[dWSOj26H]

'Dark Knight' DVDs spectacular
We breakdown all 13 versions -- yes, 13 -- of the blockbuster film
By BRUCE KIRKLAND -- Sun Media

Nolan didn't focus on Ledger

LOS ANGELES -- Why so serious? Easy answer: Batman is poised to return again on DVD, this time as The Dark Knight.

It is an occasion for Batman fans to both rejoice -- some spectacular DVD goodies debut Tuesday -- and to mourn -- because it reminds us of the tragic loss of Heath Ledger, brilliant as The Joker.

Ledger is expected to be nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar, making him the fifth actor in Academy Award history to be named posthumously.

Meanwhile, there is no mention of that possibility on DVD. Strangely, there is no mention of Ledger's death whatsoever, except for the simple tribute at the end of the film. Perhaps this deliberate oversight was to avoid exploiting his accidental overdose on prescription drugs last Jan. 22.

As for the DVDs, The Dark Knight sets a record. This is the most bewildering array ever offered for one title on one day. Most choices are about packaging and collectibles, not contents. We're here to sort it out for you.

STANDARD DVD VERSIONS


Widescreen Edition

It doesn't get any more basic than this. You get the movie in its proper ratio — and nothing else. Not even the trailer.

Fullscreen Edition

Ditto on the basics. But this time the movie is downsized. Reminder: You lose up to 40 per cent of the image. With The Dark Knight, an action film with a visionary's zeal in composing images, that is a travesty.

Limited Edition

This set, with the "Why So Serious?" cover, contains the same two-disc special edition described at right. Plus you get a souvenir Batman moleskin journal. Exclusive to Blockbuster.

Limited Edition with Clown Mask

This set has the same special edition in a gift box with a miniature version of The Joker's henchman's mask on a pedestal. Wow! A Best Buy exclusive.

SteelBook Edition

The same special edition is now housed in a sleek steel case with the same "Batman & Batpod" cover. A Future Shop exclusive.

Limited Edition with Batman Mask

The same special edition is now inside a hard plastic container shaped as Batman's mask. Cool! This one comes with an extra bonus disc containing a unique 46-minute doc. While overblown in its presentation, Batman Unmasked deconstructs the Batman myth from its 1939 origins as a Bob Kane comic to Nolan's modern re-interpretation. An HMV exclusive.

Collector's Edition

You get just the basic widescreen edition (no extras!) with a DC Comics double-issue reprint showing the origins of Batman and The Joker.

Plus there is a replica version of Two-Face's 1922 Liberty silver dollar. A Wal-Mart exclusive.

BLU-RAY VERSIONS

Blu-ray Edition

With its higher capacity, the two-disc Blu-ray has all of the extras of the standard special edition, including a digital copy. Plus you get another gadgets featuette, Batman Tech, as well as Batman Unmasked and the BD Live option for exploring online. You can create your own commentary and share it.

Blu-ray Limited Edition Gift Set

The same two-disc version is housed in a hard plastic bat signal container and gift-packaged with a miniature Batpod. Ultra cool!

Blu-ray SteelBook

The same two-disc version is slipped inside a steel case. A Future Shop exclusive.

Blu-ray Limited Edition with Batman mask

The same two-disc version is housed in the hard plastic Batman mask. HMV exclusive.

Blu-ray Limited Edition with Clown Mask

The same two-disc version is gift-packaged with the miniature clown's mask. A Best Buy exclusive.

SPECIAL EDITION

This is the two-disc version in widescreen-only. Besides a digital copy for both PC and Mac, Disc Two is loaded. It is a good -- not great -- package of extras. Missing is that Ledger tribute I expected; also disappointing is the lack of an overview. There are no deleted scenes, no commentary. But what is here packs a punch. Director Christopher Nolan deals in intelligent insight, not mere hype.

Example: Composer Hans Zimmer breaks down how he gave The Joker a signature sound, including the manipulation of two taut cello notes to create "the sound of anarchy."

Another example: Nolan and his designers lead us through the evolution of the Batsuit and the creation of that fantastical Batpod. Also here are isolations of the six IMAX sequences, art galleries, trailers and 47 minutes of mock-serious GNL newscasts (based on CNN newscasts) hosted by Mike Engel (Anthony Michael Hall).

[mynaflzak]

The Most expensive one.

[sydramySweame]

Regular Blu Ray Edition. i don't really have room for the batpod and it'd most likely end up collecting dust on a shelf. plus the masks don't really appeal to me. so the regular will do. i don't really need anything else but the amazing film.

[Cibirrigmavog]

I've already preordered my copy last thursday for this tuesday. I'm gonna get the Standard DVD Version--Widescreen Edition, that's what I need and anything else. I'd be really happy after this, just cannot wait for that movie even if I once saw it in theater.

[AnetTeilor]

Ive had the screen for ages now. Watched it like 4 times.

[gooseCile]

Probably gonna go with the Special Edition dvd. Did the same for Batman Begins.

[pavelChe]

Ive had the screen for ages now. Watched it like 4 times.

arent you special.

I plan on getting the regular bluray edition because when I can get it for 25 bucks, its not worth paying another 30 for the batpod edition when i can take the cash and pickup a copy of Ironman, Incredible Hulk, Indiana Jones as well.

[dserbokim]

I've had this on DVD for like the past month or 2. So basically I have the free version that they didn't mention.

[hitaEtela]

Hopefully all of you that pirated will buy it when you guys can.

Wrestling stuff i download but in the end when its available to buy I DO buy it.

You cant rent wrestling dvds so i download sometimes.

[Dyerryjex]

I'll be getting the standard widescreen dvd edition. All the extras and special features never really interest me. This will be the first movie i've bought on DVD in a very long time though, because it's simply that good of a movie.

[darieBarexish]

I'll be getting the Target Exclusive packing Blu-Ray Version.

[Sukadrukanga]

The first 100k registered Blu-ray owners will get access to screening with Chris Nolan:

http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/dvdsite/event/

I hope my copy arrives on time, so I give this a shot. One problem though, my bday is on same date. I may not find time, but reserving a spot won't hurt i guess.

[PhillipHer]

absolutely sold out everywhere. i've NEVER had to preorder a Blu Ray or DVD before. but i walked in every store and they were sold out of both the DVD and Blu Ray editions. i've never seen anything like it.

[feannigvogten]

I pre-ordered it at Best Buy a couple weeks ago. With the time of the year it is and how big this movie was when it came out, I figured it would be better to be safe. Never pre-ordered a DVD before. Anyway, I'll be getting the regular blu-ray version. Don't feel like spending more money on a version that comes with a silly toy that will just collect dust. I can't wait though. The opening scene in iMax that was included on the Batman Begins blu-ray probably had the best picture quality I've seen on a blu-ray so far.

[Smeaphvalialm]

Just Picked up Dark Knight on Bluray

Very Nice Package

Has a Dark Knight Slip Sleeve with Batman on the Batpod and then when you pull it off it has Heath Ledger Joker on the Front with the City in Shambles , True 1080p, Loaded with Features from Imax Scenes to Gotham Tonight News Show, to a list of Pyschology of Dark Knight its Great.

Disc 1 has Batman in Dark Knight Costume on it Looking Down at the shambles of Gotham, Disc 2 has Heath Ledger as Joker Face , and Digital Copy has the Batman Logo on it.

Very Slick for a Bluray Set.

[citicroego]

Just Picked up Dark Knight on Bluray

Very Nice Package

Has a Dark Knight Slip Sleeve with Batman on the Batpod and then when you pull it off it has Heath Ledger Joker on the Front with the City in Shambles , True 1080p, Loaded with Features from Imax Scenes to Gotham Tonight News Show, to a list of Pyschology of Dark Knight its Great.

Disc 1 has Batman in Dark Knight Costume on it Looking Down at the shambles of Gotham, Disc 2 has Heath Ledger as Joker Face , and Digital Copy has the Batman Logo on it.

Very Slick for a Bluray Set.

This is the copy that came through my door today, gonna watch it tonight

[bonyclayd]

I'm hoping for the DVD at xmas, I haven't upgraded to HD yet

[colmedindustry]

We rented the normal widescreen version from blockbuster...haven't purchased a DVD in at least 3 years, because we just burn them.

[BonjGopu]

Packaging is very similar to Iron Man.

As an audio/video enthusiast, I'm a bit disappointment with its quality. I was expecting it to top all Blu-rays, but it's not even close. Audio is weak, and I'd rate the picture 4/5. Certainly not the demo material to show off your blu-ray... Warner needs to get their shit together. They are behind all others. This is most likely my last blu-ray from them until they stop screwing up on purpose for future double dips.