Batman: The Long Halloween (film)

Plot

Mob boss Carmine Falcone meets Bruce Wayne to seek help laundering funds, but Bruce declines. On Halloween, Falcone's nephew Johnny Viti is murdered, and a jack-o'-lantern and hand gun are left at the scene. Captain James Gordon suspects Falcone, and Gordon, Batman, and District Attorney Harvey Dent vow to take down Falcone legally. Catwoman leads Batman to Falcone's cash stockpile; Harvey flips a coin and burns the money.

Falcone hires Mickey Chen to bomb Harvey's home; Harvey and his wife Gilda survive but are hospitalized. Batman chases Chen into the sewers, encounters Solomon Grundy, and convinces Grundy to spare Chen, who is taken to the GCPD but released for lack of evidence. On Thanksgiving, Falcone's son Alberto sends Harvey mocking roses; Falcone rebukes Alberto. Harvey escapes the hospital, and Gordon gives him a gun.

That night, Holiday kills Chen and his associates, leaving the pistol and a Thanksgiving decoration. By Christmas Eve, Gordon and Batman question Calendar Man in Arkham Asylum, who names Falcone, Sal Maroni, and Harvey as suspects. Batman learns Joker has escaped; Joker confronts Harvey and threatens him. Batman visits Maroni, whom Joker also attacked.

Joker harasses Falcone; Falcone's bodyguard Milos Grapa chases Joker and is killed by Holiday, who leaves a Christmas snow globe, the pistol, and Joker playing cards.

Release

The film was split into two parts. Part One arrived on digital, DVD, and Blu-ray on June 22, 2021. It was meant to kick off the animated universe started by Superman: Man of Tomorrow and Justice Society: World War II, but its release was pushed back because Matt Reeves’ live-action The Batman was originally going to follow the same story. After Reeves changed his film’s plot, Part One came out earlier. Part Two hit streaming on July 27, followed by DVD and Blu-ray on August 10. A combined deluxe edition was released in September 2022.

Reception

Part One earned $659,774 from domestic DVD sales and $2,950,796 from domestic Blu-ray sales, totaling $3,610,570. Part Two earned $454,659 from domestic DVD sales and $2,100,180 from domestic Blu-ray sales, totaling $2,554,839. Part One received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of the classic graphic novel, with critics noting its capture of the tone and style of the original story. The film's detailed animation and noir elements were highlighted, as was the suspenseful narrative and complex characters.

Jensen Ackles' performance as Batman was praised as an ideal choice for the role. Part Two continued the narrative, with critics focusing on its exploration of Batman's battle against iconic supervillains and the resolution of the Holiday Killer mystery. The film was lauded for its epic resolution and effective wrapping up of key plot points, as well as its dynamic portrayal of DC's villains and strong character development. The Blu-ray release was noted for its high-quality presentation and valuable special features.