Earlier this week I found an awesome DVD of one of my favorite movies on sale at Wal-Mart for five bucks. I am of course talking about Batman : the Movie from 1966 starring Adam West and Burt Ward.
I first saw this movie when I was a wee tyke. It was shown in a kids movie marathon and I loved it. It was a mixture of action, absurdity and campy cheese that appeals to such a wide audience and works on different levels.
The movie was made between the first and second seasons of the show. It was extremely popular in the 60s when they were cranking out two shows a week. Now for those of you who have never seen the movie and the TV show it was a light hearted campy affair with over the top acting, dialog and action that blurred the lines between surrealism and comedy. It was a super hero show that was a spoof of itself and was self aware in it's understanding of television. This is swank 60s technocolor America at it's best old chum.
In retrospect the old show might come across as "gay" compared to the Tim Burton movie but I assure you that the ladies of America were all over Adam West as one of the slickest actors since Shatner. Just watch Adam West as Bruce Wane put the moves on Catwoman in 1966 and you will have to acknowledge that he is one swank guy.
The movie is a super powered episode of the show with a larger cast, bigger budget and was a farcical romp through a satire of a gone time. Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler and The Penguin team up to off Batman and take over the world. The villains are so over the top and you can tell that they really love letting loose and pushing it. Lee Meriwether was the hottest Catwoman ever! Bam! Pow!
The DVD is made from a really clean print of the film that was well preserved. There is full length commentary from Adam West and Burt Ward, A new Stereo audio mix for those of you who are not down with Mono, a retrospective documentary, interviews with the creator of the Batmobile, trailers and production photos. It is jammed packed with good stuff and it really lives up to the "Holy Special Edition Batman!" moniker. The commentary track when they complain about wearing the tights are worth your money right there.
I wish that they were still showing the TV shows because I would be right there same bat-time same bat-channel. If you see this DVD. Get it even if you have never seen the TV show.
To the Batcave!
A TV Channel in NZ is screening these old eps of Batman. I keep seeing the DVD in video stores, but never bother with it.
I prefer Batman of the Future (or Batman Beyond, depending on locale) and Teen Titans rocks as well.
I loved this movie as a wee lad. I particularly enjoyed Batman's handy-dandy shark repellant. The mixed up ambassadors, thanks to a sneeze as I recall, were memorable as well.
I might have to stop by my local Wal-Mart.
I have to agree with you: Lee Meriwether=Meeeow!
i always wanted to be catwoman...all of the different ladies that played her were awesome! plus, i wanted the outfit!! :D
Ah yes, I watched this[whack!] show many a times when I was in Elementary, Middle and High school. When ever I was at me grandma's house I would watch it. I love this show [blam!]
The show comes on tv land some times not sure of the time.
i like your guy show and you are really funny and i like to know how you climb up those building
i like your guy show and you are really funny and i like to know how you climb up those building