Three classic Batman movies will return to the theater for a one-day engagement on Batman Day. The celebratory day was established in 2014 for Batman's 75th anniversary and has taken place every third Saturday in September. Batman Day has become a notable pop-culture celebration of The Dark Knight, featuring all manner of new Batman-related material, from comics to animation to collectibles.
Created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman has become one of the most popular superheroes of all time, transcending comic-book roots to become a major film franchise and amassing several live-action and animated series and video games featuring the character. Batman's look and symbology are globally recognized, providing the template for a modern myth in terms of popularity and visibility in the current era.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
This Batman Day, three classic Batman films will return to Cinemark theaters for one day only, including Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns, as well as the animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. The films will play in succession at Cinemark theaters on September 17, 2022, starting with Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, followed by Burton's films. The celebratory screenings will allow Batman fans to relive the experience of seeing the classic movies in the theater or for newer generations to view them in the format for the first time.
Burton's Batman, released in 1989, starring Michael Keaton as the titular character, Jack Nicholson as the Joker, and Kim Bassinger as Vicki Vale. The film was a monumental success, ushering in an era of continuous Batman films, including Burton's only sequel to the franchise, Batman Returns. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was an original film spinoff of the popular Batman: The Animated Series, directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm. While not a box-office hit, Phantasm has gone on to achieve cult classic status, frequently lauded alongside the animated series it's derived from.
For newer generations, it's hard to imagine the excitement and allure of seeing Burton's '89 Batman for the first time on the big screen, devoid of Internet or social media hype, a deluge of trailers, or a barrage of news articles. It was a cultural phenomenon built on anticipation of seeing something truly unique and original, which has become harder and harder to produce in the current state of mass promotion. For those that miss those times or were simply born after the opportunity to see the films in theaters, it's a beautiful opportunity to celebrate The Caped Crusader and recall the days when Batman fans could still be surprised and spoiler-free.