Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film offers a unique blend of gritty realism, gothic spookiness, and a touch of camp, all of which are amplified in the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns. Lego has captured this Burtonesque essence in their Batcave Shadow Box, an intricate model of Batman's inner sanctum from the film. As Lego is 'retiring' this set, meaning it will be discontinued, now is the perfect time to grab it. Production likely ceased already, and Lego is now clearing out remaining inventory.
At $400, the Batcave Shadow Box is the most expensive Batman Lego set produced since its launch last year, but it is also the most elaborate. Exclusive to the Lego Store, this 3,981-piece set includes seven minifigures: Batman (x2), Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Catwoman, The Penguin, and Max Shreck. What truly sets it apart is its presentation. The shadow box design allows for multiple display options: keep the box closed for a peek into the cave through the Batman logo, or open it up to create a larger, interactive diorama of the Caped Crusader's secret lair.
The set is packed with Easter Eggs and references to the film, making it both interesting and evocative. For example, you can build the full Batmobile from the film, there's a locker with Batman's weapons, the Batsuit vault lights up, and you can change the images on the Batcomputer to simulate Bruce Wayne's search for information on the supervillains. If you're curious about the interactive components, you can watch a tour of the Batcave led by the set's designer.
For those interested in revisiting Burton's Batman films, both Batman (1989) and Batman Returns are available on 4K Blu-ray for $25 each on Amazon for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a four-movie 4K box set featuring Burton's films along with Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) for $48. A new novel, Batman Resurrection, will be published on October 15 and takes place directly after the 1989 film.
If the Batcave Shadow Box is out of reach or you prefer other Lego builds, there are plenty of alternatives. The Classic TV Series Batmobile, recreating the car from the 1966 show featuring Adam West and Burt Ward, is available for preorder at Amazon for $150 and releases on October 1. For a more artistic Lego set, check out Batman: The Animated Series Gotham City, a 4,210-piece set that resembles wall art more than a play set, available at Amazon for $300.
Amazon offers a wide range of Batman Lego sets and Blu-ray collections, so be sure to explore their full list for more options.
