2024 marks the 35th-anniversary of Batman, the Tim Burton-directed film starring Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. Batman (1989) set a high benchmark for future adaptations. To celebrate its legacy, a new special-edition 4K Blu-ray is releasing on May 28. The steelbook edition of Batman is available to preorder now at Amazon for $41.
This is Batman in its best format, and more than three decades later, this is still a terrific movie anchored by Keaton’s brooding performance as the Gotham vigilante and Jack Nicholson stealing every scene he’s in as the impeccably tailored Joker. The film still looks great thanks to the high-budget set design, imaginative costumes, and a killer Batmobile, creating a timeless take on the DC Comics hero and his world.
This version of Batman also comes in a handsome steelbook featuring the Dark Knight cloaked in the shadows, and for extras, there’s a lot to look forward to here. These have all been inherited from the original DVD release, but if you haven’t seen them yet, the included documentaries provide a fascinating glimpse into how the movie came about. From Warner Bros. taking a chance on Burton to the wild reactions of Keaton’s casting, these featurettes are a time capsule of Bat-mania. Or if you want to chill, you can also check out the Prince music videos.
This isn’t the first time Batman (1989) has been released on 4K Blu-ray. If you don’t care for steelbooks, Amazon has a great offer on a four-film collection that includes the film. The Batman 4-Film Collection contains the four live-action Batman flicks that released between 1989 and 1997: Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. You’re technically getting three different Batmen with this collection, as you’ll be able to enjoy Keaton’s two films as well as Val Kilmer’s and George Clooney’s turns as the Caped Crusader. This 4K collection is on sale for $68 (down from $90).
For more recent eras of live-action Batman, check out The Dark Knight Trilogy on 4K for $54 and The Batman for $15.
On the animated side of Gotham City, Batman: The Complete Animated Series just got a huge discount at Amazon. Elsewhere, you’ll soon be able to build your very own Gotham skyline with this artistic 4,300-piece Lego set.
