Adam West knew going into the 1960s TV series “Batman” there was a good chance he would be typecast. Once you’ve played a costumed crimefighter on a camp comedy, it’s hard to be taken seriously for dramatic roles.
Despite the super efforts West had to make to shake the shadow of the Bat after the TV show ended in 1968, he doesn’t regret his choice to put on the cape and cowl.
“I think it was good decision. How many actors get to play a character who becomes so iconic? I was typecast and it was tough for a while. But, as I look back, I’m so happy I did it,” West, 86, says. “I am one of the fortunate ones.”
He’s had plenty of opportunity recently to look back at his work on “Batman,” which has finally defeated its greatest enemy — tangled film and TV rights — and is being released today in boxed sets.
“Batman: The Complete Television Series” is available in a limited-edition box set ($269.97) that includes all 120 episodes in re-mastered Blu-ray, plus a Hot Wheels replica Batmobile, 44 vintage replica trading cards, the “Adam West Photobook” and episode guide. It’s also available as just a DVD set ($199.70) and “Batman: The Complete First Season” DVD ($39.98).
No one is happier than West that the series is finally available on DVD.
“For over 40 years, the great fans of the show have been asking me over and over again when will it be available. I’m happy to tell them it is out today,” West says.
He was beginning to have his doubts. The series has long been the most-wanted program on DVD, but because so many different parties owned portions of the show, getting the rights to created a DVD set where tougher than the Riddler’s riddles.
Once the rights were granted, the process of re-mastering the shows began. The episodes are much brighter and crisper than the versions that have aired in syndication for decades.
“The shows look beautiful. They are so clean, pristine and gorgeous,” West says, “… a lot like Batman. I had no idea they they would look so clear. This means the show can continue to go on.”
It’s been 48 years since Bruce Wayne first directed his ward, Dick Grayson, “to the Batpoles.” Because the show was designed with the bright colors, and tilted look of comic book panels, there’s a timeless quality to the show.
West calls it “our own little world” where Gotham City could pass for any major metropolis, evil minions wore T-shirts with their criminal names and villains dressed in garish outfits.
“I knew when I read the script this show was something special. It was the funniest pilot I had ever read. It was carefully put together to be colorful for kids and funny for adults,” West says. “It was a tightrope to walk the line between absurdest social satire and appearing to be serious.
“I told my agent I really wanted to do the show. If they don’t sign me, I will go back to making spaghetti westerns.”
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