Atomic Batteries to Power. Turbines to Speed…

Get ready to get out your Bat Shark Repellent and to dance the Batussi!

After decades of legal problems, licensing arrangements and questions of rights ownership, one of the most anticipated, and requested, home video releases is coming to fruition.
Earlier today Warner Home Video announced (via a tweet from Conan O’Brien, of all people) that at some point this year, we’ll see the release of the 1960s cult classic Batman TV show, starring Adam West and Burt Ward as the dynamic duo.
Long – sought by fans for decades, the only way to obtain the series was via bootleggers at comic conventions.
No doubt the major problem in its release for all these years was the question of royalties and rights, especially to the estates and/or families of the dozens of guest stars that appeared on the show each week over its three seasons. In addition to the more obvious “guest villains” there were also all the guest stars who would lean out of the windows as Batman and Robin would climb up the side of the building and talk to them. They ran the gamut from Ted Cassidy (in full Lurch makeup and character) to Edward G. Robinson.
No details as yet, other than it will be the complete series, but I’m sure in the next few days, we’ll learn more. It’s a case of perfect timing, as Batman celebrates his 75th Anniversary this year.

The one thing that I’m very curious about is if this will include the appearances of Van Williams and Bruce Lee as The Green Hornet and Kato, as that’s a whole different licensing issue in this day and age. Back in the 60s it wasn’t that big a deal, as 20th Century Fox and ABC had the TV rights to both properties. The natural follow-up question to this than, is if we will also see a release of The Green
Hornet TV series as well.

There are still many questions being asked!
Where will we get the answers?
Tune in next time, same Bat-Time, same Bat-Channel!