Batman: Gotham By Gaslight

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight is a captivating, animated adaptation of the popular DC Comics Elseworlds story, a standalone anthology imprint that presents unique and creative reimaginings of popular characters in different settings and times, published initially in 1989. Showing an entirely different side of the Dark Knight we all know, this tale introduces Batman into the dark, foggy, and grimy streets of 19th century Gotham City, presenting the beloved detective vigilante in an alternate universe resembling the Victorian era.

This thrilling 2018 film features the talented voices of Bruce Greenwood (reprising his role as Batman), Jennifer Carpenter, and Chris Cox. Directed by Sam Liu and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Gotham By Gaslight ventures into the darker, adult-oriented side of the Batman animated saga with its R-rating due to mature themes and violence. Its gothic aesthetics and noir atmosphere blend perfectly with the iconic heroes and villains' reinterpretations for an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

Gotham By Gaslight dips its toe into the detective side of Batman's persona more than ever before, heavily integrated with a dense air of horror, mystery, and suspense elements. It presents Gotham City, transposed into the late 1800s, grappling with an unknown and dangerous terror: a nefarious serial killer preying on Gotham's helpless women. This villain, euphemistically named Jack the Ripper, sends a wave of fear through the city, and it falls upon none other than Gotham's cloaked guardian, Batman, to unearth the villain's identity and bring him to justice.

Bruce Greenwood, returning from his iconic voice role as Batman in Batman: Under The Red Hood and the Young Justice series, delivers an impressive performance, lending a perfect blend of sophistication, charm and intensity to his rendition of Batman. Equally compelling is Jennifer Carpenter, who lends her voice to a radically reimagined Selina Kyle. In this version, her Catwoman counterpart is not just a jewel thief, but a prominent women's rights advocate and a performer in Gotham's theatre scene, thus giving several layers to her character.

Amidst the chase and the mounting tension of the city's grim predicament, the quasi-Victorian Gotham City becomes a character in its own right. The design team's vision of the misty cobblestone streets, dimly lit alleys, the looming silhouette of Wayne Manor, the copper and steel architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and gas-lit lamps lend a unique charm to the well-known city. The styling of the characters in Victorian-inspired costumes – complete with top hats, waistcoats, and sweeping gowns – excellently mirrors the imagery one would associate with the Jack the Ripper tales and perfectly captures the period's essence.

The plot exhibits a satisfying blend of action, suspense, and intrigue. While the identity of Jack the Ripper is a core mystery of the narrative, Gotham By Gaslight offers much more than just that, exploring social issues of the time and delving into the psychological aspects of its characters. Compact at barely 80 minutes, Gotham By Gaslight provides an engaging narrative that ensures viewers are on their toes throughout.

With a bold reimagining of classic characters, ingenious setting adjustments, and an engrossing storyline, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight provides a refreshing experience sure to delight fans and newcomers alike. It merges elements of steampunk, adventure, detective noir, and horror genres with the essence of Batman, adding a unique flavor to the Caped Crusader's legacy. Riveting, engaging, and haunting, this film proves that it is more than just another superhero movie — it's a thrilling time-travel journey into an alternate comic book world.

With its gripping narrative, stunning Victorian era atmosphere, and nuanced characterization, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight proves once again why Batman is a timeless character, capable of flourishing in any era and setting.