Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel "The Dark Knight Returns," is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson).



Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the DC comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall).

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Soundtrack (Click Cover Art To Buy)

Track Listings

Other Films In Series

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DVD Info
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Features:
Commentary by Director Tim Burton
On the Set with Bob Kane Featurette
Heroes and Villains Profile Galleries
Batman: The Complete Robin Storyboard Sequence
Theatrical Trailer

Legends of the Dark Knight Documentary
The Batman comic book saga as reinvented and reinterpreted over nearly seven decades.

Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight Parts 1-3:
  - The Road to Gotham City
  - The Gathering Storm
  - The Legend Reborn

Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery
Visualizing Gotham: The Production Design of Batman · Building the Batmobile · Those Wonderful Toys: The Props and Gadgets of Batman · Designing the Batsuit · From Jack to The Joker · Nocturnal Overtures: The Music of Batman

Music Videos by Prince:
  - Batdance
  - Partyman
  - Scandalous Video:
Widescreen 1.78:1 Color (Anamorphic) Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
ENGLISH: DTS 5.1 [CC]
FRENCH: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
English, Spanish, French