Batman Debuts on VHS - Local News Report ( Circa 1989 )

The anticipation of Tim Burton's Batman was at fever pitch in the Summer of 1989. Warner Bros decided to release the film on VHS just 4 months after its theatrical release. The early release was considered unprecedented at the time. Smaller theatre chains were not to happy with Warner's decision. But Warner wanted the film home in time for the holiday shopping season.

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[dgware]

I disagree with those who say Burton's Batman films are better than Nolan's. Don't get me wrong, Batman 1989 was excellent. High grade stuff. But it can't touch The Dark Knight. I doubt the Dark Knight Rises will be as good either, but TDK will always have the edge on Batman 1989.

[Grooveraider]

I can't compare them. I like them the same. Least favorite was Batman Returns.

The Joel Shumacher versions were just abominations O_o

[BackForwardPunch]

Of course, this is the best Batman movie. I still have that VHS, and I won't lie, I watch it at least once a year. Since 1990.

[czizzi]

I, too, prefer the Burton Batmans to the newer incarnations. I'd argue the point that they 'never took themselves seriously' though. They were pretty dark/deep movies (especially returns). They were just more fantastical than Nolan's work.

[TheJoeyzxc]

Thumbs down. The fact that you put a watermark with a youtube link that will not exist 3 years from now on a news report that you can't find anywhere else is ridiculous.

[RenMartin2210]

No need for comparissons on which series was great; I think the Burton films and the Nolan films are awesome in their own way. Schumacher's on the other hand.....

[drewdudy]

This batman movie will always be the best one to me!!!!

[027Erik]

Wow I was only 2yrs old when this came out and 4yrs old when I started watching the heck out of it up to this day. Its still my most favortie film of em all for me. I plan on buying the Hot toys keaton batman figure with the batmobile in honor of my love and memories I had for that time when I was a kid. Heck I'd still play with these toys... Can't wait.

[tausti]

Great video....awesome times!

[samsamba08]

@dgware - TDK has "the edge" on it? Why are internet folks so damn intent on making comparisons? Because they're Batman movies? They're just different takes, made decades apart.

I for one prefer the Tim Burton movies. I even prefer Batman Forever to both Nolan films - and I have nothing against the "darkness", I used to love the Killing Joke comic book growing up.

TDK is a hopelessly overrated and mediocre film, with a slight plot twist towards the end and a great performance by one actor.

[Abr022575]

Nicholson was fantastic in this. He should have lost about 20 pounds though

[ledawg1138]

Ha, his 'cartoon craziness'.

[Skeletonwitharaygun]

@dgware

TDK Sucks ass.

It's hardly even a batman movie.

[eyeh8nbc]

Most of those tapes are now at Goodwill stores!

[g2kmaster]

I like how unserious these people are about the film, probrably because memories of the Adam West series is going around. I mean, really, people spouting off names like "bat-boy" (it's pretty much common sense that it is Robin) and saying things like the film having "cartoon craziness". Not to mention the Ronald McDonald comparison. I guess respect didn't truly come till Nolan did TDK.

[MisterConan90]

Today DVDs usually come out around three months-four months after a theatrical release.

[mryoshifreak]

@hucklebuckle1990 NICE!!!

[jfs1988]

"The Joker Parks Here", LoL. I need to buy one of those signs.

[NekoValtz]

They need to reply this in threaders. I'd totally watch it!

[mikedestructive]

I remember my mom bringing me to Blockbuster to buy this on VHS when it came out. good times.

[ThePreviewsGuyReturn]

I Got This Video Batman 1989 VHS!

[PonyboyInNewZealand]

@AftermathRebel Hmm... I was under the impression the 1989 Batman film was inspired by Dark Knight Returns (at least the tone). I think to do a film based on Miller's Dark Knight and not do it literally (at least for the most part) might be pointless. Then again, it is Batman, and Batman always sells. ;-)

[AftermathRebel]

@PonyboyInNewZealand It wouldn't have to be an exact interpretation. More of an influence.

[PonyboyInNewZealand]

@AftermathRebel As much as I love Tim Burton, I don't know if he'd be the man to bring Frank Miller's version to life. I don't even think Burton would return the Batman universe anyway. It's hard to say. Miller's DARK KNIGHT is much grittier than anything Burton has ever done. Maybe a Tim Burton/Miller collaboration?