There will still be speculation over exactly what extra features will be included along with the theatrical cut of the film, but according to Warner Bros., The Dark Knight Rises will be available on Blu-ray and for digital download on December 3, 2012.
The synopsis accompanying the video promises the release "on Blu-ray Combo Pack or Digital Download 12/3," so while Warner Bros. has yet to make an official statement, those hoping to plan parties centered around a group viewing can start making invitations. After all, the film does have somewhat of a 'holiday' vibe to it: there's snow! (that counts, right?).
Unfortunately, the new trailer fails to shed any light on just how much extra content is being planned for the release. We now know that a director's cut of The Dark Knight Rises isn't likely to be released at any time, but that doesn't mean other nagging questions couldn't be answered. Both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight included hours of interviews with the cast and crew, footage from pre-production, and insight into stunt work, costume and gadget design, but the far more secretive approach that director Christopher Nolan took to the final chapter of his Batman trilogy could have an impact on what content is available. The added secrecy was understandable, considering just how many surprises were in store for Bruce Wayne and friends, but now would be a good time to open up to the masses.
The film's final scenes have been hotly debated among fans, from the actual nuts and bolts of its feasibility to the possibility of some sort of Inception-like twist that went largely unnoticed, so having a chance to hear more from Nolan could help sway the discussion. It certainly won't be ending it, since the director has made it clear that definitive statements or lengthy explanations of his films will not be forthcoming. And considering how Nolan has now distanced himself from any other DC properties, it is too much to hope for some new insight into what happens next for this version of Batman.
Good stories are the ones that keep us thinking and imaging, so a lack of closure is fine by us. If nothing else, it would be nice to hear from Nolan on how he arrived at that particular ending to the trilogy, and some firsthand thoughts from Joseph Gordon-Levitt on having his pivotal role as Detective John Blake placed directly alongside that of the caped crusader. Most of the cast was tight-lipped prior to the film's release (and have largely remained so, since) so it seems a bit harsh to bring such a series to a close without a nod to the fans that supported it in droves.
Deleted scenes showing off the apparently-cut Bane origin story and training may be a bit too much to hope for, and at this point Nolan probably won't be justifying his decision to re-dub Tom Hardy's dialogue after it left viewers confused during initial showings. At the very least, fans can look forward to possible discussion with the effects team about the high-flying, urban pacification vehicle known as 'The Bat,' and some location footage of the hellish prison-pit that sent the events of the entire trilogy into motion.
What do you think? Should The Dark Knight Rises Blu-ray blow the doors off the entire production, or respect Nolan's belief that what's on film speaks for itself? Either way the filmmakers have a few months left to decide, so we'll keep you up to date when more details are released - including price.
The Dark Knight Rises will hit DVD/Blu-ray on December 3, 2012.
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Source: Warner Bros (via Engadget)