As DC Comics celebrates Batman’s 85th anniversary, fans are treated to a new 4K Blu-ray box set featuring 10 iconic animated adventures of the Caped Crusader. The Batman 85th Anniversary Collection is now available for preorder, set to be released on September 10. With a price tag of $201 on both Amazon and Target, it is expected to drop in price before the official launch date.
The box set comes in a colorful slipcase and includes a 24-page commemorative booklet along with 4K Blu-ray and digital versions of all 10 movies. The collection offers a diverse range of classic and modern Batman stories spanning various timelines, such as “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm,” “Batman: Hush,” and “Batman: The Killing Joke.”
Highlights and Critiques
Among the standout films in the collection are “Mask of the Phantasm” and “Year One,” offering captivating storylines and engaging animation. However, films like “Harley Quinn” and “Hush” may not reach the same heights but still provide an entertaining watch for fans of the DC universe.
“Hush” stays true to the source material, while “Soul of the Dragon” explores Batman as a martial arts master in the ’70s. “Gotham by Gaslight” takes a Victorian-era twist on Batman, adding a unique flavor to the collection.
This isn’t the first time DC has released a box set of Batman’s animated movies. The 80th Anniversary Collection from 2019 featured 18 films, with six overlapping with the 85th Anniversary Collection. However, the 80th Anniversary Collection comes with standard 1080p Blu-ray discs and is currently on sale for $63 on Amazon.
The difference in the number of movies between the two collections can be attributed to the availability of 4K Blu-ray versions for all films in the 85th Anniversary Collection. Notable titles like “Gotham Knight,” “Under the Red Hood,” and “Son of Batman” are not yet available in 4K Blu-ray format.
In addition to the anniversary collections, fans can also enjoy special edition releases like the 35th-anniversary 4K Blu-ray of Tim Burton’s “Batman” movie, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. For $50, a 4K Blu-ray collection featuring four of Burton’s Batman films is available, including “Batman Returns,” “Batman Forever,” and “Batman & Robin.”
For those looking to explore a darker take on the Caped Crusader, Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy is also offered at a discounted rate on Amazon.
The Batman 85th Anniversary Collection is a commendable addition to any Bat-fan’s collection, offering a mix of classic and modern animated adventures that showcase the evolution of the Dark Knight over the years. While some films may not hit the mark as others, the overall package provides a comprehensive look at Batman’s enduring legacy in the world of animation.
Leave a Reply