4K Blu-ray Review: Batman Ninja

Synopsis: Batman Ninja takes a journey across the ages as Gorilla Grodd's time displacement machine transports many of Batman's worst enemies to feudal Japan – along with the Dark Knight and a few of his allies. The villains take over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions. As his traditional high-tech weaponry is exhausted almost immediately, Batman must rely on his intellect and his allies – including Catwoman and the extended Bat-family – to restore order to the land, and return to present-day Gotham City.

Main Features: I was immediately intrigued with the potential for Batman ninja. Not too much of a comic book person, I was drawn to the unique takes--notably the artwork--of various Batman comics. Add in the time travel aspect to ancient Japan, and the tone and perspective of the Dark Knight character is of more interest. Sadly, this film still falls into many of the recent Dc animated features: high potential of average final product. The anime visuals for Batman Ninja are impressive, especially in the sharp 4K presentation, but the content is lacking in a cohesive, fully fleshed out story. Again, putting a character like Bruce Wayne in the feudal Japan time period, it's ripe for potential. Unfortunately, not great payoff.

Bonus Features: Warner Bros. manufacturing titles like this one are sparse, if anything at all. Nothing to write home on this title.

Final Call: Batman Ninja has an angle befitting it's infamous protagonist, but is a slice below it's potential for greatness.

Grade: C-