BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT (2018) Reviews and overview

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Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is a 2018 American animated superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is the thirtieth film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series. It was directed and produced by Sam Liu from a screenplay by James Krieg, based on the one-shot 1989 graphic novel of the same name by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola.

In an alternative Victorian Age Gotham City, Batman begins his war on crime while he investigates a new series of murders by Jack the Ripper…

Reviews:

Gotham by Gaslight is certainly a great addition to the collection of Batman animated movies, with great animation, a story that will keep you guessing for quite a while, a soundtrack that works very well to build the atmosphere of the animation and of course a great voice cast to bring the characters to life on this release.” Karen Woodham, Blazing Minds

“All in all, Gotham by Gaslight is an R-rated whodunnit horror with a twist ending you probably won’t see coming. It’s not as clever as it thinks it is, but it’s clever enough.” Kayti Burt, Den of Geek!

“It feels like Batman. It feels in step with The Animated Series. And yet, Gotham by Gaslight is literally in a world all its own. Minor missteps can’t keep the immersive fantasy from engaging as one of the most robustly imagined DC Animation movies to date.” Ian Sedensky, Culture Crypt

“The film is rated R for having “some violence” but it doesn’t truly earn it given that that violence doesn’t amount to more than a frankly comedic amount of blood gushing out whenever Jack stabs one of his victims to death. In Batman: Gotham By Gaslight, the world is well-constructed and there are some standout performances, but the story at its core isn’t as strong as it ought to be.” Joshua Yehl, IGN

“Liu is not the best action director but here creates an exhilarating set-piece in the middle of the film with Batman pursuing Jack the Ripper across the rooftops and they fighting around the skin of the dirigible at the same time as the police shoot it down over the streets in flames.” Richard Scheib, Moria

“I can’t imagine a Batman fan not liking Gotham By Gaslight. It’s a fresh take on beloved characters. The fact that its dark as hell is a welcome return from the sappiness of recent DC efforts. Gotham By Gaslight rights all the wrongs of The Killing Joke. It looks like the filmmakers learned their lesson with an R-rated product.” Julian Roman, Movieweb

” …a film that holds up in repeat viewings, especially specific story-beats leading up to the film’s climax. It’s a dark, gritty nail-biter that embraces the bloody, horrifying aspects of its story and will leave viewers chomping at the bit for more.” James Harvey, The World’s Finest

” …the writers have added a story which contains some much-needed themes and subplots, including a touch of how technology was changing the world and the growing role of women. This is enhanced with the mystery as to Jack the Ripper’s identity. The film does a nice job of planting clues and red herrings and the reveal was fairly surprising.” Mike Long, DVD Sleuth

Voice cast:

  • Bruce Greenwood as Bruce Wayne / Batman
  • Jennifer Carpenter as Selina Kyle
  • Anthony Head as Alfred Pennyworth
  • Chris Cox as Father Callaghan
  • John DiMaggio as Chief Bullock
  • David Forseth as Cyrus Gold
  • Grey Griffin as Sister Leslie/Selina’s singing voice / Jason
  • Bob Joles as Mayor Tolliver
  • Yuri Lowenthal as Harvey Dent
  • Lincoln Melche as Dickie
  • Scott Patterson as James Gordon
  • William Salyers as Hugo Strange
  • Tara Strong as Marlene / Timmy
  • Bruce Timm as Arkham Radio Man
  • Kari Wuhrer as Barbara-Eileen Gordon / Pamela Isley

Buy: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Release:

The film was released for a world premiere screening at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. during the “DC in D.C.” event on January 12, 2018, and then for Digital Download on January 23, 2018 before coming out on DVD and Blu-ray on February 6.

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