Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Coming to Home Video

Steampunk Batman is coming to video!

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have officially released the trailer, box art, and synopsis for the next full-length animated film, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight. Available digitally on January 23, 2018, the official release date is set for February 6, 2018. Copies will be available in several formats including Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo pack, and DVD. The Ultra HD Combo pack is only the second DC Animated film released in 4K with HDR, and both Blu-ray Combo Packs come with an additional digital copy.

Enhanced content available in the Blu-ray Combo Packs includes audio commentary from film creators, a featurette on the influence of the original comic storyline, as well as the first look at the next DC Animated feature film, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay. Additionally, there will be two full-length animated episodes from Batman: The Animated Series and Batman: Brave and the Bold.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is the first DC Universe movie based on the DC Elseworlds storylines. Inspired by the 1989 one-shot comic created by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, the story features Batman and supporting characters inserted into the turn of the century, Gotham. The steampunk-themed graphic novel is one of the most celebrated Batman graphic novels ever created, Elseworlds or otherwise.

During the American industrial revolution, Gotham is preparing to host the illustrious World’s Fair. But, a dangerous villain is murdering innocent women in the shadows of the city, Jack the Ripper. Police commissioner James Gordon tries to keep the peace in the city as a masked vigilante takes hunting the Ripper into his own hands. The Batman- in full gothic style- is joined by Selina Kyle (Catwoman) to stop the notorious serial killer from his murderous spree.

The cast features the return of Bruce Greenwood as the Dark Knight and Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter as Selina Kyle. Other favorite DC Universe voice actors return including Scott Paterson as James Gordon, Anthony Head as Alfred Pennyworth, and Yuri Lowenthal as Harvey Dent. Batman and Harley Quinn producer, Sam Liu takes on directing duties, with Sam Register and Bruce Timm as executive producers.

Our Take:

This dark and gritty Batman tale has long been on my list of underappreciated graphic novels. The gothic style is fitting for a character with Batman’s edge, while the concept of bringing Gotham City and Jack the Ripper together opens the door for excellent storytelling. The first DC Elseworlds tale should transfer well to a darker animated film than we have seen for some time.