Batman TV Show rights cleared up
For the first time in over 40 years we will be able to offer fans a full merchandise program that captures the classic, kitschy look and feel of the original Batman TV show. This new licensing program allows our partners to take advantage of the characters, gadgets and humor that made the show a smash hit in its day and a perennial favorite decades later.
Well...
If I were to venture a guess, I'd say that we should expect to see Hot Toys figures of 1966 Batman & Robin. A '66 Batmobile in the same scale from Hot Toys would probably sell pretty well too.
... and we might finally get those Movie Master '66 Batman & Robin figures from Mattel (if Matty and the boys have any smarts at all).
I'm sure there will be other products too, but those seem like sure fire sellers to me.
Your thoughts?
Interesting that they didn't mention DVDS; if they've cleared the rights with the actors and other principles as implied here, it must be some snafu with Fox itself. Of course, they didn't say they WEREN'T doing DVDs, but logic tells you that would be one of the first things they'd mention if those rights were secured.
Maybe we'll be lucky and another wave of Batmania will erupt with the release of DKR, pushing Fox and WB to finally iron out the last obstacles, whatever they may be.
And Mattel would be nuts to miss out on the opportunity if the newly acquired rights extend to their license (they had the rights to the Superman movies as part of the deal). This sort of thing is tailor made for the collector's market, not to mention the mainstream market (didn't the HUB just show the series a short while ago?). Riding a wave of other merchandise seems a no brainer for Mattel, simply feeding off the efforts of others who will get their product to market before a toy company can. I mean, it's a perfect excuse to re-do Mattel's favorite characters like Batman, Robin, Joker, etc., and have fans actually cheering them for doing so.
HA! That almost made me want (key word being almost ) a Like button.
I personally love the '66 show, but unless the way is cleared for dvds, what is the media which would drive demand for the '66 series merchandise? Nostalgia, sure, but enough nostalgia to fuel an entire line?
Then again, I made a similar observation about 3.75" Venture Bros figures and those are go, so what do I know? 
You know it would be awesome enough for now if they could get it streaming on Netflix. It would have to be easier rights wise. Of course I'm basing this on the fact that they got Wonder Years streaming, which sadly will probably never see a solid media release due to the rights restrictions on all of the songs. So i'd imagine whatever work around streaming allows there could somehow apply to Batman.
If the eventual action figure line's affordable (not like Mattel's DCU figures) and have at least decent quality control (unlike Mattel's DCU figures), I'll be all-in. I'm not expecting to be all-in, though. :b
Would anybody else buy figures of characters that weren't ever introduced in the show (Clint Eastwood as Two-Face!)?
THIS is THE news I have been waiting for for YEARS!
I'm hoping for Batman, Robin, Batgirl, The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler (Gorshin), The Catwoman (Newmar), Commissioner Gordon, Chief O'Hara, Alfred, and even Aunt Harriett!
Throw in King Tut, Mr. Freeze (Otto), and Bruce Wayne & Dick Grayson and I'm a Happy Camper!
I find it interesting that Yvonne Craig was not mentioned in this merchandising deal!...I HOPE she's included!
I hope that Mattel does a (LONG) line of Movie Masters AND that HOT TOYS does Batman, Robin, The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler (Gorshin), and Catwoman!
OF COURSE, throw in SCALED vehicles!!!...Batmobile (A MUST HAVE IN BOTH LINES!!!)...The Batcycle...The Batboat!...and the Batcopter (HUGE!!!)...
..."HOLY BANKRUPTCY, BATMAN!!!"
Oh, and as for the series not being released, the series has more legalities to work out, mainly around other guest star appearances (think of the Bat-climb appearances!) as well as musical rights for songs performed on the show (by Chad & Jeremy, Lesley Gore, etc.)!...
...But, getting the parties to agree for merchandising is a HUGE step that the right direction!
It's nice to see WB saying they are EXCITED to have the ability to bring this property to the mass market!
Just remaster them, and air them on HD TV so we can download them then..
I would be amazed if Mattel did any kind of retail line - they've had the rights to Keaton Batman and Reeve Superman all this time and done nothing. DC Direct would be a better hope.
Totally agree about King Tut, MV. Victor Buono was a GEEENIUS!