The sinister and slightly macabre air that's been hanging over the latest Batman flick was in full effect at last night's premiere in New York. Instead of having VIP strut down the red carpet, organizers decided to go with black to honor the late Heath Ledger -- who apparently steals the show in The Dark Knight.

It looks like Christian Bale and lady friend Sibi Blazic got the memo. The couple arrived in appropriately funeral-esque black outfits. We're not too keen on Bale's the shirt with no tie look. Call us old-fashioned, but we'd kinda like to see sloppily-knotted necktie, even if it were also black.

We keep hearing that Dark Knight is the best film of the Batman franchise, but until its release, it looks like Ledger's tragic death will be the focal point. Can you believe that theaters are selling tickets for 3AM showings?