The latest trailerfor the R-rated animated filmBatman: The Killing Jokehit the internet last week to mixed reactions. Many Batfans were happy to see the acclaimedAlan MooreandBrian Bollandstory get its much-anticipated adaptation, but just as many were miffed at the trailer’s appearance. Some took issue with the animation style that looks like it’s attempting to match the comic book’s artwork, but the main issue was with the herky-jerky, rough animation of the main characters doing something as simple as walking across the screen. Hopefully this was either a rushed trailer or merely an anomaly becauseBatman: The Killing Jokehas an otherwise solid team of talent behind it.
Kevin Conroyreturns to voice his iconic role of Bruce Wayne/Batman alongsideMark Hamill’sinimitable Joker.Tara Strongstars as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl withRay Wiseas Commissioner James Gordon in the adaptation directed bySam Liu(Batman: Year One,Justice League vs Teen Titans). And while we’ve known for a while that the R-rated movie, a first-ever for aBatmanfilm, will screen at San Diego Comic-Con, now we have word on the eventual Blu-ray’s release date.
Update:According toAmazon’sproduct page for theBatman: The Killing JokeBlu-ray and as reported byEW, the deluxe edition and combo pack Blu-ray for the movie will be available on August 2nd, with Digital HD copies available on July 23rd. Here’s what you can expect as far as bonus features:
In addition to two 22-minute episodes fromThe New Batman AdventuresandBatman: The Animated Series, the deluxe edition and combo pack versions will include two featurettes:Madness Set to Music, a documentary which chronicles the creation of the film’s storyboards and original score, andMany Shades of the Joker: The Tale of the Killing Joke, a making-of short that explores the distinct style of the graphic novel. Fans who purchase the combo pack Blu-ray edition will also receive a limited edition figurine of the Joker.
The Blu-ray is also expected to have a 15-minute prologue that will help setup the story, meaning that even fans of the original source material will have some additional content to look forward to. Here’s whatMary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing, had to say about the release:
“Batman: The Killing Jokepresents, for the first time, one of the most compelling stories in the annals of Batman’s adventures: the evolution of the Joker from normalcy to criminal insanity, in all its graphic presentation as an R-rated animated film. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to releaseBatman: The Killing Jokeas an authentic representation of its revered story for both longtime fans and new fans alike.”
If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s the briefest of synopses:
As Batman hunts for the escaped Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime attacks the Gordon family to prove a diabolical point mirroring his own fall into madness.
For more of our coverage onBatman: The Killing Joke, take a look at the following links:
