"Batman: The Killing Joke" to Screen in Select Theaters Ahead of the Official Release

CBR

By Anthony Couto

Published Jun 8, 2016

The R-rated "Killing Joke" adaptation will hit theaters across North America one week before it releases on home video.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Fathom Events have announced a partnership to release "Batman: The Killing Joke" in select theaters on Monday, July 25.

According to an official statement, the R-rated animated film will screen 7:30pm and 10:00 pm (local time) as part of a theatrical event that will include "a never-before- seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan" before the film screens, and a "special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker's memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated" after the film rolls.

Tickets for"Batman: The Killing Joke"will be available on Friday, June 17 over at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. U.S. fans can also participate in the event in select movie theaters through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network.

Head over to Fathom's website for a full list of participating theaters.

The screening will hit three days after the film's world premiere at San Diego's Comic-Con International on Friday, July 22.

The description for the film reads: "'Batman: The Killing Joke' takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime - from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is - setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It's up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker's latest scheme and save one of Gotham City's finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon's heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans' imaginations for nearly three decades - spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless."

The highly-anticipated animated adaptation stars Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise as Commissioner Gordon. Directed by Sam Liu ("Justice League vs. Teen Titans"), the film comes from a script by Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello. Bruce Timm and Sam Register are executive producers, and Alan Burnett is co-producer.

"Batman: The Killing Joke" will be available for Digital HD download on July 26, and arrives on Blu-ray/DVD on August 2.