Why Isn’t the 1960s 'Batman' TV Series on DVD?

When it comes to pop culture impact, few shows can touch the 1960s "Batman" TV series.

Loaded with historical significance, a rabid fan base and nostalgic appeal, the camp classic is a DVD blockbuster waiting to happen. Yet the “Batman" show, starring Adam West and Burt Ward, isn’t available on DVD, and won’t be anytime soon, because it’s bogged down in a rights-and-licensing imbroglio so convoluted, it would dumbfound Edward Nigma.

According to TVshowsondvd.com, the legal stop signs begin with unresolved issues between Fox and Time-Warner subsidiary DC Comics. Fox owns the footage from the show, but DC owns the copyrights on the characters. While contracts were in place four decades ago to allow Fox use of said characters, there was no language granting permission to air the episodes anywhere but on TV (why would there be? Home video didn’t exist then). Fox and DC have not come to terms yet, for reasons that remain murky.

One theory is that DC has quashed the home video release because it’s embarrassed by the campy portrayal of its Dark Knight. Since DC never comments on the TV series, the story can’t be proven or discredited. Incidentally, new co-publisher Jim Lee is on record as being a big fan of the show.

A recent lawsuit brought by heirs of the original producer over profits further complicated matters.

If that doesn’t make you do a mental Batusi, then the show’s clever cameos surely will. During “Batman’s” brief heyday, Hollywood’s top stars begged to appear during the Dynamic Duo’s cheesy walks up the side of a building. TV actors showed up as characters from their own shows, such as Col. Klink from “Hogan’s Heroes,” Lurch from “The Addams Family” and The Green Hornet and Kato.

Great cross-promotion, but a legal nightmare. Those characters all must be licensed from their various rights holders. Rumor has it even George Barris’ unique Batmobile design would call for residuals if the series ever did make it to DVD. So even if all the various legalities are resolved, Fox (the company that would release any DVDs) would have to make sure it can do so at a reasonable price point.

In the meantime, while "timeless" programs such as “Tenspeed & Brown Shoe” and “Street Hawk” are available on DVD, the 120 episodes of one of the most iconic television series of all time remain out of sight, except for poor-quality syndicated copies and bootlegs available at comic conventions.

Will lawyers figure out a way to rescue the Batman from his legal limbo? Will Fox and DC ever strike a détente?

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