Idea: Batman Forever: Bigger, Battier and Better

Yes, I got the name from a review quote on the back of the Special Edition DVD cover. XP

It’s been nearly five years since I joined this site. The first fan edit I ever saw was that of Jamie Demeter’s Batman Forever: Much Darker Cut. Granted, it is majorly flawed on a technical level, but even back when I watched it in 2016, I could tell it had some neat ideas. It was because of someone like him that I began to grow fascinated by the film itself. I wasn’t as big of a Batman enthusiast until I came across Batman Forever and the potential it had to tell an engaging story.

Shame it was ultimately bogged down by the studio’s desire to market towards kids. The original cut, dubbed “Preview Cut: One”, was darker and less campy than the theatrical release, had less of an emphasis on Dick Grayson, and focused more on Bruce’s psychological torment. As I write this, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who has already viewed the cut, is holding out hope for a rebirth for the movie. If that’s not enough to keep the flame burning bright, I don’t know what is.

Out of the fifty minutes of footage left on the cutting room floor, only fourteen made it onto the 2005 Special Edition DVD as a supplementary feature. These include Two-Face’s escape from Arkham, and more infamously, Bruce facing off against a giant bat. These deleted scenes, in one way or another, offer a glimpse at what the late Joel Schumacher originally shot and edited during post-production.

Many have attempted to offer their own take on the source material in the form of full-length fan edits. Few have come out successful. I, myself, am guilty of joining the bandwagon. Nearly five years later, I have yet to get my own BF re-edit off the ground. But an important part of development is learning from your mistakes, and believe me when I say, I am notorious for making some serious missteps.

So, what is my plan for Batman Forever: Bigger, Battier and Better?

First things first, I’ll try not to rush into things this time. 😅

This thread is open to ideas and suggestions.