Dark Knight Saga Recut, The - Part I

It was a solid cut, to be sure, but I'd have to say I liked the original better. I watched this cut because although I loved Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, I feel that the trilogy as a whole does not feel like one cohesive work (and also, I'd love to see a cleaned-up version of The Dark Knight Rises, which I feel was the weakest of the trilogy). So I'm still planning on watching the rest of The Dark Knight Saga Recut and seeing what I think of it, but I'll definitely be going back to the theatrical cut next time I want to watch Batman Begins. I felt that a lot of the things NJVC cut made the narrative more confusing. I remembered why Batman was trying to stop the train at the end from the theatrical cut, but my wife was confused. All of the explanation for why the train needed to be stopped was cut out (unless I missed something, but reading through the cutlist afterwards, it seems that it was indeed all cut out). Additionally, I think that a lot of the humor that was cut really added to the movie, but that's definitely a matter of opinion and I can understand why NJVC cut it. But I personally missed it.
I will say that I did appreciate the color correction. This does look better than the original. And the edit was very professionally done. As I said, solid edit, it's just not for me.

Brief: this surpasses the original. It can easily replace the theatrical cut Batman Begins for any viewer a bit underwhelmed by the first installment of Nolan's trilogy.

Long:
NJVC has done excellent work on this edit: there are no pacing issues, the story remains intact but streamlined, and video/audio quality is superb.

Constructive criticisms:

1. The initial confrontation between Jonathan Crane and Rachel Dawes jars slightly, as it used to be followed by a quick conversation between her and her boss. The new cut removes that second conversation and goes straight to Wayne watching Dawes from a pay-phone. The cut is fine, but the scene switch comes quite jarringly. It may have been better to keep that second conversation to maintain the smooth flow of those scenes, and also to introduce the minor character of Dawes' boss. As it is the character is a one-shot, who is suddenly introduced in Act II and then never seen/heard from again.

2. The sub-plot of the Microwave Emitter comes a bit from left-field, and probably could have been retained in some places (particularly as it kills of Dawes' aforementioned boss, resolving his character). The conflict between Fox and Earl was suitably gone, but that earlier introduction would be valuable.

Really these were the only scenes I noticed that (I felt) should have been kept. Which is excellent for a film with this many trims!

The sub-plot of Earl vs Wayne + Fox is gone, and not missed. Although it is always lovely to see more Rutger Hauer, I can see why it's cut. That subplot basically resolved itself as a status quo: Wayne owns Wayne Enterprises at the start, and he owes it at the end. There is no change to that situation, so it wasn't necessary. Good work!

Overall, this is an excellent cut, and will replace my DVD of Batman Begins for sure. The colour correction is a stand-out: the film no longer looks like it was dipped in mud before shooting.

9.5/10 for narrative, 10/10 for all other elements.

Thank you NJVC! :]X

Extremely good re-edit of Batman Begins. There is little I can say to top what others have, but this is what Nolan's trilogy should have been cut like. I'll only add that not only do I recommend this edit, but all three of njvc's reedits should be watched for the full experience

This edit was fantastic to say the least. Most of the visual and auditory cuts were invisible. The removal of the bad jokes made the tone darker and more serious which the movie needed. The removal of the microwave emitter (owned by Wayne ENT) exposition was great and explains why Batman couldn't just turn the fucker off. Someone has been watching HISHE. The car chase scene was greatly improved by removing the jumping off rooftops and a lot of the dialogue in that scene. One of the only things I can fault is the removal of "SWEAR TO ME!" and I read your response to another review and you said you considered keeping it in if Bale's performance weren't so OTT which I find ridiculous. His voice in BB was the perfect blend of his voice and raspiness I wish they hadn't of changed it. Also you took out some dialogue that makes a couple of conversations with Bruce and Rachael seem non cohesive.