You’ve probably heard people call the Batman: The Long Halloween movie a masterpiece. Or maybe you’ve heard die-hard comic fans grumbling that it isn't quite the same as the book. Honestly? They’re both right. This two-part animated epic, released in 2021, is one of those rare projects that manages to be a love letter to the source material while also being its own, slightly weirder beast.
It’s a noir detective story at heart.
Think The Godfather but with more capes and a guy who obsessed with calendars. If you’re looking for a simple "who-dun-it," you might get more than you bargained for here. The film follows a young Bruce Wayne during his early days as the Dark Knight. He’s not the invincible, all-knowing god he becomes later. He’s a guy who makes mistakes. He gets played. He literally admits at one point that he didn't realize being a hero would involve this much actual detective work.
Why the Batman: The Long Halloween Movie Still Matters
The movie landed at a weird time, right around the hype for Matt Reeves’ The Batman. People kept comparing them. While Reeves went for a gritty, grounded serial killer vibe, director Chris Palmer and writer Tim Sheridan leaned into the "Tomorrowverse" animation style. It’s got these thick, bold outlines that make characters pop like a motion comic. It doesn't try to mimic Tim Sale’s iconic, spindly art from the 1996 book, which was a controversial choice.
Some fans hated that. I get it. Tim Sale’s art is the vibe of the comic. But the movie uses shadows in a way that feels incredibly atmospheric.
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The Voice Cast is Low-Key Incredible
We have to talk about Jensen Ackles. Most people know him as Dean Winchester, but here, he steps into the cowl. This wasn't his first Bat-rodeo, either—he previously voiced Jason Todd in Under the Red Hood. Hearing him play Batman is fascinating because he nails the distinction between the "public" Bruce Wayne and the "mission-focused" Batman.
And then there's Naya Rivera.
This was her final film role before her tragic passing, and she is genuinely great as Catwoman. There’s a specific chemistry between her and Ackles that makes the romance feel earned rather than forced. It’s vulnerable. It’s messy. Basically, it’s exactly what a Gotham romance should be.
The Big Differences (And Where the Movie Diversifies)
If you’ve read the Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale graphic novel, you know the basic beat: a killer named Holiday is bumping off mobsters on every major holiday. Batman, Jim Gordon, and Harvey Dent make a "blood pact" to take down Carmine "The Roman" Falcone.
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But the movie takes some hard left turns.
- Alberto Falcone gets a soul: In the comic, Alberto is kind of a wet blanket. In the movie, he’s voiced by Jack Quaid and given a hobby—crossword puzzles. He feels like a real person with a real grudge against his father.
- The Gilda Dent factor: No spoilers here, but the movie handles Gilda (Harvey’s wife) with a bit more agency. In the book, she’s a tragic shadow. In the film, she feels like a ticking time bomb.
- Two-Face’s Coin: Ever wonder where Harvey got that famous double-headed coin? The movie actually gives it an origin involving Batman, which isn't in the original text. It adds a layer of personal guilt for Bruce.
It’s these little tweaks that keep the mystery fresh. Even if you know the ending of the comic, the movie might still trip you up.
Why Some Fans Struggle With Part 2
Part 1 is a slow-burn mystery. Part 2? It’s a riot.
Once Harvey Dent makes that tragic transformation into Two-Face, the movie throws the kitchen sink at you. Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter—the "freaks" take over. Some critics felt it got a little too crowded. It shifts from a grounded mob drama into a full-blown superhero brawl.
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Is it jarring? A little. But it perfectly illustrates the central theme of the story: the transition of Gotham from a city run by the mob to a city run by costumed lunatics.
The movie is rated R for the second half, and it earns it. There’s a level of violence and "bloody images" that you don't usually see in the average Saturday morning cartoon. It’s dark. It’s depressing. It’s Gotham.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Rewatch
If you’re planning to dive into the Batman: The Long Halloween movie, or if you're a first-timer, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch the Deluxe Edition: Don't watch them as two separate movies if you can help it. The Deluxe Edition edits them into one seamless three-hour epic. It fixes the pacing issues of the "cliffhanger" between parts.
- Look at the Teeth: This is a fun easter egg. In the comic, Joker has a ridiculous amount of teeth. The animators actually kept this in the film as a nod to Tim Sale.
- Pay attention to the background art: The backgrounds are heavily inspired by film noir. Notice how often the light is filtered through blinds or rain. It’s not just for style; it usually signals when a character is "trapped" or lying.
- Listen for the score: Michael Gatt’s music is subtle but brilliant. It leans into the 1940s detective vibe without being cheesy.
To truly appreciate the scope, you should read the original 13-issue comic first, then watch the movie, and then check out the 2024 sequel comic The Last Halloween. It gives you the full picture of why this story is considered the definitive "early years" Batman mystery.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go find the 4K Ultra HD version of the Deluxe Edition. The HDR makes the "Holiday" murder scenes look hauntingly crisp, and the extra features include a deep-dive roundtable with the cast that explains how they approached these iconic roles. If you've only seen the individual parts on streaming, you're missing out on the intended "long" experience.