Holy home video! 1960's Batman finally gets DVD release

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-nah!

Fans of Batman will be up and rejoicing at last, as the classic 1960’s Batman TV series starring the legendary duo of Adam West and Burt Ward is FINALLY coming to home video! 

 

Famed celebrity talk show host Conan O’Brien and Warner Bros. Entertainment pretty much confirmed the news by posting a Tweet teasing the release, with a picture of CoCo himself standing right beside the legendary Batmobile from the show itself:

 

 

A release of the 1960’s Batman TV Series on DVD has been long sought-after by collectors, and the official announcement marks the very first time the show will be collected in its entirety and released in any home media format. 

 

Several attempts have been made to bring the series to home video, but legal disputes and issues between DC Comics, parent company Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox that produced the show in the 60’s kept it from seeing the light of day. Now it seems all matters have been resolved, and the good news also coincides with the 75th Anniversary of Batman this year, marking a stellar time for DC Comics’ most popular character. 

 

As one of the most celebrated and memorable comic book TV shows of all time, the live-action Batman TV Series was created by William Dozier, and began its run in January 12, 1966 on the ABC network in the US. 

 

Lasting for three whole seasons and even landing one full-length theatrical feature in theaters, the series starred Adam West as Batman/ Bruce Wayne and Burt Ward as Robin/ Dick Grayson, portraying the heroes as crimefighting heroes who defend Gotham City from wacky and kooky criminals such as The Joker, The Riddler, Mr. Freeze, and Catwoman. In addition to its action and adventure elements, the show was also known form its campy and comedic atmosphere, which was common at the time and a drastic departure from the more serious and dramatic interpretation of The Bat Man, which would not resurface until the 70’s and 80’s in comics where the character would return to his traditional darker roots.

 

Despite its family-friendly approach and lighthearted tone, the 1960’s Batman series is well remembered by generations of Bat fans. While being severely typecast for years long after appearing the role, Adam West has experienced newfound popularity thanks to his signature role, and has lent his iconic voice to shows like Batman: The Animated Series, Family Guy, and The Fairly OddParents, where he would pay tribute or parody his character of the Caped Crusader in some form. 

 

The show also helped influence later portrayals of The Dark Knight in popular culture, with the animated series “Batman: The Brave and The Bold” referencing several elements seen in the 60’s TV Series.  A resurgence of popularity for the series also began in 2013, with the launch of a toyline based on the series by Mattel and an ongoing comic book series entitled “Batman ‘66” written by Jeff Parker.

 

Running from 1966-1968, the DVD home video release of “Batman” is expected to come out sometime “later in 2014”, according to SuperheroHype.com and ComicBookResources.com.  — TJD, GMA News