Paul Dini Talks About The Whole BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER fiasco

Hey folks, Harry here... I received a phone call in an official capacity from Paul Dini (screenwriter and producer of the upcoming BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER film) who was calling to put forth an official statement about what was happening currently with the film.

He confirmed that yes, indeed they were currently reworking parts of BB:ROTJ to curb the violence to make the film accessible for all ages. Now, up until last night, Paul hadn't seen what was being done to the film. It was in the hands of BRUCE TIMM (resident animation GENIUS at Warner Brothers) and when he saw the results, he was pleased. He felt that the film still works, that the intent of his story and script is still there. And at one point he said that a part of him kinda wished they'd written it that way from the beginning.

What is being cut? A gunshot... and the person that pulled the trigger has been cut. The results of the scene are the same, however... it is handled differently... less visceral, more Val Lewton-esque it sounds. And some of the fights don't quite go on as long as they did before.

I asked about the possibility of a second... 'SPECIAL EDITION' release on Dvd with the original cut. The lady that was speaking with him (I believe her name was Jean McCurdy [or something that sounded real close to that]) said that the decision on that issue has not been reached as of yet... but that they were watching my POLL with great interest, and that it was a possibility. Barring that though... It seems that Paul is pleasantly surprised with the current state of the film. He doesn't believe it has been butchered, he loves the original version... but also seems to be very pleased with this version... even noting that it might be better in some fashions.

So... Where does that leave you... the protesting fan? Well...

Paul is a friend of mine. We've known each other for over 5 years now. We've had endless conversations about the comic book film, the characters, etc. We've broken bread in Los Angeles and Austin and at the end of the day... I count him as a friend... not an acquantance.

Paul sounded tired, but sincere. There was no tension or guarded hesitancy in his pentameter as he spoke. You have been heard. Not only that, but WARNER BROTHERS is WELL AWARE OF YOUR DESIRES. Does this mean it's time to call off the dogs?

Well, I'm interested in seeing the second version, but I can tell you.. I've seen the original version and it is fantastic... Could the same thing be told from a 30 degree angle change? Yeah... I suppose. Could it be softened and still be of value? Yes. But should you want the original version? The answer is yes. YES YES YES.

I will purchase this new version when it comes out, but... I wholeheartedly believe that the petition sites and the letter writing campaigns and all the saber-rattling continue. The original version was never even rated by the MPAA, and I'd bet you had it... it would've garnered a PG... I have very very strong feelings about how Timm and Dini handled the film and the serious focal point... of which all the rah-rah is about... but I can't really complain about what has been done... or discount it without having seen it. Some of the best moments in E.C. comics came under the Comic Code Authority... they had to dig deeper into symbolism and metaphor.. and as a result... instead of simply letting it all hang out, they had to intellectually and artistically approach from a different angle... to get the same results... and sometimes (rarely) it is a good thing.

As I type this 5315 people are in favor of having the option to buy the uncut version of the film. 87 folks want only the option to buy the softened version. That speaks louder than all the rhetoric in the world. 5315 people willing to drop $25 buckeroos versus 87...

Not only that... but nearly 3000 of them want both versions... That's a potential hefty amount of money. Which ultimately is the bottom line for these exec types.

The more names, the higher those numbers go... the more impressed Warner Brothers will be. But you need to understand, the version that is coming out has the blessing of Paul Dini. Of that... I guarantee.