Update: High resolution cover art for The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray has been added below. Simply click the smaller version to view the full size.
The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release date has been confirmed for September 24, 2013 after the lavish set was originally mentioned last year and appeared on overseas retailer websites a little over a week ago.
This massive six-disc set includes a handful of all-new bonus features and some neat pack-in items, but it does not appear to include new transfers for Batman Begins or The Dark Knight (per the absence of a mention in the press release; I am seeking clarification). It does include all the IMAX sequences in their original IMAX aspect ratio and the closest thing we will ever get to an audio commentary from Christopher Nolan.
Included in the box set, which I am still awaiting receipt of pictures to share, are the following pieces of what Warner Bros. is calling “memorabilia:”
- Premium Mattel Hot Wheels Vehicles: Batmobile, Batpod and Tumbler
- Newly commissioned collectible art cards by Mondo featuring Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Harvey Dent, and Ra’s al Ghul
- 48-page hardcover book featuring production stills and behind the scenes images from all three movies
Here is the high level breakdown for the contents of each disc, followed by detailed descriptions of everything new on each disc:
- The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy – The inside perspective on the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most celebrated franchises and how it changed the scope of movie making… forever. Full of never-before-seen footage, rare moments, and exclusive interviews with Guillermo Del Toro, Damon Lindelof, Michael Mann, Richard Roeper, Zack Snyder and others.
- Christopher Nolan & Richard Donner: A Conversation – For the first time, Directors Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) and Richard Donner (Superman) sit down to discuss the trials and triumphs involved in bringing the two most iconic superheroes of all time to the big screen, and how Superman influenced Nolan when developing Batman Begins.
- IMAX Sequences: The Dark Knight; The Dark Knight Rises – See your favorite scenes as they were intended in the original IMAX aspect ratio
Warner has set the SRP for The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray at $99.97. It should come in at around $65 at Amazon.com, and I will be sure to pass along the pre-order link and beauty shots of the packaging when they are available.
