Batman (Jason O’Mara) confronts a new and formidable adversary who possesses an unsettling knowledge of his methods and vulnerabilities. Following a near-fatal encounter, Batman endeavors to uncover the identity of the individual behind the mask, a quest that leads him to revelations more painful than anticipated.
Batman Hush stands as a well-executed animated feature within the broader DC universe. In contrast to Batman VS Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this film presents a more mature narrative. While the packaging indicates a fifteen-year-old age limit, this rating seems potentially overstated. Although the film contains a higher degree of violence and mortality compared to other entries, the content arguably does not necessitate such a restrictive age classification. Given the current media landscape, where younger audiences are exposed to intense scenes such as James Bond enduring torture and Lara Croft engaging in brutal combat, the depiction of Batman falling from a rooftop seems comparatively less extreme.
Batman Hush is adapted from the comic book series by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, originally published between autumn 2002 and spring 2003. While I have not personally read the source material, reports indicate significant deviations in the film adaptation. To avoid spoilers, specific differences will not be detailed in this review.
As expected, Batman Hush exhibits strong production values across various elements, including voice acting and animation quality. While the absence of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman and The Joker, respectively, is notable, veteran Jason O’Mara delivers a commendable performance as Batman. Seasoned voice actor Jason Spisak also provides a satisfactory portrayal of The Joker. Rainn Wilson excels as Lex Luthor, although his screen time feels somewhat limited. While subjective, Jerry O’Connell’s (Piranah 3D) voice acting, specifically as Superman, did not entirely resonate.
The Blu-ray edition presents the typically high-quality visuals expected of animated productions, free from the jaggedness often seen at lower resolutions. A UHD version exists, though currently available only in international markets. The DTS-HD audio track is comprehensive and delivers impactful bass response where appropriate. The animated nature of the film ensures pristine voice reproduction without any noticeable distortion. While the supplemental content is somewhat sparse, the overall audio and visual presentation contribute positively to the final assessment.
In conclusion, Batman Hush is a well-crafted and engaging film, despite its relatively short runtime and potentially divisive voice casting choices. The film contains notable strengths, and the creative liberties taken with the animated format, compared to the arguably less successful live-action adaptations, are appreciated. The upcoming premiere of The Batman in 2021 will be an interesting point of comparison. Until then, Batman Hush is recommended viewing.
