Just a fanboy here.
Not sure if you guys know this this movie is not connected to the last set of movies. Its not a prequel and there is a reason too. To give an analogy to best grasp on to this: Adam West's Batman and Michael Keaton's Batman - they are not connected in continuity but rather in name really.
Anyways here are few treats
The reason why they restarted the premise of the Batman mythos that were the problems developed in the original movie franchise (which I will address). By fixing these points they can bring on different new stories to the franchise.
What are some of these problems and how are they addressed? Namely in this new one, the Batman is a man who truely trained his body and intellect. Bale at 6'0+ and 200+ pounds is not small guy compared to the 5'10 Keaton Bats. He is not an everyman like say Peter Parker. The intimidation of the character is very crucial. He does not really rely on his gadget as much as portrayed in the previous movie. But stealth, wit and intimidation. With this scare factor he is just some bloke running around in tights.
I am kind of shocked how many people didn't know this but in the comics, his parents were never murdered by the Joker but by Joe Chill (do a search yourself on the internet). This is fundamental in how Bats is built up: that it was not story of revenge on one man but the idea the forces of Gotham created the thug Chill and initates Batman's quest in purging these forces (corrupt institutions, thugs, criminals etc..). Moreover (this is part of the synopsis on the main site), the man who murders his parents gets killed and he never gets his revenge. Nolan states how Batman was persona originally created temporarily in purging Gotham of corruption, but in the end many people followed suit and "super villians" are created and thus creates this vicious cycles. The key point here is the scope - in Burton's story the director intended a 1 movie thing so that is why he concluded the story with Batman killing Joker. But of course it didn't. In the comics, the idea is that Batman is like in some purgutory, an endless battle.
Finally there is the persona issue not really dealt properly in the original 4 movies. There is 3 sides to him (some debate about this but hear me out). Bruce acts like a snobbish playboy on purpose. He does this so people don't get suspcious about his alter ego. This was something covered in the original Batman Year One comics, in fact Gordon was originally suspcious that Bruce or Harvey Dent was Batman because they were really the only person in Gotham to have the resources or drive to facilitate such scheme. His Batman ego is of course more reminiscent of the 89 Batman but think a bit more snarlish/tough (a pissed off yet calculating Clint Eastwood). Finally there is the desolate Bruce (again more reminiscent of the Keaton when he broods outside of costume) the true figure. Both Playboy/Bats are extension of this one guy.
Anyways, I hope this explains a few things to the newbies or people who thought this was a prequel.
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