There’s a storm coming; and it’s not necessarily just the ‘them versus us’ scenario hinted at by Selina Kyle (Catwoman) in the trailer for the highly-anticipated new Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, set to be released on July 20. That sound you hear is the crescendo of clamoring chiropteran crazies, anxiously anticipating the final installment of what many hope will be director Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus.
Batfans appreciate that this last Nolan film means serious business and the details of the story have been secured tighter than an Arkham Asylum anarchist, but everyone knows that something bad is coming – in such a good way. As the fan fervor grows, now is a good time to get you hip to some of the valley hoopla leading up to D-Day.
Batman: Knightfall, Vol. 1 – If you are unfamiliar with The Dark Knight Rises villain Bane, or if you just need a refresher on his most infamous encounter with Batman, then head to your local comic shop and pick up this graphic novel (or you can probably even find the original comics). It’s not clear how much of this classic storyline will be carried over into the movie, but this book will certainly whet your appetite for what’s to come. Click HERE to locate your local comic store; and when you visit, be sure to ask them what kind of special activities they have planned to help celebrate The Dark Knight Rises.
The Tumbler and the Bat-Pod – The Tumbler and the Bat-Pod, from Nolan’s Batman films, are touring their way across North America, I’m sure fighting crime all along the way; and they will be appearing in the Phoenix area on the following dates and at the following locations:
- July 2nd: Phoenix, Wal-mart (1607 W. Bethany Home, Phoenix, AZ 85015) – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- July 4th: Tempe, Harkins Tempe Marketplace (2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281) – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What better way to spend the 4th of July than have your photo taken with the modern version of the Batmobile? God Bless America! You can also follow the Tumbler Tour on FACEBOOK.
Harkins Theatres’ Ultimate Dark Knight Marathon – On July 19 you can see all three films in the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy. For $20 batbucks you get a ticket to all the films, leading up to and including the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. You also get Two FREE small popcorns and a commemorative Dark Knight lanyard. Many of the Harkins Theatres in Arizona are participating in this event, but space is limited and expected to sell out quickly, so click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
AMC Theatres’ The Complete Legend in IMAX – If you have to see your bats on the ultra-big screen, then the AMC IMAX Theatres have you covered. Batman Begins has been digitally remastered in IMAX format so that you can watch the entire Dark Knight trilogy, including the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises, on the superhero-sized IMAX screen. $40 batbucks gains you admission into the three-movie event on July 19 and a commemorative poster and lanyard. If you are an “AMC Stubs” reward card member, you will also get $5 in AMC Stubs Bonus Bucks to spend during the day of the trilogy event (when tickets are purchased in advance.) In the valley, the AMC Westgate 20 and the AMC Desert Ridge 18 are the participating IMAX locations. Some AMC locations will also have the 2D digital marathon available ($25). Get more information and purchase tickets HERE.
Stay tuned to Nerdvana for more Dark Knight News as the big day approaches. You can catch-up on Nerdvana’s previous Dark Knight Rises coverage HERE.
