This project is intended to improve, as well as slightly update Tim Burton’s original Batman movie to be a little more in line with how these characters have been portrayed throughout their incredibly long legacy.
While I personally like this movie for what it is, I can’t exactly say it’s great, nor can I say that it is a true representation of the Batman character, as Tim Burton took a number of liberties with the character. There are many things I do love about this movie, such as its visual design and Danny Elfman’s iconic score, but I do think the story, and even the characterizations of the characters aren’t the most engaging.
This edit seeks to trim any elements that are either not the strongest, or a bit outdated by today, as well as restructuring the flow of sequences to play out better. Any elements that are out of character, such as Batman murdering criminals or Alfred letting Vicki Vale into the Batcave have been eliminated. Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale’s romance has also been trimmed away, as it doesn’t exactly need to be there in order for the mystery behind his backstory to play out. The arc of the Joker being the murderer of the Waynes remains, however, since the film is built around an emotional tie between the hero and villain, and trimming it away would weaken the narrative. I also used Double ‘O’ Productions’ project, which fixes the color timing of the 2019 4K release and includes VFX work to fix up any errors found within the film, done to a high standard.
I present the first of my Batman edits, which still remains mostly the same to the original film.
The primary video source will be Double ‘O’ Productions’ project, with the audio used from the original Blu-ray release. The entire film has been color corrected.
Added in my name as an editor during the opening credits.
Moved Gotham’s press conference and Jack Napier and Alicia Hunt’s conversation to before Batman stops the two muggers.
Trimmed away Knox further questioning Eckhardt after walking away.
Removed Vicki telling Knox that she likes bats.
Replaced the 80s funk music during Bruce Wayne’s fundraiser with “In a Mellow Tone.”
Bruce’s introduction in the film now takes place in the display room with Vicki and Knox.
Removed Knox calling for Gordon as he and Vicki view Bruce’s gallery.
Removed a shot of Batman behind Napier after running up some stairs.
Trimmed away Jack hanging from the railing before falling into the vat of chemicals, as it raises the question whether Batman let him go or not.
Moved the surgery aftermath scene prior to Vicki’s date at Wayne Manor.
Removed the entire sequence of Vicki staying at Wayne Manor and sleeping with Bruce.
Trimmed away the Joker’s line, “What a day” and some more laughing to bridge two scenes together better.
Moved the scene between Vicki and Knox on the Wayne file prior to the Joker’s mob meeting.
Moved Alicia Hunt’s reaction to the Joker after Bruce looks at Jack Napier’s criminal files.
Muted Joker repeating “I’m glad you’re dead.”
Moved the Joker’s reaction to the news report on TV prior to him monitoring the toxins at Axis Chemicals.
Moved the scene of the Joker cutting photographs after Harvey Dent on the phone.
Mute Vicki screaming as she holds onto Batman on the line launcher.
Mute Vicki’s screams as her and Batman run through the alleyways, as well as grappling upwards.
Removed Bob telling his guys to check Batman’s wallet.
Removed the scene in the Batcave of Alfred advising Bruce to tell Vicki the truth.
Removed the entire scene in Vicki’s apartment between her, Bruce and the Joker.
Trimmed away Alfred letting Vicki into the Batcave and her conversation with Bruce.
Removed Batman destroying Axis Chemicals, as well as adding in a shot of Gotham City to transition better to Joker’s parade.
Removed Vicki saying, “Smylex gas.”
Trimmed away Batman shooting missiles down upon the Joker’s parade.
Trimmed away Batman leg throwing Joker’s goon down the cathedral.
Used the 2019 audio mix, which improves the sound recording of Batman’s line, “Excuse me. Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
Muted Batman telling the Joker he’s going to kill him.
Replaced Prince’s song in the end credits with more work from Danny Elfman, and updating the Warner Bros distribution logo at the end.