Batman and Harley Quinn Home Entertainment Release
Studio: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 15th, 2017 - Digital; August 29th, 2017 - Blu-ray, DVD
Synopsis: A looming global catastrophe forces Batman and Nightwing to partner with an unlikely hero in Batman and Harley Quinn, the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Original Movies produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment. Spawned from an original story by animation icon Bruce Timm, Batman and Harley Quinn will be available in several popular formats as the first Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack release of a DC Universe Original Movie; Blu-ray Deluxe Giftset, featuring an exclusive Harley Quinn figurine; Blu-ray Combo Pack; and Digital. In Batman and Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue (a.k.a. The Floronic Man) embark on an ecological quest to save the planet – and, unfortunately, eliminate most of humankind along the way. To save humanity, Batman and Nightwing are forced to enlist Harley Quinn to catch Poison Ivy, Harley’s BFF and frequent partner-in-crime. But Batman’s patience is put to the test by the unpredictable and untrustworthy Harley during the twists and turns the reluctant companions face during their bumpy road trip. The result is a thrill ride of action, adventure and comedy no Batman fan has seen before.
Batman and Harley Quinn Enhanced Content:
Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray Deluxe Giftset, Blu-ray and Digital
-The Harley Effect (Featurette): Harley Quinn, has a deep history with the fans of the DC Universe. This featurette traces her humble roots from her creators, to those that portray her at Comic book conventions. She is a symbol of strength and beloved by many.
-Loren Lester: In His Own Voice (Featurette): This documentary examines actor Loren Lester’s legacy within Batman The Animated Series, Dick Grayson’s character, and the popularity that surrounds Lester’s interpretation of the Boy Wonder.
-A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie: A behind-the-scenes look at the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Original Movies, featuring thoughts from the talented filmmakers and voice cast.
-From the DC Vault – Batman: The Animated Series – "Harley and Ivy" and "Harley's Holiday"
DVD
-A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie: A behind-the-scenes look at the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Original Movies, featuring thoughts from the talented filmmakers and voice cast.
Batman and Harley Quinn Blu-Ray Review
by James Harvey
Please note this review also touches upon the 4K Blu-ray release.
Hitting Digital HD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra Blu-ray and DVD, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has made sure there's a home media version of Batman and Harley for any fan's preference. Fans who have been regularly picking these releases up, at this point, likely have a good idea on what's inside.
In terms of audio and video, the studio delivers a reliable and solid Blu-ray release. The film looks crisp, clean and sharp, with just a bit of banding noticeable. There was no major macroblocking noticeable, either. The audio track is just fantastic, sounding clear and crisp. Whether it's a rare quiet moment, the musical numbers, or some of the bombastic action scenes, everything sounds as it should. Warner Bros. rarely disappoints when it comes to cobbling together a very satisfying A/V presentation for their animated DC Comics titles, and this title is no exception. And for those wondering, yes, the 4K Blu-ray release features a small uptick in clarity, especially on how some of the colors tend to really pop. While the Blu-ray does have a bit of color banding, as mentioned, there is none to be seen on the 4K release. The 4K release features the same audio tracks as the Blu-ray.
For bonus content, the "The Harley Effect" featurette is a nice run-down of the character's history. Starting from its roots, up to the recent Suicide Squad and this even this very movie, the featurette gives a fine crash-course in the character's history and popularity. All the major animated creators sounds off, along with a few others in the world of entertainment. Following that is a excellent "Loren Lester: In His Own Voice," a great look into the actor's tenure as Robin and Nigthwing. It's welcome to see Lester get the spotlight, and this is one bonus extra that longtime Batman: The Animated Series fans will really appreciate. Given the tone of the featurette, it's safe to say it's a celebration of Lester's fantastic, iconic interpretation of Batman's first sidekick.
This disc also includes a nearly 10-minute look at the upcoming Gotham by Gaslight animated film, along with two Batman: The Animated Series bonus episodes, "Harley and Ivy" and "Harley's Holiday." Both included episodes hit on some of the themes from Batman and Harley Quinn, though Warner Bros. Home Entertainment likely should have tossed in "Harlequinade," as well. The disc is wrapped up with a selection of trailers. As always, this release included a DVD and digital copy of the Batman and Harley Quinn feature. On the 4K release, all bonus content is, naturally, featured on the included Blu-ray.
As with select previous DC Universe Animated Original Universe Blu-ray releases, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has added a little extra Harley Quinn mini-figure for fans picking up the Deluxe Edition Blu-ray release. The figure looks great and, no doubt, is something Harley Quinn fans will likely want to add to their merchandise collection. Also note there's a few retailer-specific extras floating about, including steelbooks and a mini-comic, so fans may want to check around to see which addition they'd prefer. Again, it's great to see Warner Bros. Home Entertianment tossing in a little extra to encourage fans to pick up the physical release of Batman and Harley Quinn.
Fans looking to pick up Batman and Harley Quinn will find the Blu-ray Deluxe Edition a worthy purchase. While the bonus content might not be as exhaustive as most would like, the content included here is worth checking out, especially the featurette on actor Loren Lester. And even though the majority of the bonus content here is also available on the Digital HD release, the physical media version is still the best edition to own in terms of audio/video quality and complete bonus content (especially the 4K release). And, as stated before concerning previous releases, a commentary track would've been a nice addition to the release, especially considering Batman and Harley Quinn's place in the DC Animated Universe (and the handful of controversies stirred up from its raunchy nature. The audio and video remain as top-notch as always, with very, very little blemishes. And again, the little figurine is excellent incentive by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to get fans to pick up the Blu-ray release. If you're looking for the best home media edition of Batman and Harley Quinn, and don't have 4K Blu-ray capabilities, than the Blu-ray Deluxe Edition is the way to go. Recommended!
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