To commemorate Batman’s 85th anniversary, a new 4K Blu-ray box set featuring 10 iconic animated films of the Dark Knight is set to be released. The Batman 85th Anniversary Collection showcases the character’s evolution through various eras of animation and is available for preorder with a release date of September 10. Currently, the box set is priced at $201 but is expected to see price reductions closer to launch. Notably, preorder customers will only be charged once their order ships, ensuring they receive the lowest price offered.
The Batman 85th Anniversary Collection includes a vibrant slipcase and a 24-page commemorative booklet, along with both 4K Blu-ray and digital formats for all 10 films. The featured films include a diverse mix of classic and contemporary Batman narratives across different timelines:
- Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
- Batman Year One
- Batman: Assault on Arkham
- Batman: The Killing Joke
- Batman and Harley Quinn
- Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
- Batman: Hush
- Batman: Soul of the Dragon
- Batman: The Long Halloween
- Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham
This compilation stands out with strong entries such as Mask of the Phantasm and Year One, alongside several entertaining titles that serve as perfect binge-watching content. For instance, Soul of the Dragon reimagines Batman as a martial arts master in a nostalgic adventure, while Assault on Arkham delves into the action-rich Arkhamverse, primarily spotlighting the Suicide Squad. Gotham by Gaslight reinterprets the Batman mythos in a Victorian context.
Although The Killing Joke, Harley Quinn, and Hush may not reach the same iconic status, they stay true to their DC roots and remain enjoyable for viewers.
This isn’t the first time Batman’s animated adventures have been celebrated in a box set. The previous 80th Anniversary Collection was launched in 2019, featuring 18 films, six of which are included in the new collection. However, the earlier set offers standard 1080p Blu-ray discs and is currently available for $63, down from $90. The 80th Anniversary Collection is worthwhile due to its extensive film lineup, despite the 85th Anniversary set featuring titles already offered in 4K.
Additionally, this year marks the 35th anniversary of Tim Burton’s iconic Batman film, starring Michael Keaton as the titular character. The film remains a benchmark portrayal, and its 4K Blu-ray edition is currently retailing for $22. For collectors, a comprehensive 4K Blu-ray collection including Burton’s Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin is available for $50. Furthermore, Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy is also being offered at a significant discount.
The Batman 85th Anniversary Collection on 4K Blu-ray promises to be a milestone release for fans and collectors alike.
