DVD Review: Batman: Assault on Arkham
Directors: Jay Oliva, Ethan Spaulding
Voice Cast: Kevin Conroy, Troy Baker, Hynden Walch, Neal McDonough
Age Restriction: 10-12 PG LV
Genre: Action, Animation
Runtime: 75 min
DVD Release Date: 11 August 2014
I’m sure most of you haven’t heard of this film before and the reason for this is because it’s a direct-to-DVD film from the ‘DC Universe Animated Original Movies’ (DCUAOM) line.
For those of who don’t know, the DCUAOM are a slate of animated films based on DC Comics properties. Now just because they’re all animated, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re meant for kids (ever heard of South Park?) as each film follows its source material quite closely and contains mild language, adult themes and of course, blood-soaked graphic violence. Batman: Assault on Arkham contains all these elements and even more, including an off-screen sex scene.
Most people will assume that the DCUAOM are strictly for the fans as they follow the comic books quite closely. However, this is not the case as they are appealing to general audiences as well, and you wouldn’t need to read the comic books to know what’s going on. (Plus, they’re highly entertaining)
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, the film takes place in the same universe as the Batman Arkham video game series (Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Arkham Origins). Now before you assume anything, just know that you don’t have to play the video games to know what’s going on in this film.
The plot follows Amanda Waller – a government agent who forces six DC super-villains (Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Frost, Captain Boomerang, King Shark and Black Spider) into the ‘Suicide Squad’ – a task force team who are sent out on impossible missions that could result in death.
Of course they all refuse to participate, as who in their right mind would want to walk into their grave? However, Amanda has leverage over them in the form of bombs surgically implanted into their necks, and with the touch of a button could end them.
Forced to comply, Amanda sends the ‘Suicide Squad’ (known in the film as ‘Task Force X’) on a mission to break into Arkham Asylum (a prison situated in Gotham City where all the criminally insane villains are locked up) in order to retrieve the Riddler’s cane, which contains valuable information he stole from Amanda.
So where does Batman fit into all this, you ask? Well, Batman plays second fiddle to the villains in this film despite his name being in the title. Batman has his hands full scavenging throughout Gotham City in search of a bomb that the Joker planted somewhere. However, he does factor into the story later on and gets an opportunity to kick some ass. The film mostly centres on the ‘Suicide Squad’ hence the its tagline: "Get ready to root for the bad guys" with Deadshot being the protagonist.
This is a nice change as it’s interesting to see things from an opposite angle – in this case, the antagonists’ perspectives. Plus each villain is intriguing in their own way and this makes you realise that despite being evil and immoral, there’s more to them that meets the eye.
Assault on Arkham is filled with innovative action sequences that’ll have you wishing could feature into the live-action films. The action is bloody, gut wrenching and super-violent, especially the Joker going all ‘stab frenzy’ on poor old Deadshot which kept me to the edge of my seat. Not that I’m complaining or anything, as the bloody violence keeps the film grounded and slightly more realistic -and it was rather exciting to say the very least.
The animation and visuals are top-notch and like all Batman films, it features a plot embroiled in mystery which will have you asking lots of questions. And of course it features the whole surprise element which will have your eyes glued to the screen once everything begins unwinding.
The voice acting is superb as Kevin Conroy who voiced Batman in many animated incarnations continues to dazzle. Troy Baker who recently replaced Star Wars veteran Mark Hamill as the voice of the Joker in the Arkham video games reprises his role as the clown prince of crime. While Baker sounds identical to Hamill’s incarnation of the character, one can’t help but notice a slight difference in the Joker’s vocals. Nevertheless, Baker still does a good job at bringing one of the best villains to sound.
Speaking of the Joker, his lover and sidekick Harley Quinn is a major player in the movie. Definitely the film’s scene stealer and one of its many highlights; Harley Quinn is voiced by Hynden Walch who although can’t match Arleen Sorkin and Tara Strong’s exceptional vocal performances of the character, still manages to do a great job nonetheless.
Despite all the film’s strengths it’s not without its flaws which are its fast pacing and short runtime. With a huge plot to get through and a runtime of only 75 minutes, Assault on Arkham misses the opportunity to develop its complex characters in depth. You become so intrigued with these characters’ behaviours, that you wonder what triggered it all and how they become super-villains.
There is only one special feature on this DVD and that is a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the next DCUAOM titled Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.
Batman: Assault on Arkham is joyous thrill ride that’s action packed, has witty dialogue, is super-violent and is faithful to its source material. But more importantly, it’s a highly entertaining film that grips the viewer from start to finish and it makes you wish that the film was longer.
Die-hard fans should skip this DVD in favour of the Blu-Ray as it contains far more special features than the one featured on the DVD.
The DVD is for those who just want to view the film and don’t really care much for special features.
Check out the trailer below:
