The 1966 Batman television show is pure fun. It’s an integral part of the character’s legacy. The show was also how many kids were first exposed to Batman. Though it’s campy and colorful take on the character would not be welcome in a post-Nolan cinematic landscape, Batman is one of the most enjoyable iterations of the character and his universe.
Thankfully, actors Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar have given the characters life once again in an animated feature based on the classic television series. Check out the first cheeky trailer for Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders.
It’s pretty hard to hold back a smile while watching that. Though the age of the actors is fairly noticeable, it doesn’t take away from the pure charm of the piece. And the entire gimmick of being roasted alive on top of a giant microwave dinner? Wonderful.
The last DC animated feature, Batman: The Killing Joke, was an abysmal adaptation. The source material was appropriately brutal and nihilistic, but the filmmaking felt rushed and perfunctory. If not for Mark Hamill‘s musical number, Batman: The Killing Joke wouldn’t be worth seeing. It would be nice to see Warner Bros. Animation bounce back with something cheery and simple like Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. Batman doesn’t always have to be drenched in grimness.
With the promise of numerous villains, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders sounds like it will be a thoughtful love letter to an era of Batman that many folks ignore. The original show is necessary viewing for anyone who considers themselves a Batman fan. The poppy design and purposeful goofiness still hold up to this day. And how can you deny that iconic theme song?
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will release on Digital HD on Oct. 11 and Blu-Ray on Nov. 1. Strap on your utility belts and stock up on shark repellent Bat-spray.
