Even though we have 79 years of comics and a healthy amount of films featuring the Caped Crusader to look back on, there are many fans out there who feel that Batman: The Animated Series was the definitive portrayal of the character. And while I do appreciate other versions, it’s hard to argue that point due to it retaining the spirit of the source material, while also building its own legacy. Not only that, but it also was the first place where Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill voiced Batman and the Joker, respectively, whom have both since played those characters in a variety of other projects in the years to follow.
So, if you fancy yourself as a lover of this series, then you, like me, probably own every episode on DVD. Still, there are those who’ve been clamoring for a Blu-ray upgrade for years, only to see various other shows that followed in its footsteps receive the high definition treatment first. Yes, the likes of Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold are all available on Blu-ray, but what of the show that single-handedly changed the game when it came to superhero storytelling on TV?
As was to be expected, people were dancing in the streets once Batman: The Animated Series had been confirmed for a Blu-ray release this fall. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated complete series collection is set to encounter a small delay, but on the plus side, it’ll be by only a couple of weeks. Now, it’ll be available for purchase on October 30th, just in time for you to don cape and cowl for Halloween.
As of this moment, it remains unclear why the delay happened, but it could very well have something to do with a digital copy being added to the package. And considering how the first two seasons will be available for consumption via the DC Universe streaming service, it’s certainly not a bad idea to offer the whole shebang in this instance.
Also of note is this synopsis that Warner Bros. sent our way, which further details what’ll be included:
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero, The box set’s premiere bonus feature is, The Heart of Batman, an impressive 90-minute documentary on the making of Batman: The Animated Series that includes interviews with nearly three dozen members of the cast and crew, detailing the intricacies of production behind the landmark animated show.
The impressive Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition package features approximately 2,700 minutes of entertainment spread over 10 Blu-ray™ discs, plus the two bonus discs – not counting 11 specially-selected episodes with audio commentaries by cast and crew. In addition, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition includes an exclusive ensemble of collectibles highlighted by three Funko mini-figurines (Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn) and seven beautifully-designed lenticular art cards. The entire box set is housed in a stunning layflat-book with a dazzling slipcase.
Tell us, will you be picking up Batman: The Animated Series on Blu-ray when it arrives on October 30th? Sound off in the usual place below!
