Batman (1989)

Tim Burton’s blockbuster comic book adaptation pits playboy-turned-dark knight detective Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) against the ghoulishly garish Joker, played with relish by Jack Nicholson. Can Batman stop the Joker’s evil scheme to poison everyday household and beauty products with the deadly chemical Smilex? Kim Basinger supplies the love interest as photographer Vicki Vale. With Robert Wuhl, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, and Jack Palance. 126 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

Batman Returns (1992)

Terrific sequel to the smash bat hit has Michael Keaton’s caped crusader with his hands full, going up against three enemies vying for control of Gotham City: the umbrella-wielding, sewer-dwelling Penguin (Danny DeVito); megalomaniacal businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken); and the sexy, leather-clad Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Directed by Tim Burton. 126 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

Batman Forever (1995)

Val Kilmer takes up the cape and cowl with heroic aplomb, but, even with the arrival of costumed partner Robin (Chris O’Donnell), can Batman tackle the dual menace of dichotomous do-badder Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and that prince of puzzles, the Riddler (Jim Carrey)? Thrilling third entry in the series also stars Nicole Kidman, Michael Gough; directed by Joel Schumacher. 122 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

Batman & Robin (1997)

The Batmobile keys have been handed over once more, to George Clooney, who teams up with Chris O’Donnell as Robin and new comrade-in-body armor Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) to save Gotham City from the frigidly fiendish Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and the lovely, lethal Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). Fantastic fourth "Bat"-actioner also stars Michael Gough, Elle Macpherson; Joel Schumacher directs. 125 min. C/Rtg: PG-13

Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH), French, Spanish; audio commentary; featurettes; documentary; theatrical trailer.