The Dark Knight

[MooglePorn]

Originally Posted by brian

Batman Returns is just a loose adaptation of the 1966 series. Enjoyable, but for all its darkness, it's pretty silly.

I think both Burton movies can be described in that way... for how dark they are they're really more a comedic romp than anything else. I highly enjoy them as wacky Burton movies from when he had talent, but they suck as Batman films just as much as Schmuckmacker's.

Nolan did it right, even though comics Batman would have saves Ras.

[Iguana Man]

Ohh my...Brian didn't just say that...did he?

[Keith]

I'll take it a step further..I HATE Burton's take on Batman. I pretend those films don't exist along with Schumacher's.

[Iguana Man]

Some speculate that AMH will play Roman Sionis, aka: Black Mask

Hmmmm. That could tie in with Sal Maroni (played by Eric Roberts) who is a Mafia Kingpin.

Black Mask:

[ganthc]

Well, the description of TDK is that Batman has to face the Joker, who poses a threat to both good and bad sides. So perhaps the Joker is muscling in on other bad guys territories.

[MooglePorn]

When I collected Batman comics The Black Mask was a sucky character... I heard he got cooler later though.

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

When I collected Batman comics The Black Mask was a sucky character... I heard he got cooler later though.

I feel he has gotten cooler. May I ask between what years did you collect Batbooks?

[MooglePorn]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I feel he has gotten cooler. May I ask between what years did you collect Batbooks?

I had ever single comic released that had anything to do with Batman from Year One to No Man's Land. So about '84 to 2000.

[jbat31]

Originally Posted by MooglePorn

I think both Burton movies can be described in that way... for how dark they are they're really more a comedic romp than anything else. I highly enjoy them as wacky Burton movies from when he had talent, but they suck as Batman films just as much as Schmuckmacker's.

Nolan did it right, even though comics Batman would have saves Ras.

I disagree completely about burton's Batman's. Jack Nicholson's Joker was dark and creepy. I have watched the docs on the original batman a few times and it was loosely based off of Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns. When it was released, one of my friends did not like the movies because he felt they were too dark, ie, batman killing several people in the first two films. I did find the final Burtonless two films more a comic romp, but the first two were classics. The batman comics themselves have evolved and changed as well. Soem decades he is darker, some lighter and so on. I loved Begins as well, but by no means do I feel the others should be ignored, rather I enjoy having both versions to enjoy

[MooglePorn]

Don't assume because something is dark it can't be a comic romp... it certainly can, and much of Burton's work is testament to that.

[SilentBob]

Nolan is shooting 4 scenes in the movie with IMAX CAMERAS

From USATODAY.com

LOS ANGELES — All directors promise that their sequels will be bigger and flashier than the predecessors'. But Christopher Nolan doesn't mess around.

The director's sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, will become the first feature film to be partly shot in the IMAX format, an expensive and cumbersome process that typically is the province of documentaries and short films.

Nolan will shoot four action sequences — including the introduction of the Joker, played by Heath Ledger — on IMAX.

The move is one of Hollywood's most pronounced steps yet in its embrace of IMAX theaters, which are increasingly showing commercial fare on their giant screens.

"There's simply nothing like seeing a movie that way," Nolan says. "It's more immersive for the audience. I wish I could shoot the entire thing this way."

Typically, the feature films that play in IMAX theaters are simply stretched out to fill the enormous screens. That can dilute the picture quality and give the movie a wide, squat look.

Shooting on IMAX, Nolan says, will have a twofold effect. The four scenes will fill the IMAX screens, some of which are eight stories high. And in traditional theaters, the scenes will appear more vivid (think high-definition television over standard).

Don't expect many movies to follow suit. Only 280 IMAX theaters are in operation worldwide, and fewer than 100 show feature films.

And shooting in the format is difficult. IMAX film, which is 10 times the size of standard film stock, is costly and must be shot using bulky cameras.

And "they're loud," Nolan says. "We had to figure a way to eliminate the sound so we could shoot dialogue."

In a rarity for Hollywood, the payoff isn't primarily financial, so far. "It doesn't have a huge effect yet on the money you bring in," says Chris Aronson, a distribution chief with 20th Century Fox, which carried Night at the Museum on IMAX. "But it does help make your movie more of an event."

For Nolan, IMAX makes the moviegoing experience unique again.

"You can't do this on any home theater," Nolan says. "Batman has some of the most extraordinary characters in pop culture. We wanted the Joker to have the grandest entrance possible.

"I figured if you could take an IMAX camera to Mount Everest or outer space, you could use it in a feature movie."

I guess they weren't suppose to show this one but someone grabbed it anyways

[MooglePorn]

I kind of wish I could come in this thread and chat without seeing shit like that.

[sub780lime]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I hear what your saying...it was a bit slow at the get go. Anticipation and all.

I will say, and ask you this, do you feel pumped a bit for the sequel? If so, they set you up in BB well...and that was a good thing IMO.

Yes, I am pumped. Generally, I am excited by any comic book movie (I like fantastical things). However, I am even more excited for this movie because BB was so good. As you said, the anticipation. And this anticipation of goodness may be my down fall.

I think both Burton movies can be described in that way... for how dark they are they're really more a comedic romp than anything else. I highly enjoy them as wacky Burton movies from when he had talent, but they suck as Batman films just as much as Schmuckmacker's.

Nolan did it right, even though comics Batman would have saves Ras.

That may be where my problem lies. I liked Batman. It was a good movie. It was dark, had some cheezy elements, but with just the joker and his goons it was bad. I think BR got even darker, but it also upped the cheezy colorful kiddy theme (that was popular in comic movies of this time period) and because of that I didnt enjoy it as much. I am so glad comic movies have moved away from that.

[ganthc]

I guess I need to resee those first two movies. My memories tell me they were enjoyable and good. The following two were terrible, and I cringe when people equate Burton's movies with Schumacher's. They aren't even in the same ballpark. But no doubt Nolan has rejuvenated/reinvented the Batman saga, and I think he has made the best effort so far.

[sub780lime]

The Dark Night is going to be filmed using IMAX cameras

Official Dark Knight IMAX Press Release
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
May 29, 2007


Warner Bros. Pictures has released the official announcement about the scenes to be filmed in IMAX format for The Dark Knight:

In an unprecedented move, director Christopher Nolan is filming four sequences in the next installment of Warner Bros. Pictures' Batman franchise, "The Dark Knight," with extremely high resolution IMAX® cameras using the giant 15/70 film format. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. While it is not unique for a feature lensed on traditional 35mm film to be re-mastered to screen in IMAX® theatres, this marks the first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras, marking a revolutionary integration of the two film formats.

The marriage of footage filmed with IMAX and 35mm cameras in the final feature will have a major impact on the audience's viewing experience, whether seeing "The Dark Knight" in an IMAX or traditional theatre. When the scenes shot on IMAX cameras are shown in IMAX theatres, the aspect ratio will morph to 1.43 to 1, expanding the image to fill the entire screen and magnifying the overall effect, both literally and figuratively.

In making the announcement, Jeff Robinov stated, "Warner Bros. has always been committed to advancing the art of filmmaking. The use of IMAX cameras to film select scenes in an action feature is a great step forward in big-screen entertainment, especially in the talented hands of Christopher Nolan. We can't wait to see the results, and we think audiences will share our excitement when the movie opens on July 18, 2008."

The first of the scenes, including a prologue that introduces Batman's arch-nemesis The Joker, was shot in April, several weeks in advance of the actual start of principal photography. Additional selected scenes are being filmed with IMAX cameras during the course of production on "The Dark Knight."

Director Christopher Nolan added, "In continuing the story of such a great icon I'm thrilled to be able to expand the scope of the film, not just in terms of its story, but in giving Batman and The Joker the largest possible canvas on which to face off. No existing technology compares with the IMAX format in terms of its ability to throw the audience into the action, and we're very proud and excited to use this technology in a way that no one has before."

Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. President of Domestic Distribution, offered, "Chris has been a huge fan of IMAX technology for a long time. It will be a groundbreaking event to see him incorporate the use of IMAX cameras into the 35mm presentation of 'The Dark Knight' when it opens nationwide on July 18, 2008, day-and-date with IMAX theatres."

"Mr. Nolan's enthusiasm towards IMAX, combined with the success of 'Batman Begins' in IMAX theatres underscores the significant impact that The IMAX Experience® has on audiences and the role IMAX can play in providing filmmakers with innovative ways to deliver movies," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We are very excited to continue breaking new ground with Warner Bros. Pictures, and we look forward to sharing Mr. Nolan's new picture with our customers and their patrons next summer."

Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment, added, "Chris shares our vision that the moviegoing experience should transport audiences into the action. His innovative use of IMAX cameras to film scenes in 'The Dark Knight' will allow our crystal clear images, 14 thousand watts of digital surround sound, and screens up to eight-stories tall to give Batman fans the most immersive cinematic experience in the world. It is entertainment in a big, big way."

This is not the first time that Warner Bros. Pictures has set a new standard in its association with IMAX. Christopher Nolan's 2005 blockbuster "Batman Begins" was the first action feature to play on IMAX screens in museums as well as multiplexes, after being digitally remastered for the IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

In 2006, "Superman Returns" became the world's first live-action feature to have selected segments converted from 2D into IMAX® 3D. Most recently, the mega-hit "300" obliterated all previous attendance records at IMAX theatres in its record-breaking opening weekend in March.

The follow-up to the action hit "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight" reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. In the new film, Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

The film also stars Academy Award winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") as Alfred; Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger ("Brokeback Mountain") as arch-villain The Joker; Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Aaron Eckhart as District Attorney Harvey Dent, who becomes better known as another of Batman's arch-nemeses, Two-Face; Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") as Lucius Fox.

"The Dark Knight" is being produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, with Kevin De La Noy, Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan serving as executive producers. Nolan is directing the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David Goyer. "The Dark Knight" is based upon Batman characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.

"The Dark Knight" will be presented by Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to transform digitally virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. IMAX's renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2006, there were 280 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries. IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, IMAX MPX® and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

[Iguana Man]

News/Video link - no spoilers. Chicago is hosting the biggest movie project in its history with TDK!

It is also confirmed that there will in fact be a Batcycle although no new Batmobile. BOF.

I was hoping for a revamped Batmobile.

[umainebearman]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I was hoping for a revamped Batmobile.

How do you revamp a tank? Give it a new 50 Cal. on the roof?

[sub780lime]

I defintely liked the Tumbler better then the classic batmobile. They could have toned it down a little from its tank likeness, but still made it aggressive and roll over anything capable.

[cherno]

What I liked best about the tumbler was that you saw Batman's car as an evolution of a true vehicle. Not some weirdly fantastical version. You could see where he got all his toys and they all have a basis in reality.

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by umainebearman

How do you revamp a tank? Give it a new 50 Cal. on the roof?

Oh I enjoyed the Tumbler, don't get me wrong. I was just hoping they would have changed it slightly to at least show an evolution towards some kind of carlike batmobile versus...tank.

[drudo-182]

here is the new Batman suit.

[Brikar99]

Originally Posted by drudo-182

here is the new Batman suit.

...mehhhh. I thought the "Begins" suit was a good one, but this reminds me more of the Green Goblin suit from the first "Spider-Man" movie. It just looks... too much. Too busy.

[Iguana Man]

Awww CRAP! That is NOT what I expected given the stuff I read a while back about the new suit not being as bulky and maybe having a more fabric type look versus rubber.

I may change my mind after seeing it in action, but for now..

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Awww CRAP! That is NOT what I expected given the stuff I read a while back about the new suit not being as bulky and maybe having a more fabric type look versus rubber.

I may change my mind after seeing it in action, but for now..

I agree. It's too complex. I understand that for this more rooted Batman, the armor makes more sense… but it's starting to look like something out of Halo.

[Iguana Man]

I think the dude on my new TShirt below isn't too happy with this new suit as well.

[Rileydog]

could someone do a side by side comparison?

i can tell there is a little more design to the suit, but i dont feel its that much different to get that drastic of a negative response to it.

as far as the cape, i am guessing it will someone still do the things the memory fabric did in the first one.