Rating:  -
I guess it all started with the Selina Kyle comic book character, and on to Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt in the TV series. I think Lee Meriwether is #1. She's incredibly sleek and sexy in black lurex, plus a Miss USA.
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When I was six years old I loved Batman to bits, both the sixties and Tim Burton versions, but I liked the sixties version just a little bit better. The Tim Burton films were Batman if he was real, I used to think, the sixties version was Batman if he was fun. He had Robin and the Joker was still alive, and there were a lot more villains to fight and lots more colour. I used to draw pictures of Batman, I even wrote a story when I was a kid based on this very movie. I must have seen this 1966 film a dozen dozen times. It's been years since I've seen it though, so I picked up the DVD watched it again, and wow, it's even funnier than I remembered.
Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) are Batman and Robin, and they've been called to the Batcave once again to pursue a stolen yacht, which they pursue, only to become embroiled in a complex scheme concocted by their four arch enemies: The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin) and Catwoman (Lee Meriwether). I won't give it away, but it involves a clever disguise, a dehydration gun, piles of colored sand and world domination. Will the dynamic duo suceed? Will they avoid both the exploding sharks and the exploding octopus? Will Bruce find the love of his life? You'll have to watch to find out!
This film has everything, it really does. There's lots of action (POW! BAM! Lots of fight scenes), romance (Bruce Wayne goes out to dinner with Catwoman), politics (world leaders arguing in a United Nations-like institution), riddles ("What goes up white, but comes down yellow and white?" "An egg!") science (the dehydration gun), suspense (How will Batman get rid of the bomb? Because you know "some days you just can't get rid of a bomb") and of course comedy (exploding sharks, etc). I love the colours, the music, the dialogue which is written to be so ridiculous at times and of course the fun take on the Batman mythology.
The DVD menus have a 1960s Batman feel, (Bat scenes, Bat Languages, Batmovie, etc) and even include snippets of audio of Batman and Robin caught in the menu ("Holy interactive menus, Batman!"). Special features include a featurette featuring Adam West and Burt Ward, the stars of the film, who recall their time on their set, why the movie was made and Bert's former life as a real estate agent before Batman. They also feature in the commentary, where they scatter some more behind the scenes tidbits about. There's a featurette about the batmobile from it's creator, two original trailers from the 1960s (done in a style similar to the film) and a couple of sets of photo galleries.
If you like a good laugh and like Batman (but don't take him too seriously) then I recommend this film. For Adam West fans, I also recommend they check out the animated comedy Family Guy, where he plays the delusional mayor named Adam West, (funnily enough).
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Then why, you may ask, the four stars? Simple. Because this is the campiest, most ridiculous mess ever put on celluloid... and that's precisely what makes it so endearing. I LOVED the old t.v. series as a kid, and this movie has every bad cliche and over-the-top-silly bat-gizmo you could ever wish for. Buy it for the memories, treasure its foolishness, and be a kid again. (And the sad part is, it's still better than most of the pathetic films in theaters today that AREN'T aware of just how awful they really are.)
P.S. The greatest line Bats has ever uttered... "Quick, Robin! The Bat-Shark Repellant!" (Ya gotta check out this movie to see what the heck that means!)
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(For the plot details, here's what the back of the DVD box says)
"When Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp (Reginald Denny) is in danger aboard his yacht, they launch a rescue mission. But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful villains ever, who seek to defeat the Dynamic Duo once and for all! Armed with a dehydrator that can turn humans into dust, the fearsome foursome intends to take over the world! Can the Caped Crusaders use their high-fyling heroism and groovy gadgetry to declaw Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), ice the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), upstage the Joker (Cesar Romero), and stump the Riddler (Frank Gorshin) in time?"
While I wasn't around when this originally came out (1966), I do have fond memories of "Batman: The Movie" as well as Batman the television series from when I was younger through reruns. The mix of fun superhero action and comedic homage to the comics was just too good to not fall in love with. So I wondered, "Would it be just as entertaining today"? The answer: Absolutely! No matter the age, everyone can enjoy the whacky antics of Batman and his colorful villains. While it's obviously not a serious representation of the darker side of the comics, it's still a blast to see. As one of those rare films that the whole family can enjoy (just like the series from which it spawned), it's no wonder why BatFans have been jumping up and down for joy at the release of this DVD. It's the perfect edition to any Bat-collection!
The transfer is beautiful and clear (for those curious, it features Anamorphic Widescreen/Aspect Ratio 1.85:1, with an option between Stereo and Mono for audio). Definitely a surprising look for its age, and the sound is satisfactory as well. As for the bonus features? Bat-a-rific! There's a brief documentary on the Batmobile, still galleries, trailers, a fascinating All-New Batman Featurette and an excellent commentary by West and Ward (which talks about the movie as well as the show, humorously covering topics from cast to crew to goofy memories and pleasant reflections). Some DVDs disappoint with their lack of extras, but I think it's obvious that 20th Century Fox got this one right. This package is a keeper!
Even aside from the specifics of the DVD, the film itself is the reason so many people will love to own this. There's a certain chemistry between the charatcers and a sense of good old fashioned clean fun that will always be cherished by those who long for some classic entertainment. Whether it's for the over-the-top performance by actors such as Cesar Romero and Frank Gorshin, or the comically cool script and feel, Batman The Movie is one of those simple little flicks that continues to shine years and years after it was made. If you're a fan of the 60's campy Batman mania, this is an absolute must-own! And if you're interested in seeing what all the buzz is about, this is a great way to introduce yourself to one of the most popular and unforgettable shows in television history.
Rating: -
Pow ! , Thwack ! , Zwapp ! . Yes this movie are created for kids , but also for adults how been kids ! . When Batman (Adam West 1928-) and Robin (Burt Ward 1945-) Get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp (Reginald Denny 1891-1967) is in danger abour his yacht , they launch a rescue mission . But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful Villains ever , who seek to defeat the dynamic duo once for all ! . Armed with a Dehydrator that can turn humans into dust . This Fearsome Foursome inted to take over the world ! . Can the Caped Crusaders use their high-flying heroism and groovy gadgetry to declaw Catwoman ( Lee Meriwether 1935- ) , Ice the Penguin (Burgess Meredith 1907-1997) , upstage The Joker (Cesar Romero 1907-1994) and stump The Riddler (Frank Gorshin 1933-2005) in time ! . Superb Digital transfer in High Quality
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