Tim Burton's Batman was released 30 years old today

It's been a while since I blogged here... But no perfect time to make a return like TODAY when one of the greatest movies in popculture, comic book, and cinema history was officially released in theaters this day.

In June 23, 1989, Warner Bros. released "Batman" - their first live-action cinematic foray into the Batman movies franchise based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton in the titular role as Bruce Wayne/ Batman, this masterpiece ushered in one of the definitive interpretations of the Caped Crusader as we know him - a dark and brooding vigilante who dons a Bat costume and fights criminals at night in the streets and rooftops of his home turf Gotham City. Opposing him is the talented Jack Nicholson as gangster Jack Napier - who turns into the freakish and insane Clown Prince of Crime known as The Joker after a battle leaves him scarred and his entire body completely bleached in white after falling in a vat of chemicals. Supporting performances by Kim Basinger as Vicky Vale, Michael Gough as Alfred, and Pat Hingle as Commissioner Gordon only brought more conviction and energy into this production - and the rest is film history.

Batman (1989) Official Trailer #1 - Tim Burton Superhero Movie Batman 1989 is a timeless classic that exists because of the direction comic book stories such as "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" and "Batman: The Killing Joke" did to bring the character back to his darker roots. This film would serve as the template for future Batfilms - with an immediate sequel following in 1992 with "Batman Returns" by Burton, then two more not so stellar follow-ups in "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin" years later by Joel Schumacher. It was not until 2005 when The Bat would see another triumph in the form of "Batman Begins" by director Christopher Nolan - leading to a renaissance of the character because of that reboot and its sequels that make up the equally legendary set called "The Dark Knight Trilogy".

That being said, this is a celebration of Burton's film and even after 30 years - it still holds up as one of the DEFINITIVE Batman works. From the direction and impressive score by Danny Elfman to the perfect casting and even Prince's soundtrack that included the "BatDance", this is a movie fans must watch. HAPPY 30 YEARS TO "BATMAN" and onward as we continue celebrating the Caped Crusader's 80th Anniversary this year!