A new anime-inspired version of Baatman in coming to Digital Download on April 24 with a 4K UHD Digital release following in the Summer.
Produced by Warner Bros. Japan, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Batman Ninja is a new feature-length animated film in which the caped crusader and a mix of allies and foes are transported back to feudal Japan.
There he finds the villains, headed by Joker, have take over the feudal lords that rule the divided land. With his traditional high-tech weaponry exhausted, Batman must rely on his intellect and his allies – including Catwoman and the extended Bat-family – to restore order to the land, and return to present-day Gotham City.
The film was the work of a trio of anime’s finest filmmakers – director Jumpei Mizusaki (Opening Animation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), writer Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagann), and character designer Takashi Okazaki (Afro Samurai) produced the original movie with Warner Bros. Japan.
The script was then reinterpreted and rewritten for English-language distribution by award-winning screenwriters Leo Chu and Eric Garcia (Supah Ninjas, Afro Samurai). Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.
Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins) and Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development) star cast as the voices of Batman and the Joker, respectively.
Other cast members include: Grey Griffin (Scooby-Doo franchise) and Tara Strong (Batman: The Killing Joke) as Catwoman and Harley Quinn while Fred Tatasciore (Family Guy) provides the gruff-yet-sophisticated tones of Gorilla Grodd, a villain who must team with Batman to achieve his own personal agenda.
Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10: Omniverse) appears as Robin, Adam Croasdell (Reign) as Nightwing and Alfred, and Will Friedle (Boy Meets World) as Red Robin.
The Rogue’s gallery features Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Penguin and Eric Bauza (The Adventures of Puss in Boots) as Two-Face. Doing double duty is Tatasciore as Deathstroke, Strong as Poison Ivy, and Friedle as Red Hood.
“Batman Ninja is an absolute feast for the senses, a stunning spectacle of anime wrapped around a thrill ride of a Batman story,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing.
“Our partners at Warner Bros. Japan have conjured an impressive addition to the Dark Knight’s canon of entertainment, taking Batman and his friends and foes in an altogether new direction.
“We can’t wait for fans to see this film.”