When it comes to pop cultural success, few characters are more iconic than that of DC’s caped crusader, Batman. Over the years, the character has spanned various incarnations across comics, TV, film and games. In all that time, many things have stood out: the performances, the costumes, the cars… but perhaps the most unique thing that every Batman adaption brings to the table is in the form of music.
From the early days of the ’60s television series theme to Hans Zimmer’s chest pounding work on The Dark Knight trilogy, good music is something no masked vigilante incarnation can do without. Knowing that, the boys over at The Piano Guys have offered up what might be the best video of the week: a cello-piano performance that tracks the progression of Batman music throughout the ages.
It’s amazing to realize how much staying power Batman music truly has, and that even as a standalone product, every track brings something different to the table. The ’60s theme played up the outlandishness of the premise, the ’89 theme portrays how gothic and brooding the character can be, and the 2005 theme really shows us just how epic the tale of Batman truly is. So, all that said, we here at Nerdist tip our cowls to The Piano Guys. What a great way to close out the week.
Which Batman theme is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!
[HT Gizmodo]
Danny Elfman really created the dark eerieness of gotham with his theme that I knew in my childhood. I love Zimmers theme also though. It gives the modern technical side a voice.
the best one which truly captures the batman theme is the 89 one just like the john williams did for superman. the dark knight was good as well but not played enough in the movies.
BTAS has very badass music. Would’ve sounded great in this.
The ’60s theme really works only with something a lot more like the original arrangement. Without a real drum kit and big brassy horn charts (whoever engineered and produced the original were real pros), the cheese factor overwhelmeth.
I was a bit underwhelmed. 50 years of Batman and they chose to only emphasize three scores? What about Batman (1943)? What about the other three 90’s films? What about the other two Nolan films? What about the various (and extremely popular) animated series’ music?
I have to go with the Danny Elfman score for favorite Batman theme music. The 60s tv theme is great for nostalgia purposes but I feel Danny’s score has an epic quality.