Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1

One of the most celebrated Batman comic books has been adapted into a 2 part animated feature by Warner Premiere. Starring Peter Weller as Batman/Bruce Wayne and David Selby as Commissioner James Gordon, the movie is set in a dark vision of the future using the cultural template of 1986 where Ronald Regan is still the US President and the country has devolved into a morass of societal decay. Roused from a deep sleep of normalcy, Bruce Wayne dons his costume and takes to the street like a force of nature. Written and drawn by Frank Miller, the four part comic made an impact on the comic book medium. At the time, the mini series took the media by storm, appearing in Rolling Stone and other outlets.

It's almost impossible to understand how much of a tonal shift this comic had on Batman. This was before the Tim Burton film, before Batman Year One, when the general public still thought of Batman as the 1966 Adam West series. Influenced by Bob Kane and Bill Finger's initial comising the graphic design and sequential art skills at his disposal, Miller transformed Batman into the cultural icon of urban justice that we know him as today.

Separated into two movies, the adaptation of Dark Knight Returns will retell Miller's story in a new way while retaining its character and style. Fans have been shown a mini documentary included on the Superman Vs. The Elite DVD, but the first glimpse of the animated film has finally arrived.

Official release below:

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original  Movies, is produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives September 25, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download.

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™.