Batman has long since disappeared since his crime-fighting days but now at the age of 55, Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl to return to the streets of Gotham City to take on old enemy, Harvey "Two-Face" Dent for what should be the last time. Meanwhile the maniacal gang of hoodlums known as, The Mutants plague the streets of the towering metropolis with an impending confrontation with their vicious, sadistic leader on the cards.The latest in a fairly long list of animated adaptations or interpretations of the Batman mythos to be brought to the screen, The Dark Knight Returns was based on the four part 1986 graphic novel by the now legendary, Frank Miller. The very man who's formidable imagination brought forth such renowned works as, Sin City and Watchmen to name but two and seemingly had no involvement in any advisory or technical capacity. And if this full length version, (it was originally released in two chapters on two individual DVD releases) is anything to go by he needn't had done so as from from what I gather it remains irrevocably faithful to it's source material.It focus's on how Bruce Wayne (voiced by; Peter Weller best known for his iconic role in 1980's sci-fi action hit, Robocop) who has long since retired after the untimely demise of Jason Todd, the second Robin., making him feel compelled to return to a life of vigilantism. Gotham it seems is an even grimmer, meaner city metropolis that has become more of a breeding ground for crime and is descending in to inevitable anarchy. Arguably and some might claim irrefutably the most gritty and uncompromising depiction of the Dark Knight, it doesn't make it any less riveting and complex all be it implausible.Adroitly selecting the criminally unhinged Harvey "Two Face" Dent (Wade Williams) as the early antagonist who partially instigates the millionaire son of Gotham to don the cape and cowl once more, his dual nature is an ideal adage to the themes of the first half of the movie which explore duality. There's Bruce Wayne's double identity as the aged industrialist and the avenging Batman, with the divisiveness of public opinion over whether he is a positive force for change in Gotham or a self-imposed, meddling vigilante menace that is part of the problem and not the solution. They're handled adeptly via vox pops with Gothamites which are to be broadcast on the local news stations. Derivative it may be be but it still has the desired effect. There's also the dual sides of the official and unofficial iconic symbols of justice, a 70 year old Commissioner James Gordon (David Selby) who is on the verge of retiring with old friend and ally, Bruce entering again in to the battlefield streets of their once beloved city. One's on his way out as the other one is finding himself drawn right back in. There scenes together are relatively sparse but they hit the right note of bitter-sweet poignancy which compliments it's darker more brooding tone.Dent aside; the genuine and more prominent threat in the first half is the brutal and ominous gang which is practically an army of degenerate hoodlums calling themselves, The Mutants. Led by the imposing, towering presence of the maniacal Mutant Leader who as a figurehead personifies their carnal savagery concisely. Not since Bane; have we seen a nemesis that is potentially a match for the Batman, but then at 55 years of age he is irretrievably past his prime. But this is Bruce Wayne and although his physical frame has become more beleaguered with age, his mettle hasn't. Peter Weller with the subtlety of his nuanced vocal performance oozes a quiet resolute firmness that barely seems to waver.Returning momentarily to the themes of duality, there's the welcome if tried and tested addition of a new Robin, this time given the then more fresh spin of being a high spirited (are they anything else?) teenage girl named Carrie Kelly and voiced with likable spunky idealism by Ariel Winter. However, given Bruce Wayne's previous reluctance and the impetus behind his retirement, one wonders if his readiness to accept young Miss Kelly to be is latest sidekick is to push foward the plot. It feels like expedience being a rationale for forgoing some semblance of plausibility. All the same her addition makes for a wonderful story arc.All in all, and despite some discernible flaws; Chapter 1 get's this non-canon addition to the saga to a searingly intense start. The vocal talents are of the highest order, and with the formidable artistic deign and the fluidity of the animation; as well as the insinuated return of, The Joker teasing fans to purchase the second chapter, I doubt it would take much persuading.

The Dark Knight Returns Part One is a satisfying animated feature that faithfully adapts its source material respectfully. This film was more deserving of a theatrical release than the recent Batman and Superman movie: Dawn of Justice (this review was done in 2016), because this film tells a more faithful Bat-tale than Zack Snyder's recent theatrical outing that left the world disappointed. Thankfully The Dark Knight Returns is a solid story that's been tested time and time again and even influenced Tim Burton's Batman from 1989.The story centers on an aging Bruce Wayne who's retired his crime-fighting alter-ego Batman. Bruce is now living in a much harsher world than the one he knew back in his early thirties; now he's a man approaching sixty and Gotham City desperately needs its hero to return from the shadows and fight against the crime plaguing Gotham once again.The first part of DC's only animated two-parter-to-date is a good start that leads to the meaty conclusion of the story in Part Two, which in turn has influenced media outside The Dark Knight Returns comic, like The Dark Knight Rises and *ahem* Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. A very solid story delivered by capable animation director, and Batman veteran, Jay Oliva.The first part is just one piece of a two-and-a-half-hour film that's been waiting to be seen on screen for generations. If you haven't watched this film yet, well do yourself a favor and watch Parts One and Two of The Dark Knight Returns right away.

It starts with very different Bruce as he looks old and not into fighting criminals, but it's easy to feel that there are things that are triggering him to return in fighting criminals. Gordon is also planning on retiring but there are crimes that start escalating more then even and Bruce personality pushed over and he decides to return. He returned more powerful than ever as he just kicked every criminal that was in his way and kept so doing until he ended the fight with Two face. Movie also features some of the exciting scenes from the Arkham. As Batman kicked Mutant leader in front of all his followers they turned to Batman and start worship him. Gordon retires after meeting his successor. 3.5/4

What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said? So often, great comics are adapted for the big or even small screen and random things are changed for whatever reason but not in this case. This film is like a love letter to the original comics it is based off of. And don't even get me started on the soundtrack, it is amazing. Part 2 gets most of the glory because of the Joker, and the Superman fight but this movie is just as good if you ask me. I literally have no complaints about this movie. This is in fact the only 10 out of 10 I've given on IMDb so far. And guess what? I'm going to review Part 2 right after this and that will be my second 10 out of 10. Part 1 and 2 need to be watched back to back.