All things being equal, the third movie in Warner Bros' original caped crusader cycle 'Batman Forever' would share the same lacklustre reviews and disappointment that this, the final chapter in director Christopher Nolan's trilogy would. However, I guess that mid '90s effort didn't come after a somewhat ''definite'' Batman movie. Expectation does sometimes overtake the actual film. Anyway, I digress...

8 years following the events in 'The Dark Knight' where he assumed the blame for D.A. Harvey Dent's betrayal - disgraced fugitive The Batman (Christian Bale) has seemingly disappeared and with that, retired as both a hero and a symbol for good. All has been quiet since his departure and the good people of Gotham believe the lies told them by politicians, until a masked terrorist - simply known as 'Bane' (Tom Hardy) arrives with a devious plan to drive the Bat out of his self exposed exile and ultimately bring the city to its knees. Now, Gotham needs the Dark Knight more than ever, but is our hero ready or even able to not only bring law and order back to a crumbling metropolis or face an enemy that is in no position to be stopped…

Sure I admit - watching this movie back in the cinema was a sobering experience. The previous entry was such a phenomenal movie that hopes were off the charts for this final entry in the series. All arrows pointed to this one going out on a high but as it spooled out in front of me, it seemed a very different animal was at the forefront of the filmmakers minds, which at the time left me cold and wanting. Now many years later with the advent of repeated home video viewings, I have begun to appreciate how good this third film actually is: From the pitch perfect cast (lead Bale is exceptionally talented and forever more be my favourite actor to play the role) from Anne Hathaway's excellent Selena Kyle and Hardy's bonkers choice to portray Bane to the understated direction from Christopher Nolan. The screenplay offers an almost sideways finale leaving the viewer with more questions than answers, which I'm absolutely fine with. Granted, the tone is more subdued and everything feels 'dialled back' somewhat, especially in relation to the previous films in the series but when viewed in isolation - it stands solid and then again part of a larger scope - it exists as a fitting finale to both the characters but also for the audience.

Warner Home Video's UK Blu-Ray sports a very fine transfer supported by dynamite audio - with a large number of extra features (which may or may not entertain, based upon your viewpoint. For me, they were just fluff pieces but that's just me!). All in all, this one divides audiences and for a while, I never felt the need to revisit again but upon doing so, very glad I did. A highly superior film that pays a fitting tribute to Christian Bale's tenure behind the mask and a final salute to the wonderful direction by Nolan. Highly recommended.

Christian Bale as batman is amazing, better than any before. Tom Hardy as Bane is also amazing - such good casting. The last in the triology is the second best after the dark knight - nothing gets better after heath ledger. the story is wonderful and full and doesn't fall short of expectations.

While not my favourite of The Dark Knight trilogy, this film remains one of the best comic book movies and is also the movie that made me love film and cinema as a whole. I'm glad that we be Amazon video digital HD version of this movie doesn't change aspects ratios throughout the movie the way the Blu-Ray edition does. I find the aspect ratio change to be a very distracting feature that Warner Brothers should not have included on their Blu-Ray, but happy that this version fixes it

Nolan's signiture all over it. Inspired casting, well filmed. A trully sinematografic pleasure! Love Tom Hardy's and Marion Cotillard characters!

Another great movie by Christian bale, gotta give it to Tom Hardy for playing Bane

Great end to a great trilogy,good story,brilliantly acted,although I think The Dark Knight is the best of the 3 this is still a bloody good film

Big fan of Christopher Nolan's movies

Thank You