"Batman: The Killing Joke" has received an R-rating, making it the first DC Universe Original Movie to break the mature boundary, and the second DC film overall -- after "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," which is getting an R-rated home video release -- to land the often controversial rating.

WATCH: 12-Minute Sneak Peek of "Batman: The Killing Joke" Animated Movie

"From the start of production, we encouraged producer Bruce Timm and our team at Warner Bros. Animation to remain faithful to the original story - regardless of the eventual MPAA rating," Warners exec Sam Register said in a statement. "The Killing Joke is revered by the fans, particularly for its blunt, often-shocking adult themes and situations. We felt it was our responsibility to present our core audience - the comics-loving community - with an animated film that authentically represented the tale they know all too well."

Based on Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's famed comic of the same name, and featuring the voices of Kevin Conroy (Batman), Mark Hamill (The Joker), Tara Strong (Batgirl) and Ray Wise (Commissioner Gordon), "Batman: The Killing Joke" is set to premiere at Comic-Con International in San Diego this July, with a Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD release later in the year.

(via Entertainment Weekly)