Warner Announces Two Versions of 'Dark Knight' Blu-ray, Goes BD-Live

After months of rumors and anticipation, Warner has officially announced an early-December bow for dual Blu-ray versions of 'The Dark Knight,' which will hit high-def as the studio's first BD-Live release.

In what could be one of the biggest-selling Blu-rays of all time, Warner will unleash the worldwide global box office phenomenon on Blu-ray in standard two-disc and collectible limited edition versions on December 9 (day-and-date with the DVD).

Tech specs for the standard version include the 153-minute feature film spread across a BD-50 dual-layer disc with 1080p/VC-1 video (2.40:1) and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio. (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround dubs and subtitles are also provided in English, French-Quebec and Spanish.)

Extras included on the first disc also include "Gotham Uncovered: Creation of a Scene," a "focus points" version of the film containing behind-the-scenes vignettes with director Christopher Nolan and his team discussing the planning of the film, the use of IMAX photography, the stunts, and more.

Disc two will feature additional extras presented entirely in HD, including a pair of featurettes ("Batman Tech," "Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight"), the "Gotham Tonight" collection of six episodes of the Gotham Cable's Premiere network, and "The Galleries," containing multiple still galleries, theatrical trailers and TV spots.

In addition, 'The Dark Knight' will be the studio's first BD-Live-enabled title (content TBA). A Digital Copy of the film will also be included.

Also due for release on December 9 will be 'The Dark Knight (Limited Edition),' which will include the identical two-disc standard Blu-ray edition, plus come housed in collectible "Bat Pod" packaging. Tech specs and supplements remain the same.

Finally, Warner has revealed a high-res look at the Blu-ray's slipcover and interior keepcase packaging:

Suggested retail price for the standard two-disc has been set at $35.99. Warner has yet to confirm an MSRP for the Limited Edition version, but we'll keep you posted.

You'll find complete specs for both versions of 'The Dark Knight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under December 9.