top notch action sequences.

Warner Bros. presents Batman: Bad Blood. Written by: J.M. DeMatteis. Directed by: Jay Oliva. Starring: Jason O’Mara, Stuart Allan, Sean Maher, Ernie Hudson and John DiMaggio. Running time: 74 min. Rating: PG-13. Released on DVD: January 19, 2016.

Mike Noyes received his Masters Degree in Film from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. A few of his short films can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mikebnoyes. He recently published his first novel which you can buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Days-Years-Mike-Noyes-ebook/dp/B07D48NT6B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528774538&sr=8-1&keywords=seven+days+seven+years