Long Live Superman

A deep look at how Ralph Bakshi made his version of Lord of the Rings (1978). With Ralph Bakshi, Victoria Bakshi-Yudis, Chris Conkling, Timothy Galfas, Scott Kleinman, & Tom Tataranowicz.

Writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely take over the Superman stories to refocus and revitalize them, centered on a more relaxed and reflective Superman.

A visual and visceral celebration of the Dark Knight’s 80 years of crime fighting, narrated by storytellers of the past, present, and future.

In the early 1990s, a rare gathering of talent defined Batman for a generation. Twenty-five years later, "Batman: The Animated Series" continues to inspire fans and myth-makers all over the world. This is an in-depth look at the storytellers behind the series.

This elegantly constructed portrait of Batman star Adam West combines a new 2014 interview with selections from previous interviews during various stages of West's career. The result is an informative, measured and often moving portrait of a man who went from a farm in Washington State to the height of stardom to which the TV series propelled him. Then he had to restart his career after agents and casting directors could no longer imagine him as anything but the Caped Crusader. A highlight is West's appearance, with Burt Ward and Julie Newmar, at 2014's ComicCon. (Blu-ray.com)

The world of Batman memorabilia is rich and extensive, encompassing both the toys and action figures released during the show's original run, those manufactured in the decades after, original props and items from conventions and fan events. Collector Ralph Garman takes Adam West on a tour of his personal "cave" of collectibles, while Kevin Silva displays his official certification from the Guinness Book of World Records as the owner of the world's largest collection of Batman memorabilia. Also interviewed is Mark Racop, who custom-builds Batmobiles according to the show's original design. (Blu-ray.com)

With the principal creators of the series' design no longer with us, this documentary celebrates their achievement by recounting its effect on young fans who have grown up to be creators in their own right: executives of DC Comics, producers of animated series for Warner, fashion designers for films and TV, etc. Burt Ward, Julie Newmar and Adam West also appear. (It's interesting that the only interviewee in the group who doesn't look perfectly normal is Andy Mangels, described as an "author and historian"; his beard and hairstyle look like something modeled on a Batman villain.) The presentation situates the show in the context of Sixties television and current events, and helps explain why the timing of the show's appearance contributed to its enormous popularity. (Blu-ray.com)

A short documentary feature outlining the climactic battle scene in Warner Brothers Animation's The Dark Knight Rises Part 2.

A short documentary about Vince Guaraldi, the composer most well known for his work on several 'Peanuts' animated television specials.

This documentary wisely focuses on Charles Schulz himself: his favorite kind of pen, why he is so good at drawing rain (which is a byproduct of his favorite kind of pen), and how his family life seeped into the strip. Features interviews with family, colleagues, and Schulz in archival footage

This is the master-crafted work of the legendary writer and artist Frank Miller. The film encapsulates, and celebrates the stunning achievement of Batman: the Dark Knight Returns, galvanizing the reason why this story ushered in the modern take of the dark and brooding protector of Gotham. This is the journey of Frank Miller, seeking the freedom that some authors only dream of in a lifetime. Narrated by Malcolm McDowell.

“Bats of the Round Table,” an over dinner recollection of the original 1966 Batman TV series with Adam West and celebrity friends Kevin Smith, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, radio personality Ralph Garman and actor Phil Morris.

How this hip, fresh characterization of the DC Comics hero is every bit a direct descendant of the sci-fi generation from the 1950s.

Documentary talking about bravery in the context of Green Lantern, the hero, and the Green Lantern Corps.

The story behind the Redwood Ice Arena in Santa Rosa, CA.

Documentary about a legend in the field of comics and animation, Alex Toth.