Today is a momentous day for Batman fans. Many of us hold the 1966 version in high regards based on nostalgia. Most of us may not have been alive during the original airing but it was a show that ran in syndication. It was completely campy but you can't deny the charm it had. Now the show has officially been released on home video and completely remastered. It's like watching the show for the first time.
The complete series consists of all 120 episodes. That's a lot of Batman to watch. If you recall, most of the episodes were two-parters. With the footage being remastered, it looks amazing. The show still retains the 60s feel but it doesn't feel as completely dated as you might fear. Of course that is not referring to the nature and time period of the show. It borderlines on the absurdity at times but that's just part of the reason we love it.
The Blu-ray box set comes in a limited edition packaging. It retails for $269.97 (and can be found at different prices). It's limited to 95,000 and the box itself is pretty impressive. It even plays part of the theme song.
Inside the box is all the goodies. You get a Hot Wheels Batmobile, a set of 44 vintage replica cards, and an Adam West photobooks containing never-before-scene photos from West's personal collection.
The discs themselves come in separate sleeves. There's also an episode guide booklet, telling you who is in each one, when it aired, and a brief synopsis.
The bonus disc contains several featurettes so you're not just getting the TV show here.
“Hanging with Batman,” a true slice of life in the words of Adam West; “Holy Memorabilia, Batman!” a journey into the most sought-after collectibles through the eyes of three extraordinary collectors; “Batmania Born! - Building the World of Batman,” which explores the art and design behind the fiction; “Bats of the Round Table,” a candid conversation with Adam West and celebrity friends like director Kevin Smith, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, radio personality Ralph Garman and actor Phil Morris, chatting all things Bat ’66; “Inventing Batman in the words of Adam West,” a rare treat for the fans as Adam discusses his script notes on bringing Batman to life in the first and second episodes; and “Na Na Na Batman!” where some of Hollywood favorite’s stars and producers recount their favorite Batman memories. Bonus features also contain a few goodies from the archives including Burt Ward’s original screen test with Adam West, the Batgirl pilot and more!
It's understandable that spending around $200 isn't an option for everyone. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is offering different versions.
If you're still not on the Blu-ray format, you can get a complete DVD set with 18 discs, the episode guide, and special features. The retail price on this is $199.70.
Again, that might be too much to pay at one time. If so, you have the option of Batman: The Complete First Season DVD set. This set is 5 discs with a suggested retail price of $39.98. Hopefully the other two seasons will be available as well.
If you prefer supporting your local comic book store, there is a limited offer for retailers that includes the limited edition Blu-ray set packaged with BATMAN: THE TV STORIES hardcover which contains some BATMAN 66 comic stories.
Of course the series is also available digitally. You can get the entire series along with the special features or individually by season.
The show truly is something special. It's pretty amazing just watching several episodes in one sitting. The fact that the show happened with this tone is remarkable. It really takes you back to a different time period. What I really like is the show didn't feel the need to explain everyone's origins. Batman casually mentions the murder of his parents in the first episode. When the villains come to town or break out of the prison, you know they're already established. It's not a bizarre succession of villains popping up out of the woodwork each week. Batman and the police already know who they are. Their presence and character are easily explained and the show is able to get right into the action.
Those that haven't seen the show are in for a treat. This is something you can share with younger viewers while some of today's television programming is not quite suitable. If they've been reading the BATMAN 66 comic, they even have another upper hand in knowing the villains.
We've been waiting a long time for this series to come to home release. With the different options in formats available, you should do what you can to get this into your personal collection. The holidays are coming up rather quickly and this would make a great gift.
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