Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is a thrilling animated mystery set in Victorian-era Gotham City. This unique take on the Dark Knight follows Bruce Wayne, voiced by Bruce Greenwood, as he dons the cape and cowl to protect his city amidst a chilling backdrop of industrial revolution and fog-laden streets. The story unfolds around Batman's investigation into a series of brutal murders attributed to the infamous Jack the Ripper, whose crimes have crossed over from London to Gotham. As tension mounts and allies become scarce, Batman must confront both the deadly killer and the dark secrets that lurk in the shadows of his city. The film combines gothic atmosphere with a noir narrative to explore themes of justice, identity, and societal corruption.

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight received generally favorable reviews upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 75% approval rating, reflecting a positive consensus from critics who praised its dark, atmospheric setting and intriguing storyline. The animation style, which captures the Victorian-era ambiance, was highlighted as a strong point, adding a unique visual texture to the Batman franchise. IMDb users gave the film a rating of 6.7 out of 10, indicating a solid but not outstanding reception. Critics from IGN noted that the film offers a refreshing change from typical Batman narratives, with its period setting and thriller elements, though some viewers found the pacing uneven. Metacritic data is limited, but the consensus acknowledges the film as a solid entry in the DC animated universe, especially for fans interested in alternative Batman stories. Overall, reviewers appreciated the voice performances, particularly Bruce Greenwood's portrayal of Batman, and the film's ability to weave a classic murder mystery into the superhero genre, while some critiques mentioned it could have benefitted from deeper character development and more dynamic action sequences.