While there have been a variety of variations of Batman in TV and film there are few as iconic as that of the 60s Batman TV series.  The series not only finally got the Blu-ray and DVD release they also launched a hit comic series featuring some great crossovers. Now they are taking it to the next level and bringing it to life once again for the all-new animated feature Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, but can it capture the essence of the original series or will it be too updated to do it justice?

​

Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders follows Batman and Robin who spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. This time, the four super villains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo really have their hands full. This feature not only takes it back to the vibe of the original series but brings along some of the original cast as well including Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar along with Thomas Lennon, Steve Weber, and Wally Wingert added to the mix. From the moment this film opens there is no denying that they have fully committed to bringing every aspect of the Batman 66’ world to animated life. West and Ward are full in on their roles and have not missed a beat. The story takes the usual direction using the ideal of the original series in pretty much every aspect right down to the funny quips and squeaky clean personas. The villains are all perfectly captured as well taking this film down a hilariously fun path that steps outside the possibilities of what the series could do.  

​

As with all the DC animated film the animation is awesome and fully captures the essence of what they trying to do. They have delivered some great entries into their animated collection, but this one is easily the most entertaining from the beginning to the end. There are the classic Bam! POW! Fights along with the over the top gadgets and silliness that fans have come to love about the series. I love the overall look and feel of this film way more than I expected to and hope that they will continue to bring this generation of the Batman to the animated universe for years to come.

​

Whether you are a fan of the original series or not there is no doubt that this film is a lot of fun. If you consider yourself a Batman fan of any kind then this is a must see and must own for any collection. Join in on the fight for justice with the dynamic duo with Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.