Post by All Star Batman on Jun 20, 2008 14:38:56 GMT -5
www.wizarduniverse.com/062008batmovies.html
BACK IN BLACK
From 1989's 'Batman' to this year's 'The Dark Knight,' 'ToyFare' runs down the franchise that launched a thousand wonderful toys
By Keith Chow
Posted 06/20/08
"Where does he get those wonderful toys?"
The Joker said it, and we all thought it. Not only did the first Batman film shatter box office records, it redefined the world of movie merchandising. Nearly two decades, billions of dollars and six movies later, fans still crazily clamor for all toys caped-crusader.
BATMAN (1989)
THE URBAN LEGEND: Setting the precedent for dark, gritty comic adaptations, Tim Burton's gothic vision found a Batman (Michael Keaton) early in his career facing off against the mobster-turned-villain Joker (Jack Nicholson). Playing up the Batman-as-urban-legend angle, the movie also portrays a suspicious Commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle) warding off two nosy journalists: Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl) and Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger).
THOSE WONDERFUL TOYS: Before making Legends out of Marvel heroes, Toy Biz came out of the gate with a limited line of tie-in figures and vehicles—including the only Bob the Goon ever produced (Tracey Walters collectors, rejoice!). A year later, Kenner—which lost the DC license after Super Powers ended in 1986—finally regained the rights to Batman and unveiled the impressive Dark Knight Collection. This line featured more precise figure likenesses and a bevy of vehicles inspired by the film. On a side note, one of its non-movie vehicles might seem familiar to '80s cartoon-lovers: the Batjet is actually a repainted Sprint Hawk from Kenner's SilverHawks line.
TWO-TIMING TWO-FACE: Billy Dee Williams reportedly signed on as Harvey Dent, with the expectation he would play criminal alter-ego Two-Face in a sequel. Warner Bros. felt differently and bought out his contract.
BATMAN RETURNS (1992)
BATS, CATS, & BIRDS: Michael Keaton returns in Burton's wintry and macabre follow-up. This time, Batman must contend with the mayoral aspirations of sewer-dwelling/baby-kidnapping Penguin (Danny DeVito) and his legion of rocket-launching penguins—seriously. Also, Bruce Wayne romances mousy secretary Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), without realizing she's Catwoman. And lastly, Christopher Walken brings a little more cowbell as corrupt corporate tycoon Max Shreck.
CHRISTMAS IN GOTHAM: Essentially a continuation of Kenner's Dark Knight Collection, many of the original toys were either repainted or rebranded for the sequel. In addition to the dozens of Batman paint variants, the Returns line also debuted a Tim Drake-costumed Robin, even though the Boy Wonder didn't appear until the next movie sequel. And, while the Catwoman figure was a precise representation of the film's sexy villainess, for Penguin, Kenner opted to repaint a Super Powers Penguin, rather than subject kiddies to Burton's bile-spewing interpretation.
SON OF PEE-WEE: Paul Reubens cameos as the senior Cobblepot in the film's opening scene. Diane Salinger (Mrs. Cobblepot) romanced Pee-Wee as the waitress Simone in Pee Wee's Big Adventure.
BATMAN FOREVER (1995)
PARTNERS IN CRIMEFIGHTING: The beginning of the end for most serious Batfans can be attributed to two words: batsuit nipples. Val Kilmer takes his turn in said cowl as he battles Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne tries to woo a hot shrink (Nicole Kidman), and introduces a 20-something Robin (Chris O'Donnell) to the Batcave.
TOYS FOREVERYONE: Forever not only introduced the world to Joel Schumacher's neon Bat-vision, but it's also responsible for the coolest Batman toy ever: the sprawling Batcave Playset. A collector's wet dream, it featured three separate levels, a rotating platform for the light-up Batmobile, and even a dock for the Batwing! The Forever line also marked the first Kenner/Hasbro-produced Bat-figures not based on the Super Powers sculpt. Sadly though, the Robin figures didn't match Robin's look on the screen—they were all based on early production designs.
RIDDLE ME THIS: Being the prescient method actor that he is, Val Kilmer was actually in a bat cave when he learned he got the role of Batman. (He was there researching another movie at the time.)
BATMAN & ROBIN (1997)
ICING THE FRANCHISE: In this spectacularly awful camp-fest, George Clooney assumes the mantle of the Bat and proceeds to kill the franchise. This time, the Dynamic Duo fights to thwart the nefarious plans of the so-punny-it-hurts Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who teams up with leggy eco-terrorist Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) and her pet brute Bane (Jeep Swenson) in an attempt to put Gotham on ice. Meanwhile, back at Wayne Manor, a dying Alfred (Michael Gough) bestows the persona of Batgirl onto his visiting niece, Barbara (Alicia Silverstone).
CHARGE IT TO THE BAT CARD: Continuing the tradition of ludicrous paint variants and accessories of all three heroes (including the aptly named "Neon Armor Batman"), the B&R line is most notable for its variety of villains. In addition to the two variants (if not exactly movie-accurate) of Poison Ivy and Bane, Kenner also offered toy collectors a henchman, and multiple versions of main baddie Mr. Freeze—the coolest of which was Series 2's "Ultimate Armor" Freeze. Featuring snap-on armor and a spinning "Freeze-On Missile," this figure also boasted a spot-on likeness of The Governator himself.
GOOD KNIGHT AND GOOD LUCK: Schumacher decided on casting Clooney after doodling Batman's cowl over the star's face on a From Dusk Till Dawn poster.
BATMAN BEGINS (2005)
BEGIN THE BEGINS: After an eight-year absence, director Christopher Nolan threw the whole franchise into a Lazarus Pit and resurrected Batman for a new generation. The movie follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) from ninja-training under the tutelage of Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe) and the mysterious Ducard (Liam Neeson), back to Gotham where he launches his war on crime. Mob boss Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) serve as resident rogues-to-wrassle.
FROM THE APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION: With an assortment of toys that would make Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) proud, both Mattel and DC Direct made valiant efforts on their first attempts at a live action Batman film. While retaining Kenner/Hasbro's fetish for wacky accessories, Mattel at least made an effort to tone down the rainbow of Batsuit colors. The standout figure, though, was Mattel's Collector Edition Batman, which featured 13 points of articulation and a poseable cape. DC Direct brought in some more high-end collectibles, including replica Batarangs and a series of statues and busts. They also took the opportunity to launch their popular 13-inch line of figures, including a highly detailed and realistic Bale as Batman.
CRISIS AVERTED: Begins wasn't Christian Bale's first brush with the Batcave. In 1994, he was one of the young Hollywood actors who auditioned for the part of Robin in Batman Forever.
THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
WHY SO SERIOUS: In the most anticipated movie of the summer, Bale becomes the first actor since Michael Keaton to return as the Dark Knight. Unfortunately, things are much worse for the denizens of Gotham. Facing an escalating mob war, Batman must also confront a nemesis unlike anything he's ever seen before. As the grotesque Joker (Heath Ledger, in his final completed performance) spirals the city into chaos, Batman must depend on his trusted allies Alfred (Michael Caine), Lt. Gordon (Oldman), Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and new D.A. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to bring peace and justice back to the city. To do so, Batman upgrades his suit and unveils a new ride: the Batpod.
DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN: Returning as the main mass-market supplier of Bat-toys, Mattel kicks things off with two lines of figures. Their standard 5-inch line contains the various paint schemes and accessories that the kids love—including Nolan-verse interpretations of non-movie rogues Firefly and Deadshot. For collectors, Mattel offers the Movie Masters assortment of highly detailed 6-inch figures, designed by the Four Horsemen. The first wave includes two versions of Batman, the Joker and one Joker thug. The second assortment will be announced at this year's SDCC, but will likely include a Batman Begins Batman and Scarecrow. DC Direct also returns with even more statues, busts and props. In addition to another 13-inch Batman—sporting a suit of hi-tech armor—DC Direct is offering a frighteningly realistic 13-inch Joker, complete with fabric suit, knives, clown mask, and overall creepiness. Not to be outdone, NECA enters the Bat-fray with an assortment of Bat-emblazoned Head Knockers, alarm clocks, key chains and wall scrolls.
DIARY OF A MADMAN: While prepping for the role, Heath Ledger reportedly kept a "Joker diary" filled with the Clown Prince's thoughts and feelings.
BACK IN BLACK
From 1989's 'Batman' to this year's 'The Dark Knight,' 'ToyFare' runs down the franchise that launched a thousand wonderful toys
By Keith Chow
Posted 06/20/08
"Where does he get those wonderful toys?"
The Joker said it, and we all thought it. Not only did the first Batman film shatter box office records, it redefined the world of movie merchandising. Nearly two decades, billions of dollars and six movies later, fans still crazily clamor for all toys caped-crusader.
BATMAN (1989)
THE URBAN LEGEND: Setting the precedent for dark, gritty comic adaptations, Tim Burton's gothic vision found a Batman (Michael Keaton) early in his career facing off against the mobster-turned-villain Joker (Jack Nicholson). Playing up the Batman-as-urban-legend angle, the movie also portrays a suspicious Commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle) warding off two nosy journalists: Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl) and Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger).
THOSE WONDERFUL TOYS: Before making Legends out of Marvel heroes, Toy Biz came out of the gate with a limited line of tie-in figures and vehicles—including the only Bob the Goon ever produced (Tracey Walters collectors, rejoice!). A year later, Kenner—which lost the DC license after Super Powers ended in 1986—finally regained the rights to Batman and unveiled the impressive Dark Knight Collection. This line featured more precise figure likenesses and a bevy of vehicles inspired by the film. On a side note, one of its non-movie vehicles might seem familiar to '80s cartoon-lovers: the Batjet is actually a repainted Sprint Hawk from Kenner's SilverHawks line.
TWO-TIMING TWO-FACE: Billy Dee Williams reportedly signed on as Harvey Dent, with the expectation he would play criminal alter-ego Two-Face in a sequel. Warner Bros. felt differently and bought out his contract.
BATMAN RETURNS (1992)
BATS, CATS, & BIRDS: Michael Keaton returns in Burton's wintry and macabre follow-up. This time, Batman must contend with the mayoral aspirations of sewer-dwelling/baby-kidnapping Penguin (Danny DeVito) and his legion of rocket-launching penguins—seriously. Also, Bruce Wayne romances mousy secretary Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), without realizing she's Catwoman. And lastly, Christopher Walken brings a little more cowbell as corrupt corporate tycoon Max Shreck.
CHRISTMAS IN GOTHAM: Essentially a continuation of Kenner's Dark Knight Collection, many of the original toys were either repainted or rebranded for the sequel. In addition to the dozens of Batman paint variants, the Returns line also debuted a Tim Drake-costumed Robin, even though the Boy Wonder didn't appear until the next movie sequel. And, while the Catwoman figure was a precise representation of the film's sexy villainess, for Penguin, Kenner opted to repaint a Super Powers Penguin, rather than subject kiddies to Burton's bile-spewing interpretation.
SON OF PEE-WEE: Paul Reubens cameos as the senior Cobblepot in the film's opening scene. Diane Salinger (Mrs. Cobblepot) romanced Pee-Wee as the waitress Simone in Pee Wee's Big Adventure.
BATMAN FOREVER (1995)
PARTNERS IN CRIMEFIGHTING: The beginning of the end for most serious Batfans can be attributed to two words: batsuit nipples. Val Kilmer takes his turn in said cowl as he battles Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne tries to woo a hot shrink (Nicole Kidman), and introduces a 20-something Robin (Chris O'Donnell) to the Batcave.
TOYS FOREVERYONE: Forever not only introduced the world to Joel Schumacher's neon Bat-vision, but it's also responsible for the coolest Batman toy ever: the sprawling Batcave Playset. A collector's wet dream, it featured three separate levels, a rotating platform for the light-up Batmobile, and even a dock for the Batwing! The Forever line also marked the first Kenner/Hasbro-produced Bat-figures not based on the Super Powers sculpt. Sadly though, the Robin figures didn't match Robin's look on the screen—they were all based on early production designs.
RIDDLE ME THIS: Being the prescient method actor that he is, Val Kilmer was actually in a bat cave when he learned he got the role of Batman. (He was there researching another movie at the time.)
BATMAN & ROBIN (1997)
ICING THE FRANCHISE: In this spectacularly awful camp-fest, George Clooney assumes the mantle of the Bat and proceeds to kill the franchise. This time, the Dynamic Duo fights to thwart the nefarious plans of the so-punny-it-hurts Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who teams up with leggy eco-terrorist Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) and her pet brute Bane (Jeep Swenson) in an attempt to put Gotham on ice. Meanwhile, back at Wayne Manor, a dying Alfred (Michael Gough) bestows the persona of Batgirl onto his visiting niece, Barbara (Alicia Silverstone).
CHARGE IT TO THE BAT CARD: Continuing the tradition of ludicrous paint variants and accessories of all three heroes (including the aptly named "Neon Armor Batman"), the B&R line is most notable for its variety of villains. In addition to the two variants (if not exactly movie-accurate) of Poison Ivy and Bane, Kenner also offered toy collectors a henchman, and multiple versions of main baddie Mr. Freeze—the coolest of which was Series 2's "Ultimate Armor" Freeze. Featuring snap-on armor and a spinning "Freeze-On Missile," this figure also boasted a spot-on likeness of The Governator himself.
GOOD KNIGHT AND GOOD LUCK: Schumacher decided on casting Clooney after doodling Batman's cowl over the star's face on a From Dusk Till Dawn poster.
BATMAN BEGINS (2005)
BEGIN THE BEGINS: After an eight-year absence, director Christopher Nolan threw the whole franchise into a Lazarus Pit and resurrected Batman for a new generation. The movie follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) from ninja-training under the tutelage of Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe) and the mysterious Ducard (Liam Neeson), back to Gotham where he launches his war on crime. Mob boss Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) serve as resident rogues-to-wrassle.
FROM THE APPLIED SCIENCES DIVISION: With an assortment of toys that would make Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) proud, both Mattel and DC Direct made valiant efforts on their first attempts at a live action Batman film. While retaining Kenner/Hasbro's fetish for wacky accessories, Mattel at least made an effort to tone down the rainbow of Batsuit colors. The standout figure, though, was Mattel's Collector Edition Batman, which featured 13 points of articulation and a poseable cape. DC Direct brought in some more high-end collectibles, including replica Batarangs and a series of statues and busts. They also took the opportunity to launch their popular 13-inch line of figures, including a highly detailed and realistic Bale as Batman.
CRISIS AVERTED: Begins wasn't Christian Bale's first brush with the Batcave. In 1994, he was one of the young Hollywood actors who auditioned for the part of Robin in Batman Forever.
THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
WHY SO SERIOUS: In the most anticipated movie of the summer, Bale becomes the first actor since Michael Keaton to return as the Dark Knight. Unfortunately, things are much worse for the denizens of Gotham. Facing an escalating mob war, Batman must also confront a nemesis unlike anything he's ever seen before. As the grotesque Joker (Heath Ledger, in his final completed performance) spirals the city into chaos, Batman must depend on his trusted allies Alfred (Michael Caine), Lt. Gordon (Oldman), Rachel (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and new D.A. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to bring peace and justice back to the city. To do so, Batman upgrades his suit and unveils a new ride: the Batpod.
DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN: Returning as the main mass-market supplier of Bat-toys, Mattel kicks things off with two lines of figures. Their standard 5-inch line contains the various paint schemes and accessories that the kids love—including Nolan-verse interpretations of non-movie rogues Firefly and Deadshot. For collectors, Mattel offers the Movie Masters assortment of highly detailed 6-inch figures, designed by the Four Horsemen. The first wave includes two versions of Batman, the Joker and one Joker thug. The second assortment will be announced at this year's SDCC, but will likely include a Batman Begins Batman and Scarecrow. DC Direct also returns with even more statues, busts and props. In addition to another 13-inch Batman—sporting a suit of hi-tech armor—DC Direct is offering a frighteningly realistic 13-inch Joker, complete with fabric suit, knives, clown mask, and overall creepiness. Not to be outdone, NECA enters the Bat-fray with an assortment of Bat-emblazoned Head Knockers, alarm clocks, key chains and wall scrolls.
DIARY OF A MADMAN: While prepping for the role, Heath Ledger reportedly kept a "Joker diary" filled with the Clown Prince's thoughts and feelings.