Based on the infamous graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland of 1988, the all new DC Universe Original Movie Batman: The Killing Joke  is set to star returning voice actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill in the roles of the Dark Knight and the Joker. Sporting narrative material that has been animated based on the original drawings first inked by Bolland, the animated feature has already received an R-rating, and the official trailer (see above) hints at a motion picture event largely in keeping with the original comic book’s unsettling nature and tone.

Both Blu-ray editions and the Enhanced DVD copy will also include an exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie, plus the two previously announced documentary features titled “Madness Set To Music” and “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke,” and two original animated series episodes from the DC Comics Vault (namely “Old Wounds” from The New Batman Adventures and “Christmas with The Joker” from Batman: The Animated Series).

Be sure to check out the Blu-ray box art along with the official Killing Joke DVD/Blu-ray details, below:

DVD

  • An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie.Blu-ray™ Combo PackAn exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie. Featurette – “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music” – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song. Featurette – “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke” – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come.  Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style.  We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation. From the DC Comics Vault – Two 22-minute episodes: 1. The New Batman Adventures - “Old Wounds”2. Batman: The Animated Series - “Christmas with The Joker”

Blu-ray

  • Deluxe Edition Exclusive Limited Edition The Joker Figurine An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie. Featurette – “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music” – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song. Featurette – “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke” – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come.  Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style.  We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation. From the DC Comics Vault – Two 22-minute episodes: 1. The New Batman Adventures - “Old Wounds”2. Batman: The Animated Series - “Christmas with The Joker”

With Batman: The Animated Series veteran Bruce Timm in place as the producer of Batman: The Killing Joke, everything should fall neatly into place when the new movie hits store shelves later this August. Conroy and Hamill were a big part of what has made Batman such an iconic character for those who watched Timm’s formerly mentioned DC animated series in the 1990s, and their presence in the new movie should result in an adaptation of Moore and Bolland’s original masterwork that will please fans of all ages.

Batman: The Killing Joke will be available to own on Digital HD starting July 26th, 2016, followed by release on Blu-ray and DVD on August 2nd, 2016.

Source: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment