The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

[Blzer]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

You said the surround sound only kicks in on action scenes? WTF is up with that?

I have to be honest, this movie was pretty front-heavy to begin with. Even the scene with Bruce, Rachel, Dent, and Natasha in the restaurant didn't have much background noise and chatter, both theatrically and in the transfer. The score is, from what I heard, in the front left and right channels, and not in the rears. Sometimes dialogue stretches from the center speaker to one side or the other, as well as other sounds that are off center (not just off screen).

The rears are used, though, no worries. The sound, in general, was terrific. The only exception is some voices are the least bit drowned out when they're talking, mostly Bruce. But when he's Batman, you can hear him through the sub some as well. Which reminds me, this movie is quite the bass-booster. I personally try and make it like a theater and turn the bass knob down a few anyway, because it sounds better on my system IMO (of course, my sub also isn't that greats at only 4 ohms).

I was just disappointed that WB felt they had to use edge-enhancement for this title. It had the potential to be of the greatest (if not the greatest) reference title to date, but miserably fell short. Since I know what it is to be now, if a few months down the road they decide to re-release this, I will be one of the few people that will definitely double-dip for it, just to make sure I'm maximizing this movie's PQ to the fullest. It deserves better than what it has right now, that's all I'm saying. I'm not saying it looks terrible, I just know what it could have been. The sound is fine, though. The only other thing they can do is increase the bitrate, which I don't know whether or not it would help much when it's already uncompressed audio. The other thing they could do is add a 7.1 option, which would personally help me none, but I know for some people it would.



The IMAX scenes are terrific, though. However, why they felt those scenes needed to be touched even one bit is beyond me. Again, comparing the intro shown on Batman Begins and TDK, I prefer the BB one. Untouched, and perfect IMO.

We'll see how the general public feels. Perhaps I'm overreacting.

[Sandman42]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

[MachoMyers]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Brilliant!

The marketing for this movie (before and after) is legendary.

[Leon]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Amazing!

Is this official marketing from Warner Bros. to get Heath that Oscar? Either way, that image is just awesome!

[Sandman42]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Amazing!

Is this official marketing from Warner Bros. to get Heath that Oscar? Either way, that image is just awesome!

No, its just a fan-made picture. Awesome picture though.

[Leon]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

No, its just a fan-made picture. Awesome picture though.

That's pretty-well made. Really extends the whole Joker theme TDK had when it was being promoted.

Come to think of it, they should use that if Heath doesn't win. Give 'em the proverbial middle-finger.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

That picture is freakin' AWESOME!

[Kashanova]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

just picked this up on blu-ray and wow

[Blzer]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

just picked this up on blu-ray and wow

Where did you happen to find it? As I said, my friend got it early from a site online (posted the page a few threads back). Did you find it in a retail store, or online?

Also, did you happen to notice some of the artifacting and processing looks on the 35 mm shots? Any noticeable edge-enhancement (like ringing or halo effects)?

[CaptainZombie]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

I will say that this is the best Blu-ray film that I have viewed via PQ and SQ is also very good. I thought the shifting aspect ratios was going to be a problem, but actually isn't bad at all. The IMAX scenes look absolutely stunning. Only thing I complained about in my review was the special features, I think this is a title that Warner is going to double dip on in the near future. Reference quality all around.

[Skerik]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Am I the only person who got the limited edition BD off Amazon that comes with the Batpod?

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Am I the only person who got the limited edition BD off Amazon that comes with the Batpod?

I wanted it, but ended up passing on it. Now I see Target has a Batman mask with their copies. I want a Batman mask!!!!

[Blzer]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

I will say that this is the best Blu-ray film that I have viewed via PQ and SQ is also very good. I thought the shifting aspect ratios was going to be a problem, but actually isn't bad at all. The IMAX scenes look absolutely stunning. Only thing I complained about in my review was the special features, I think this is a title that Warner is going to double dip on in the near future. Reference quality all around.

What the f... Geono... CANDYMAN?!





Anyway, I'd say it's far from reference. I'm no reviewer like you are and I just jumped into Blu-ray, but, though I'm not a fan of Wanted, I managed to see the Blu-ray, and that's reference material. Perfect digital transfer. The Dark Knight has many halos, especially with darks against whites. I haven't seen it in a few days now, but from what I remember, wide shots were the worst (the 35 mm ones, at least).

Take a look at the scene where the mayor is speaking for the death of the commissioner. Then compare it to the Apple trailers that we got of that same shot. Not really the color difference, but the halos all over.

There is also some bad DNR as well. Look when the Joker crashes Wayne's party, and his face is simply a smearfest. That, compared to the trailer, is also quite different to keep it away from being "reference."

IMO, somebody at Warner just felt like all Blockbuster titles need to be "improved" with more "pop," but it really doesn't help the scenes that are trying to compare to the IMAX shots, which if you recall, I said are also the least bit EE'd as well. Watch the opening on the Batman Begins BD then watch TDK. You'll see what I mean. Either way, the IMAX shots are simply beautiful. The other shots are not only not reference, but they are inconsistent.


That is not to say this title looks great, but I think a re-release can make this looks superior... reference.

[Skerik]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

How big a TV are you watching these movies on, Blzer?

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: The Dark Knight Discussion **CONTAINS SPOILERS**

I'm questioning his TV and his sound system now.

highdefdigests's review.

The Video: Sizing Up the Picture

Don't worry -- 'The Dark Knight' does not disappoint. Easily Warner's flagship title for the year -- if not the most highly-anticipated Blu-ray of all-time -- this is a superlative 1080p/VC-1 encode that is guaranteed to be the new demo disc of choice in home theaters around the world. Aside from one caveat, I found nothing to complain about here.

Presented theatrically in both standard 35mm and IMAX formats, 'The Dark Knight' is framed here in alternating aspect ratios. The majority of the film is 2.40:1, while the IMAX-filmed segments open up to 1.78:1. Personally, I found the flip-flopping at times slightly distracting. While the jump between compositions isn't that jarring when it comes after long scenes (such as the opening, which is 1.78:1), there are times when a single shot will be presented in its own aspect ratio (such as the beginning of the "love boat" sequence), and that can irritate. The upside is that the IMAX material does display a noticeable uptick in clarity and resolution. The 35mm-based footage is certainly no slouch, but there is an added sharpness and depth to the IMAX-originated footage that raises the bar for what Blu-ray is capable of.

That said, the whole of the transfer is excellent. The source is absolutely spotless, with no defects and a smooth, clean veneer. Blacks are quite simply the richest I think I've seen on a Blu-ray, and contrast is never too hot or too flat. The image pops with wonderful depth -- it is never less than three-dimensional -- yet remains natural and appealing. Color saturation is likewise rich, with splashes of deep primaries and not a hint of chroma noise, bleeding or smearing. Fleshtones are also accurate, except in situations of intentional stylization. Shadow delineation is also *********, with even the darkest areas brimming with fine textures and detail.

Unfortunately, my caveat is that there is edge enhancement that results in visible edge halos. While the encode is otherwise rock solid -- I found no artifacts, such as aliasing or pixelization -- the edge enhancement, if slight, is clearly visible in longer shots (such as the parade sequence). It is the only element of this presentation that deserves any knocks, though hardly a fatal flaw. In all other respects, 'The Dark Knight' is a stunner.


The Audio: Rating the Sound

Warner provides a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit) track for 'The Dark Knight,' which is also sure to please. This is first-rate audio and also surely a new demo-worthy soundtrack.

'The Dark Knight' is unusual for a comic book movie in that it avoids over-the-top, wall-to-wall sonic gimmicks. The score is almost subliminal at times in its use of low tones, rumbling bass, and ominous cues. The subwoofer really gets a workout here, with some of the most effective low bass I've heard on a Blu-ray. The centerpiece action scene with the Batmobile is a stand-out, and will likely be playing in Best Buy showrooms for months. Surround use is finely-tuned both for discrete effects (the rear soundstage is active and engaging) and subtle, sustained ambiance.

Tech specs are easily up to par, with expansive dynamics. Low bass is again as tight as a drum, and depth of sound and spatiality across the front soundstage is top-notch. Dialogue is perfectly balanced and always intelligible (even the oddly-modulated voice of Batman is clear here, which wasn't always the case during theatrical showings). The source is, of course, as clean and polished as you would expect from a major studio film. There isn't a note out of place on this TrueHD mix.