![Batman - The Movie [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81eJcGct9OL._AC_UL165_SR165,165_.jpg)
As a kid, I started watching the 1966 Batman TV show via reruns in the early 1970s. We didn't know the dark, brooding, violent Batman back then, only the over-the-top campy fun of what they now term "the Bright Knight". We loved that as kids. While I do enjoy more modern, darker interpretations, I feel there's a place in history for both, and I'm thrilled that we were given one last romp with the TV cast.
This movie nails the look and feel of the live-action TV show in all its glorious silliness, right down to wall walking, and the headgear on the evil draining machine looking like cheezy prop recycling of 1960s salon hair dryers. The movie creators clearly know it is ridiculous and play it for additional laughs. Just look at some of the crazy signage in the background of the climactic struggle. An old fan can also appreciate some of the meta jokes, such as some things that happen with Lee Meriweather's character.
Burt Ward was really on top of his voice role, sounding like a college student much of the time. But the real treasure was bringing Bill Shatner in for the Harvey Dent role. As soon as I heard it announced during production of the movie, I cheered. Shatner awesomely handled a dual role before in Star Trek's "Wolf In The Fold" episode, so I knew the character was in great hands, and he delivered as expected. I wistfully wish this had been a second live-action Batman movie back in the 1960s just to have Shatner act it. I'd also add that it was great of the writers to bring back two of my favorite 1960s villains to flesh out the full story. Again, I'd only wish this would have been the old live action to have Victor Buono and Roddy McDowell reprise their roles. There were actually several of the TV show villains cameoed throughout, some with minor speaking roles. The only thing I wrinkled my nose at was the inclusion of the Otto Preminger version of Mr. Freeze, the weakest of three actors who played the role on TV. I would have preferred either of the other actors, Eli Wallach or George Sanders, as the template for the animated cameo.
Lastly, this film also marks the first (and sadly, only) appearance of two other prominent Batman villains in the 1960's canon. Look for them when the testing room first fills with villains. One of them is a cameo (with a bit more air time in the Blue Ray version) with a very distinctive accent, and the other fills a more substantial role.
If you're one of the younger generation of viewers who don't seem to get the campy fun of the 1960s, don't bother watching. You'll only be miffed and rate it a 1-star (which it is not). But if you don't mind letting go of a host of dark-and-brooding pre-conceptions and are willing to embrace a lot of zany fun, then grab a bowl of popcorn and sit back with a friend for a great time.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
$15.13 with 24 percent savings
List Price: $19.98 
The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Learn more
| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
|
DVD
October 17, 2017 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $5.49 | $3.47 |
|
DVD
August 20, 2024 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $14.99 | — |
Watch Instantly with 
| Rent | Buy |
Frequently bought together
This item: Batman vs. Two-Face / Batman Return of the Caped Crusaders (DBFE) (DVD)
$15.13
Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 7
In Stock
+
$9.57
Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 7
In Stock
+![Batman - The Movie [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81eJcGct9OL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
$15.00
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Holy coin-flipping conundrums, Batman
Batman VS Two-Face, starting William Shatner as two-face In my opinion is the best one out of the two movies.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
-
Julien BourguignonReviewed in France on June 25, 2022
Super long métrage de Batman
-
-
-
