The LEGO Batman Movie Blu-Ray Review

by Daniel Falconer | 24 June 2017

When it was revealed there would be another LEGO-based movie, but this time taking place in the Batman universe, not many knew what to expect. Though the critically-acclaimed 2014 release The LEGO Movie saw huge success through its unique style of storytelling and hilarious screenplay, bringing that to the usually dark and weary world of Gotham City may prove too challenging. Fortunately for fans, The LEGO Batman Movie manages to echo all that came before it. Now available on Blu-ray, we got our hands on a copy to see what all the fuss was about…

Michael Cera and Will Arnett voice Robin and Batman

The Movie

With the references to the Batman films of the past, the quick-witted humour that resonates with both the kids and the adults watching and the genuinely fantastic battle scenes that are woven throughout the flick, this film delivers addictive and compelling viewing for all of those watching. The laughs come thick and fast, whether you’re cracking up at Will Arnett’s complete disregard for ‘normal’ interactive human behaviour, Alfred’s attempts at getting Bruce out of the house or the Joker’s disappointment at not being appreciated by his greatest foe; there’s something here for anybody, any age.

One of the film’s standout features is the genuinely adorable relationship between Dick Grayson aka Robin (Michael Cera) and Bruce Wayne’s Batman. They don’t start off on the greatest foot, but with Grayson’s willingness to succeed and impress his now-adoptive father comes some moving and memorable moments.

The film also commands one of the greatest movie crossovers of all time, as villains from Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Harry Potter and many other iconic franchises make their way into Gotham City as part of Joker’s latest plan to take down the Dark Knight. Zach Galifianakis shines here as Gotham City’s biggest threat, as he takes on a challenge even he underestimated.

Though the film is incredibly stupid throughout, that’s not a bad thing. It’s what helps it succeed. There is an underlying serious message of allowing those around you in if you wish to have a well-rounded life experience, but it doesn’t bog down the film in the way you might think. The slick writing ensures that there’s never a dull moment and, when all is said and done, you come away realising you’re a richer person thanks to the experience the movie gave you. We’d say that’s a job well done.

The Blu-ray Special Features

There are a number of featurettes available with the Blu-ray; the most interesting of which is ‘One Brick at a Time’, where you can delve deeper into the creation of The LEGO Batman Movie. Bringing a film like this to the big screen is obviously a difficult thing to do, but one that looks like it was a lot of fun to work on behind-the-scenes.

Where the special features really shine here however is with the addition of four new animated shorts. Hilarity ensures, especially when some of the film’s more iconic villains such as Catwoman and Bane are brought into the ‘recording booth’ to give their best ‘laser noises’. It’s only a minute or so long, but it’s a must-see for the super fans. Other shorts include ‘Cooking with Alfred’ and an insight into the Caped Crusader’s psyche before his addition to the Justice League of Canada… Watch out for ‘Polite Man’.

Also included is a LEGO Ninjago short, for fans of the franchise to enjoy ahead of the release of The LEGO Ninjago Movie later this year.

If there’s one thing director Chris McKay managed to do incredibly well in this film, it’s fan-service. There’s plenty of it running throughout the movie and that continues here with the Blu-ray’s special features.