This movie was one of the rare superhero movies that I didn't enjoy when I first saw it at the theatre. Though I'm normally a fan of the genre and usually find these kinds of films entertaining, I left the theatre disappointed. Though I couldn't exactly put my finger on what made the experience distasteful, I was aware of several plot holes, and that it was badly edited, which made the film slow and boring for the first two thirds, until the action-packed last third. And though Batman (Ben Affleck) had a compelling performance, Superman (Henry Cavill) was strangely underused and dull, like a guest performance in his own movie. Which is especially ridiculous when one considers that this is actually a sequel to 2013's MAN OF STEEL. The most interesting and satisfying scenes were actually courtesy of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), who brings a lot of energy and charisma to her supporting role.

The Ultimate Edition of BATMAN V. SUPERMAN, available only on Blu-Ray, is the original version that director Zack Snyder wanted to release, and is a vast improvement over the theatrical cut. Though still not perfect, it makes for a much better film. Even though it is now 3 hours in length, it somehow seems to go by faster.

Many of the plot holes, which had left audiences scratching our heads, are now resolved in this version, and the editing is also much better. A whole new sub-plot involving Clark Kent doing some investigative journalism in Gotham City regarding Batman's recent behavior gives actor Henry Cavill much more screentime, and more to do with his character. The reasons for Batman and Superman wanting to fight each other are more clearly developed, and Lex Luthor's (Jesse Eisenberg) evil master plan now looks more far-reaching and devious. Most of the added scenes and sequences are in the first two thirds of the movie. The last third is left mostly unchanged. 

There are still some problems. The slightly confusing (and much-criticized) so-called "Knightmare" sequences, where Bruce Wayne is having dreams of the future and of alternate realities, are kept unchanged in this longer version. 

The general tone of the film remains serious and grim, which in my opinion is not at all a bad thing. The Marvel films, though hugely popular, tend to be too light-hearted, with their abundant snappy dialogue and humor. They never feel like a lot is at stake. The viewer always knows that Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Peter Parker, etc. will save the day, and that all will be well. Unlike Marvel, DC and Warner Bros., to their credit, have decided to go a darker route so far with their recently created cinematic universe, which makes for a richer, more memorable moviegoing experience, not to mention unique.

Though still somewhat flawed, BATMAN V. SUPERMAN ULTIMATE EDITION is an undeniable improvement over what we saw on the big screen. Any fans of those two characters, and of the DC Comics universe, owe it to themselves to see it.