Tim Burton's Batman Turns 34 Years Old Today

 

With Michael Keaton back as Batman in theaters thanks to "The Flash", it's also time to celebrate yet another anniversary in the film that got him started as the Caped Crusader in the first place - Tim Burton's Batman!

Released in cinemas on June 23, 1989, "Batman" was literally a game changer in the superhero movie genre as much as it was bringing the character back to his darker roots. Featuring an all-star cast headlined by Jack Nicholson as The Joker, Keaton as Bruce Wayne/ Batman, and Kim Basinger as Vicky Vale, this film is a must watch and something that fans of The Dark Knight absolutely need to see. In fact it was because of this film and 1992's Batman Returns that made Michael Keaton such an iconic choice to play the DC Comics superhero, and his return in The Flash this year marks the first time in over thirty years he plays the character again - and he's still got it!

The Flash DC Multiverse 7" Figures and Vehicles Revealed By Amazon

 

McFarlane Toys' upcoming DC Multivese 7" figures and vehicles based off "The Flash" movie have been revealed online via Amazon Canada (and Toynewsi), giving collectors and fans a glimpse at the upcoming superhero film that's set to reboot the DC Films universe and gather all kinds of variants and versions of the Scarlet Speedster and Dark Knight - with the latter versions played once again by Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton!

As seen in these promotional images, we have a good look at Batman (Keaton), Batman (Affleck), the two versions of Ezra Miller's Flash (with one making his suit out of a spare Batcostume of Keaton's Batman), Supergirl, and even Dark Flash. Also there'll be vehicles from the film that are used by each Batmen - namely the iconic 1989 Batmobile and Batfleck's Batcycle!

The Flash will be released in theaters this June!

ICYMI: The Flash TV Spot Showcases More of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Batsuits

 

The world got its first taste of a very long awaited comeback, as legendary Hollywood comedian and actor Michael Keaton reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/ Batman in the upcoming “The Flash” movie which is directed by Andy Muschietti and will see the DCEU timeline change and mix with old and new faces - leading to a reboot that will pave the way for DC Studios take on the DC Universe.

The first official trailer for the film was released during the Super Bowl, and now here’s a TV Spot featuring some new clips - including a look at Michael Keaton’s new Batsuits!

The Flash Big Game TV Spot The Flash will speed its way into theaters this June.

Michael Keaton’s Batman Highlights the Trio of New The Flash Character Posters

 

Yes. Literally “Batman Returns” and showed the world he’s been dearly missed to boot!

Hours after the release of the long awaited trailer of Andy Muschietti’s “The Flash”, Warner Bros. Discovery has released three new character posters for the film - which highlights the main heroes that will be the focus of the film including Michael Keaton’s Batman, Supergirl, and of course The Flash himself.

Of course, Ben Affleck’s version of the Caped Crusader will also be in the film - as well as another version of The Flash and the return of General Zod. The movie is expected to mess around with the timeline and the multiverse - and hit the big ol’ reset button that will help usher in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios which will shape a new and connected universe in the next couple of years.

The Flash will be released in theaters this coming June.

Batman 1989 Celebrates its 33rd Anniversary Today

 

One of the most influential films in cinema and superhero history has turned 33 years old, and it still leaves quite an impact and legacy to everyone who is a fan of a certain winger avenger of DC Comics. 

On this day in 1989, "Batman" made its way into theaters in the United States - bringing to life a darker and more serious interpretation of the Caped Crusader. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Jack Nicholson as The Joker and Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/ Batman, the film chronicles the Dark Knight's war against crime in his hometown of Gotham City as a new kind of criminal emerges to challenge him and plunge everything into anarchy and chaos.

Batman (1989) - Original Theatrical Trailer

To state how Batman's influence is still being felt to this day is a testimony to how powerful the film's legacy and marketing are. It helped bring the character back to his darker nature and roots following the numerous campy interpretations seen in comics, television, and media - especially the version played by the late great Adam West in the 1960's TV series. Batman 1989 was inspired by the comic book stories "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" and "Batman: The Killing Joke" - ensuring that Bruce Wayne and his alter ego were driven by a crusade to avenge the death of his parents while fighting for justice in a city ridden with crime and corruption. 

It's also worth noting that the soundtrack was composed by the legendary music artist known as Prince, with some late 80's pop music that can be consider interesting and wild to listen to. The score was composed by Danny Elfman, who's Batman theme still remains one of the most recognizable superhero themes ever and has inspired the version used in "Batman: The Animated Series" as well.

If you haven't seen this movie, you owe it to yourselves to do so. Michael Keaton's casting as Batman was criticized before the film's release in 1989, and after it came out it proved naysayers wrong and paved the way for more sequels and reboots to happen. In fact Keaton is set to reprise the role in "The Flash" and "Batgirl" films, and that's saying something about a man who literally can convince you he's the character by saying "I'm Batman" to your face. From the awesome looking Batmobile to the gadgets and the aesthetics of Gotham City itself, this film had it all and continues to prove it was ahead of its time.

Happy 33 years, Batman 1989!

Happy 70th Birthday, Michael Keaton aka Batman '89!

 

Turning 70 and still delivering some awesome acting roles is one thing, but how about getting to play the superhero role that many fans remember you for once more next year? That's pretty much what birthday boy and Batman 1989 actor himself Michael Keaton is, and he's done a lot of stellar work in Hollywood - from playing the Caped Crusader in two Tim Burton directed Batman films as well as Beetlejuice before that with the same director. He was also nominated for his performance in Birdman, and would also get to play The Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Now he'll be coming back next year to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/ Batman in The Flash movie starring Ezra Miller, and the DC Films adventure will open the multiverse doors and feature Ben Affleck's Batman as well!

Happy Birthday Michael Keaton!

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!

Danny Elfman will take over composing the score for "Justice League"

In news that will definitely get fans of classic superhero films eager to see what he has in store for the upcoming DC Films team up flick later this year, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that legendary "Batman 1989" theme composer Danny Elfman will be taking over Junkie XL's duties to score "Justice League" - which is set to hit theaters this fall. The composer will reunite with Avengers: Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon - who took over post production duties from director Zack Snyder recently and is set to finish what remains for the film before it is released.

Justice League hits theaters this November courtesy of Warner Bros. and DC Films.

Billy Dee Williams is Two-Face in "The Lego Batman Movie"

HOLY COMEBACKS BATMAN! In what will certainly make fans of the Batman movies as well as Lando Calrissian of Star Wars fame happy, actor Billy Dee Williams has revealed that he will be voicing the villainous "Two-Face" in next year's "The Lego Batman Movie", as confirmed by director Chris McKay on his Twitter. Those who remember Tim Burton's epic 1989 Batman movie will know that Williams portrayed District Attorney Harvey Dent - the charming and steadfast lawyer who fought on the side of the law to protect Gotham City's streets from crime. Sadly the actor was replaced by Tommy Lee Jones in "Batman Forever" when director Joel Schumacher took over for Burton and continued his film universe. Now it appears that justice has been done, and Williams will get the opportunity to play Harvey's "bad side" and half-scarred visage when The Lego Batman movie hits theaters!

The LEGO Batman Movie – Trailer #4
The Lego Batman Movie hits theaters on February 10, 2017!

ICYMI: Happy 65th Birthday, Michael Keaton!

Today is September 5th - and it happens to be the birthday of one of the most keen acting and comedic minds that Hollywood has known. That would be Michael Keaton - the man who played Beetlejuice, won a Golden Globe for 2014's "Birdman", and played the first full-length film version of DC Comics' iconic Dark Knight in Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" film and its 1992 sequel, Batman Returns!

Michael Keaton as batman tribute version#2
Happy Birthday, Michael Keaton! You'll see this man next in Marvel's upcoming Spider-Man reboot film called "Spider-Man: Homecoming" next year!

Batman: New box art hits digital versions of the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher films

In what will certainly tickle the fancy of Batfans who loved the first Batman movie series prior to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy and the DC Extended Universe, new poster box art images for the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher Batman movies have come up for the digital services servicing and featuring the four original films - namely Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman and Robin.

Via Batman-News.com, you can check out the four new posters/ box artwork.

Batman: Arkham Knight: 1989 Movie Pack trailer released

Following the release of the latest Arkham Insider episode a few days ago previewing the new skin pack hitting this month in action and then some, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Rocksteady Studios have released a new trailer promoting "Batman: Arkham Knight" and the "1989 Movie Pack"!

You can check out the trailer in action, but it does contain some SPOILERS... And a surprise reveal at the end of another DLC pack coming soon...

1989 Batman Movie Batmobile Pack
Batman: Arkham Knight is now available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Batman: Arkham Knight: 1989 Batman DLC Movie pack previewed in Arkham Insider

Making its way soon as one of the new upcoming DLC packs that can be obtained individually or through the game's Season Pass, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Rocksteady Studios have previewed the upcoming "1989 Movie Pack" for Batman: Arkham Knight that features a skin for both Batman and the Batmobile that's based off the classic Tim Burton "Batman" film starring Michael Keaton!

Check out a preview of that skin via the latest episode of "Arkham Insider".


Arkham Insider Episode 7: Back to 1989
Batman: Arkham Knight is now available for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

Batman: 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray "Diamond Luxe Edition" paired w/ EXCLUSIVE NECA Batman 1989 figure

This is pretty much the kind of deal that will get fans of Batman and the 1989 Tim Burton classic film hungry to get this!

Solicited for this holiday season, Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, and NECA have paired together to promote this brand new package for the Batman "Diamond Luxe Edition" Blu-Ray set with an EXCLUSIVE NECA Batman figure - which is sculpted in the same iconic visage of Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader! The action figure stands 7", and features 25 points of articulation - definitely something that collectors would want to get and keep for their collection, especially on Batman's 75th Anniversary!

Find out more on how you can pre-order this Batman 1989 set via Facebook or Ebay! The set will be available on December 9!

Batman 1989 celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Jack Nicholson. Michael Keaton. Tim Burton.

Those names are without a doubt cornerstones behind one of the most impactful films to hit and grace cinematic history back in the late 80's... And helped set a precedent for the superhero movie genre alongside Richard Donner's "Superman: The Movie".

That film was "Batman" - released on June 23, 1989 and directed by Burton.

Heavily dark in tone and inspired by the likes of Frank Miller's "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns", "Batman" saw Michael Keaton star in the titular role as Batman/ Bruce Wayne - setting the origin of the character clearly as a vigilante hero who dresses up as a winged avenger to protect his hometown of Gotham City from the same criminal element that took the life of his parents when he was a child. Opposing him was Nicholson's Joker, who before his transformation was a mob guy named Jack Napier, who falls into a vat of chemicals and transforms into the Clown Prince of Crime. Kim Basinger played Batman's love interest in reporter Vicki Vale, and The Joker equally set his crazy sights on her as he terrorized the populace with his insane antics.

Batman (1989) Original Trailer
Before Christopher Nolan made Batman realistic and epic with his acclaimed set of films in "The Dark Knight Trilogy", Burton's Batman was the best thing to happen, and realized the Caped Crusader for Warner Bros. and DC Comics as a serious crimefighter who took the hero back to his Dark and Brooding roots, which were eclipsed back in the 60's because of the popular 1960's Batman series starring Adam West. It was another chapter in Bathistory that would be memorialized and remembered for generations until this very day, and despite nitpicks and difference at the time, is now truly worthy of praise and honor with its cult status and following. The film was followed by a sequel and the Joel Schumacher films, as well as greenlighting what would be 1992's Batman: The Animated Series!

And yes, while Prince may have done the soundtrack, Danny Elfman's awesome score is just too memorable to forget.
Batman Theme
It's a double celebration indeed for Batman this year, as not only does he celebrate his 75th anniversary, he celebrates the 25th year of one of his important movies!

Happy 25 Years to Batman 1989!