The Dark Knight Blu-ray

Director/co-writer Christopher Nolan’s stunning latest installment in the Batman saga looks amazing in this Blu-ray version. The buildings appear sharp as the Caped Crusader swoops past them. And the Joker’s chilling voice sounds crisp and clear. The supplements package is a little underwhelming, however, particularly for a superhero movie. A bunch of production featurettes can be played separately or with a click on an icon during the movie. Extending the story, six episodes of the movie’s Gotham Tonight news program offer interviews with the characters, though they’re a bit dry. Blu-ray exclusive extras are two additional featurettes (one looking at the psychology of Batman and the other at his gadgets and tools) and BD Live, allowing fans to use a Web cam to record a picture-in-picture commentary that can be shared with others. BD Live offerings aside, these discs could use a game or a comic book. And how about a Heath Ledger tribute?

Shelf Talk: As it’s the biggest theatrical movie of the year, there’s no doubt Dark Knight will be in demand in the home market. It’s squarely in the early adopter demographic, and those fans will definitely buy the Blu-ray version. Those who haven’t hopped on the high-def wagon might be satisfied with the two-DVD version, which retails for $1 less and lacks only two featurettes and BD Live.