Batman Anthology to Be Released

The popularity of The Dark Knight has prompted an in theaters re-release on the part of Warner Brothers (January 23, 2009, for the curious folks). Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker has garnered much attention in press and left many audiences impressed. Rumors of the plot and characters who will be involved in the third Batman film thrive on the impressionable and ever-expanding Internet. What with all the Batman mania, when has there ever been a better time for the first four Batman films, directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, to be released on Blu-Ray? Never. That is why Warner Brothers plans to release Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology on March 10, 2009 (list price: $129.95), according to Home Media Magazine.

Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1998-1997 will consist of Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997). The five-disc set will include a digital copy of Batman for iPods and PCs. Additionally, there are over 18 hours of special features, plus nine music videos and audio commentary by directors Tim Burton and Joel Schumaker (The HD Room). For those unequipped with a Blu-Ray player, Warner Brothers is also releasing two disc special editions of the films on DVD February 10, 2009 (list price: $26.99). The four film Batman collection will also be available on DVD March 10 (list price: $79.92).

Batman was directed by Tim Burton and starred Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. The film's dark look and ability to combine a realistic look with a comic book one gained praise and interest.

Tim Burton returned to direct another Batman film in 1992 with Batman Returns, again starring Keaton as Batman. This time, Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and The Penguin (Danny DeVito) threaten Gotham City and Batman must deal with both of them.

Batman Forever was going to be directed by Tim Burton yet again, but he decided to co-produce and left the directing to Joel Schumacher. This time Val Kilmer stars as Batman, who is up against Two-Face (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey). Chris O'Donnell stars as Batman's sidekick Robin and Nicole Kidman is Dr. Chase Meridian.

Batman & Robin was again directed by Joel Schumacher and starred George Clooney as Batman. Robin (O'Donnell) and Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) are less helpful than they wish - Batman must protect them and the rest of Gotham City from the wrath of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman).

The hours of movie watching and 18 hours of special features on Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology should be enough to put any fan of this set of Batman movies on cloud nine.

Sources:

John Latchem, Warner Slates Earlier 'Batman' Films For Blu-Ray, Home Media Magazine

The HD Room, Batman Anthology Blu-Ray Announced with Cover Art, The HD Room

IMDb, Batman (1989), IMDB.com

IMDb, Batman Returns (1992), IMDB.com

IMDb, Batman Forever (1995), IMDB.com

IMDb, Batman & Robin (1997), IMDB.com