Any further word yet on that mysterious 25th anniversary dvd/blu ray we've all been told about? We're getting awfully close to the big day now and it appears to have gone missing in action.
While we're at that any signs the UK cinemas will screen the original Batman yet? Surprise surprise it seems that once again Britain will not bother while I am hearing of plenty of screenings happening in the States. Even Batman Returns has gotten in on the act. Will I ever get to see these bloody Keaton films on the big screen before I die?
As Maximus once said I shall have my vengeance on this frustrating matter, in this life or the next! lol
I'm pretty sure we'll hear something during the San Diego Comic Con. Still waiting for something more concrete for the 60's series.
https://www.o-cinema.org/event/batman-25th-anniversary-screening/
Some folks are getting into the act. There should have definitely been a more broad theatrical re-release for this legendary film. Still one of the most popular films in history!
I'm hoping for deleted scenes. I'm not sure if I would like a Spider-Man 2.1 scenario, where they are all integrated seamlessly. I like the film being the film. But...I'm warming up to it. Make this a release that isn't the typical re-release which offers nothing special or noteworthy.
http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/event/25th-anniversary-of-tim-burtons-batman/
There were definitely some showings for the 25th in the States. here's just one of the sold out theatres.
Here's another at the arts centre in NY:
http://www.wsbradio.com/events/events/movies-film/25th-anniversary-of-tim-burtons-batman/eCJtG7/
Blu-ray set cover released
Looks like same features as previous release plus a bonus disc with a documentary that looked at the marketing of the film.
Piss. Poor.
Yep, appears to be a total slap in the face. Everything the last release had plus a marketing documentary.
In other words, nothing to get excited about. >:(
A waste of time and effort.
Seriously, what is up with the recent Blu-Ray cover art, that is related to Tim Burton's Batman Films? They look absolutely horrendous. It's as if somebody said, "Let's make sure these Tim Burton based Batman Blu-Ray sets look crappier and cheaper than the Chris Nolan based Batman Blu-Ray sets." I mean they literally didn't put any effort at all to honor or celebrate these films. If they're going to do the Bat logo for the film at the very least they should get the 89 Bat logo right.
Like this.
(https://www.batman-online.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F308%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F02%2Fbatman-1989-logo.jpg&hash=04028e09dc874b4e86d5f9f702db8a746164c09a)
Or This.
(https://www.batman-online.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvdtalk.com%2Freviews%2Fimages%2Freviews%2F103%2F1129465466.jpg&hash=c86698f81d00dfc0efc6e84a4bce22d09269d4c6)
I would have even settled with this fanmade one
(https://www.batman-online.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg2.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20140423114752%2Fbatman%2Fimages%2F4%2F47%2FBatman_1989_-_Poster_%28fan_art%29.jpg&hash=9b597182a0cb00d42e6daadb9df0ed20ccb488e4)
The cover sucks, the new featurette will probably suck.
What I expected. But I'll buy it anyway. One to open and one to add to my collection. I collect every major standalone release of the film. Just missing the Widescreen VHS, Laserdisc, Betamax, UMD and Snapper Case DVD.
This is a disgrace. I could accept a shoddy cover if WB had bothered to collate some decent additional extras, but this is just another slap in the face for the Burton Batman fans. >:(
The worst aspect is that it's unlikely there will ever be a better opportunity for WB to provide a decent release of these films on a home entertainment format...I guess I had better keep my fingers crossed for the 50th anniversary release. ::)
I honestly don't know why this is a surprise to anyone - WB has always been a bunch of incompetent hacks.
Pass.
I think I'll pre-order it off Amazon just so I can cancel the order.
Hahahaha EXACTLY what I expected!
Far as I'm concerned the film recieved the special treatment it deserved nearly 10 years ago now (whooosh!) in 2005. And bare in mind all four were released then with a wealth of extra content to coincide with the upcoming Batman Begins. I find the idea Warners refuses to honour the films in place of the Christian Bale era extremely flimsy on that score to be honest.
The story of the first film's production was told quite excellently then and when the story has been told, it's been told. Sure I'm disappointed like everyone else. It depends what that marketing doc is like. If it's substantially long enough (at least 45-50 mins or so) I think it'll still be worth a look.
2005 was the real party year. It's still one of the most highly entertain extra's put out for any dvd next to the Alien Anthology. But 2014 belongs to Adam West and his upcoming series release. The real showstopper for the here and now that's at least something. Pure...West!
I'd still like to see deleted scenes and outtakes for all four of the Burton/Schumacher Batman films (I'm pretty sure they exist) as well as brand new interviews rather than archive ones, along with commentaries featuring the various writers, producers and maybe some cast members.
Really, I'd love to see each Batman film get a treatment on par with say 'The Abyss: SE' DVD, 'Blade Runner' and yes, the 'Alien Quadrilogy'. A really exhaustive treatment.
Quote from: Cobblepot4Mayor on Fri, 15 Aug 2014, 19:12
The story of the first film's production was told quite excellently then and when the story has been told, it's been told. Sure I'm disappointed like everyone else. It depends what that marketing doc is like. If it's substantially long enough (at least 45-50 mins or so) I think it'll still be worth a look.
Yep. If the marketing doc has a good running time, that's about the only way I would
consider purchasing this. Otherwise, nope. Nope. Nope.
Looks like us UK folk are getting the 25th Anniversary Edition as a Zavvi exclusive. Disc 2 includes Batman Reunited and The Making of a Hero (the latter is presumably the 1989 TV documentary which is available online but has otherwise not been released on DVD).
Quote from: DallyWhitty on Thu, 25 Sep 2014, 14:22
Looks like us UK folk are getting the 25th Anniversary Edition as a Zavvi exclusive. Disc 2 includes Batman Reunited and The Making of a Hero (the latter is presumably the 1989 TV documentary which is available online but has otherwise not been released on DVD).
What is 'Batman Reunited' and 'The Making of a Hero'? Have they been on previous releases, and does anyone know if they're very good docs?
Quote from: johnnygobbs on Thu, 25 Sep 2014, 14:57
Quote from: DallyWhitty on Thu, 25 Sep 2014, 14:22
Looks like us UK folk are getting the 25th Anniversary Edition as a Zavvi exclusive. Disc 2 includes Batman Reunited and The Making of a Hero (the latter is presumably the 1989 TV documentary which is available online but has otherwise not been released on DVD).
What is 'Batman Reunited' and 'The Making of a Hero'? Have they been on previous releases, and does anyone know if they're very good docs?
Making of a Hero is the rare behind the scenes doc from 1989 released in the UK to promote the film. It's on youtube, and it's worth a watch. Batman Reunited I don't know.
I actually have the Markinf of a Hero Documentary saved on my computer from youtube, there's actually a remastered one available. It's one of the best looks at the making of the film, alot of footage and interviews, most of which have never appeared in other documentaries on the film. I'm psyched that this could be in the 25th Anniversary Diamond DeLux Edition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-PhMEeIlzE
My copy arrived about ten minutes ago and I've just popped Disc 2 in to clear the confusion surrounding what exactly it contains. It's just The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster and nothing else, unfortunately, and it runs for twenty-four minutes. I don't know what happened to the other two extras we were supposedly getting (Batman Reunited and The Making of a Hero).
Did you get it from Zavvi?
Quote from: Paul (ral) on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 10:32
Did you get it from Zavvi?
Yep! This is the Zavvi-exclusive UK release. I'm assuming it'll be the same worldwide.
Well, then they are lying feckers. Mine should arrive today...it's going back.
I can confirm this. I'm watching it now....however, there is Keaton is interviewed in the documentary, finally!!
Just got done watching it and aside from Keaton's affectionate look back at the experience, the whole thing is borderline insulting. Yes, it explores how Batman changed everything in terms of how blockbusters are made, but it basically implies that the movie was crap and wouldn't have been successful without the hype. I'm stunned that someone signed off on this, feels like the studio just took s great big dump on a film beloved by a great many people.
Avoid!
Quote from: PJ on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 12:34
Just got done watching it and aside from Keaton's affectionate look back at the experience, the whole thing is borderline insulting. Yes, it explores how Batman changed everything in terms of how blockbusters are made, but it basically implies that the movie was crap and wouldn't have been successful without the hype. I'm stunned that someone signed off on this, feels like the studio just took s great big dump on a film beloved by a great many people.
Avoid!
Thanks for the heads-up PJ. I wasn't intending to buy this release anyway, but I appreciate the mini-review.
Can you elaborate on why you think the documentary implies that the film was crap? Admittedly it's the type of thing I'd now expect from Warner Bros whilst they continue to fellate Nolan, Snyder and Goyer ::) but I'm curious as to what how blatant they are in their contempt for Burton's seminal Batman movies.
Quote from: PJ on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 12:34
Just got done watching it and aside from Keaton's affectionate look back at the experience, the whole thing is borderline insulting. Yes, it explores how Batman changed everything in terms of how blockbusters are made, but it basically implies that the movie was crap and wouldn't have been successful without the hype. I'm stunned that someone signed off on this, feels like the studio just took s great big dump on a film beloved by a great many people.
Avoid!
shaking my head.
I'm in 2 minds on whether to return this blu-ray or open it to see how bad it is...
The only actual crew members interviewed are Keaton and Peter Guber, the rest are made up of industry analysts/critics, Geoff Johns, David Goyer and a couple of WB execs. All of which focus on the money that was made and how Batman created "your movie doesn't have to be good as long as opens huge." Model of filmmaking.
Like I said, pretty insulting
Quote from: PJ on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 16:29
The only actual crew members interviewed are Keaton and Peter Guber, the rest are made up of industry analysts/critics, Geoff Johns, David Goyer and a couple of WB execs. All of which focus on the money that was made and how Batman created "your movie doesn't have to be good as long as opens huge." Model of filmmaking.
Like I said, pretty insulting
Do they actually use that line? >:(
Even if they don't, I agree, it sounds very insulting.
I wonder if we'll ever get a decent Batman and Batman Returns upgrade Blue-Ray/DVD/whatever.
And what the hell is Goyer doing there? Has he ever said anything complimentary about the Burton films?
Yes, unfortunately that line is uttered. Goyer comments on a Batman tattoo being popular at the time and something about modern comic book movies
Keaton's while interview time only totals about 2 minutes and is so sad as you know they're sitting on loads of footage from that and they've included it in amongst content that is pretty offensive to any fans of the film
Quote from: PJ on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 16:37
Yes, unfortunately that line is uttered. Goyer comments on a Batman tattoo being popular at the time and something about modern comic book movies
>:( Sounds like Goyer is taking the opportunity to peddle his own dull, dreary comic-book movies.
What makes me laugh is that surely Warner Bros must know that most people buying a 25th anniversary release will already be fans of the movie and won't care to hear that one of their favourite films was only successful because of the hype. Talk about biting the hand...
Well, I watched it.
Definitely gonna put a review together just for this.
As has been said, it's almost a dissing of the film itself and a hastily thrown together documentary that isn't even worth $5 on iTunes.
Quote from: Paul (ral) on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 19:34
Well, I watched it.
Definitely gonna put a review together just for this.
As has been said, it's almost a dissing of the film itself and a hastily thrown together documentary that isn't even worth $5 on iTunes.
It almost makes me wonder if the dissing was done on purpose as part of Warner Bros' concerted effort to bury the Burton Batman films in favour of their newer 'no jokes' movies. >:(
Us Burton fans MUST BE CONVERTED.
It's absolutely sickening and I hope some of the current execs at Warner Bros lose their jobs.
I'm not happy one bit to hear Goyer was involved and I can't see a scenario where his presence would please me;
I'm sure he's sitting there doing his regular Burton bashing as he has for years. a special edition DVD is no place for critics of a film.
Once again, this only reaffirms that WB are an absolute joke. I can only assume they put together this mess of a 'documentary' because they already covered too many featurettes when a special edition of the movie was released on DVD a decade ago. Nonetheless, it's pretty pathetic that they basically patronise the movie that started the entire franchise in favour of a series of films that make Batman talk like an asthmatic, needs Lucius Fox to do the technical work, and fools people into thinking they're "cerebral" because of themes that otherwise that have no real business being in the plot. Oh, and take themselves seriously for the sake of it.
Goyer especially should be removed from any plans for the new DC movies. It does make me worry how Batman v Superman will turn out. If it turns out to be a success (as in it's enjoyable, not only in terms of money), then I have a feeling it will be in spite of him. The 'World's Finest' has to be fun on some level. They better not try to use the movie to express some sort of political or philosophical pretense like they did for the recent Nolan films. >:(
My thoughts
http://www.batman-online.com/features/2014/11/7/review-batman-1989-25th-anniversary-blu-ray
Thanks for the responses, especially your review Paul. I was actually considering pre ordering this one but after reading the reviews I think I'll go with one of the other versions.
My main gripe is the presence of Goyer; I hope WB is reading this, I am mainly avoiding this because they put a clown here to discuss a film on celebration DVD who has done nothing but criticize it for years.
Sorry for ranting but I don't like this man one bit. There is not a single successful work out there in which he's had sole writing credit. Here is a list of the films in which he had the lead writing credit and their IMDB rating:
The unborn; 4.7
Blade trinity 5.9
The crow city of angels 4.4 (sole writer)
Nick Fury 3.6 (sole writer)
Kickboxer 2: 4.3
Death Warrant 5.5
In fact the blade series was successful until he was given the director chair for the 3rd film and ran it into the ground and was condemned by his stars.
Batman is a movie that actually got better over the years. At the time, highbrow critics were quick to dismiss it as a typical 80s action movie. Before the age of superhero movies that we're in now, this was a pretty common way of thinking, though the movie has since become a classic. Burton was ahead of his time, and instead of celebrating that, it seems the old backward way of thinking is being reinforced. Great job, WB.
Batman is a hard series to tackle now, because WB is still trying to push the Nolan films and the new Batman V Superman. As a result, we got this bare bones release. It's like a catch 22, if we want a decent release of the old films, there needs to not be any new ones. Unlike Star Wars or something, the new films don't build off the old ones, they compete.
Here's a quote from Goyer regarding She-Hulk:
QuoteI have a theory about She-Hulk. Which was created by a man, right? And at the time in particular I think 95% of comic book readers were men and certainly almost all of the comic book writers were men. So the Hulk was this classic male power fantasy. It's like, most of the people reading comic books were these people like me who were just these little kids getting the sh*t kicked out of them every day... And so then they created She-Hulk, right? Who was still smart... I think She-Hulk is the chick that you could f*** if you were Hulk, you know what I'm saying? ... She-Hulk was the extension of the male power fantasy. So it's like if I'm going to be this geek who becomes the Hulk then let's create a giant green porn star that only the Hulk could f***.
The following response from Stan Lee sums up my thoughts on this specific comment and Goyer in general:
QuoteNever for an instant did I want her as a love interest for Hulk, only a nut would even think of that.
Like you state Riddler, the guy's a hack with barely a single decent credit to his name.
Not sure how everyone feels about Kevin Smith but he rips a strip off Goyer (advanced caution for vulgar language)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi36O3fFe88
She Hulk is Bruce Banners COUSIN. If Goyer thinks they should mate that takes his flaws to a new level.
It's very obvious this clown doesn't get it; the only success he experiences is riding Nolan or Geoff Johns coat tails.
I don't like Kevin Smith, but I'll give him credit for questioning Goyer's logic.
Let's not forget about the comments that Goyer made about Martian Manhunter a couple of months back:
QuoteHow many people in the audience have heard of Martian Manhunter? How many people that raised their hands have ever been laid?
Well, he hasn't been rebooted but he's a mainstay in the Justice League. He can't be $%#ing called the Martian Manhunter because that's goofy. He can be called Manhunter ... The whole deal with Martian Manhunter is he's an alien living amongst us ... So he comes down to Earth and decides, unlike Superman who already exists in the world now, that he's just going to be a homicide detective ... So instead of using super-powers and mind-reading and like, oh, I could figure out if the President's lying or whatever, he just decides to disguise himself as a human homicide detective. Dare to dream!
http://www.blastr.com/2014-5-21/superman-writer-david-goyer-slams-martian-manhunter-calls-she-hulk-porn-star
Nice disparaging comments there Goyer, you farken wanker! I never got the impression he thought too highly of his own audience by the crap he normally writes. This comment proves it.
I find it rich that he writes movies about Superman and Batman who are just as 'goofy' as Martian Manhunter. Really, what makes those characters less absurd about another alien who adopts Earth as his home? They are comic book characters, aren't they?
Then again, it's not that surprising he'd write such stupidity. After all, this is the same guy who thought writing a story about an impulsive and reckless Bruce Wayne who finds no direction in life until he meets Ra's al Ghul is somehow more captivating than a man who dedicates his whole life training to be at peak condition as a crime-fighter to avenge the death of his parents. ::)
I seriously hope BvS is drastically rewritten and I hope he has nothing to do with writing the Wonder Woman movie.
Quote from: The Laughing Fish on Sat, 8 Nov 2014, 23:59
I seriously hope BvS is drastically rewritten and I hope he has nothing to do with writing the Wonder Woman movie.
Especially this.
That whole 'She-Hulk' quote demonstrates that he should never be allowed to write another female character in his career.
Characters can't go by the name fans have associated with them for years, that's ridiculous!
That's the same logic that successfully changed Captain Marvel to Shazam. They think it makes it easier - these characters that have been adored for decades need to be dumbed down for a mainstream audience. When in reality, staying closer to the comics is in fact giving them more of the appeal that made these superheroes popular in the first place. Why can't Superman have tights? Why can't Catwoman actually have a name? Are those two things completely unreasonable in a "realistic" setting?
Quote from: Slash Man on Sun, 9 Nov 2014, 01:05
Characters can't go by the name fans have associated with them for years, that's ridiculous!
That's the same logic that successfully changed Captain Marvel to Shazam. They think it makes it easier - these characters that have been adored for decades need to be dumbed down for a mainstream audience. When in reality, staying closer to the comics is in fact giving them more of the appeal that made these superheroes popular in the first place. Why can't Superman have tights? Why can't Catwoman actually have a name? Are those two things completely unreasonable in a "realistic" setting?
To be fair, Clark did get referred to as Superman at one stage in Man of Steel, albeit in a very unspectacular way.
But Selina Kyle not being called Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises is laughable. A friend of mine said it best: "So some idiot can dress up in a costume and give himself a stupid name like Batman, but a girl isn't allowed to call herself Catwoman?". What makes it even more outrageous is that she is much more convincing as a fighter because she doesn't wear any of that pointless armor like Batman and has more agility than he does.
It's a shame because it seems the Digibook version is the best we've gotten so far.
Quote from: PJ on Fri, 7 Nov 2014, 16:40
Keaton's while interview time only totals about 2 minutes and is so sad as you know they're sitting on loads of footage from that and they've included it in amongst content that is pretty offensive to any fans of the film
Could anyone post this part up on Youtube?
NECA are releasing their smaller 8" Keaton figure with the 25th Anniversary Blu-ray!
Pre-order here http://www.ebay.com/itm/Batman-25th-Anniversary-Blu-Ray-Diamond-Luxe-with-Action-Figure-PRESALE-12-9-/261669651235?utm_campaign=2nd-batman25thpromoWBebay&utm_medium=social&utm_source=necafbgplus
Sweet! I was gonna buy a copy anyway just to have sealed (I collect the film in every major release version), and I wanted a NECA Keaton, but didn't want the video game colors!
Win/Win!
While the Blu Ray may be mediocre within itself, I'm glad to see DC actually offer up something that is worthy of commemorating the event. It's great that these things are selling like crazy... maybe DC will get the hint.
I think it's more kudos to NECA than DC on this one.
Great news from Neca:
Good news, Bat-Fans! Thanks to your requests, we've been able to work with Warner Bros Home Video and Toys ''R'' Us to get a limited quantity of our 1989 #Batman figures into stores as a promo with the purchase of the Blu-ray! Look for it in the #NECA section of your local Toys R Us next week.
If you spot one, tweet a pic to @neca_toys and help your fellow collectors score!
** Please note: figure cannot be purchased separately.