So, apparently the bros at Warner are going to release a slew of different special editions in an effort to get fanboys to buy, buy! They’re really going hard body with the marketing, offering a batpod replica, batman mask, joker mask, joker action figure, Ledger’s ashes … well no, not really, but I wouldn’t put it past them.  Best Buy is also aiding the cause by having their own special editions… Confused much? I’m with ya.  Whatever happened to just watching the movie? I understand fans are infatuated with the behind the scenes process, especially with an over inflated flick like this, there’s so much the fans want to know.

But isn’t this overkill? I mean, I’m a TDK fan as much as the next guy, but times are tough… Will purchasing multiple copies of the same product make me an authentic fan? Hardcore? Gotta admit, it’s a great marketing ploy on behalf of the studio. Fanboys are willing to purchase different variant covers for essentially the same comic book issue, why would a billion dollar grossing comic book movie be any different to them?

I guess my gripe isn’t so much with the 9 different versions of the film, but maybe it’s the fact that I’m coming to terms with being broke via a faltering economy.

So the question remains… who will be waiting on line at their local Best Buy, Midnight December 9th? Show of hands please. (Raises hand) Yes, I know I’m a tool.

Oh! And let’s not forget the the two - disc complete score of the film James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer, also released on the 9th… Jeez how much is this all gonna cost? I’m just a fan, why are the warner ho’s molding me into an aficionado?

First comes the standard 1-disc edition, for those buyers who just don’t care about flashy extras or DVD art. There will be no bonus features on the one-disc, so buy carefully. True fans will be opting for the 2-disc set, which includes these delightful extras:

* Gotham Uncovered documentary
* Featurettes (Batman Tech: The Incredible Gadgets and Tools, Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of The Dark Knight)
* 6 episodes of Gotham Cable’s Premier News Program
* Galleries (The Joker Cards, Concept Art, Poster Art, Production Stills)
* Trailers and TV spots

And if that wasn’t enough, the 2-disc DVD art will feature alternate art under its cardboard sleeve — it seems the Joker savaged each and every one of them with markers and crayons (see gallery below).

There’s also a third edition the really hardcore among you will be standing in line for, and that’s the limited edition pictured above. It doesn’t come with additional features, but is secured in a steel DVD case and accompanied by a replica Batpod.

Via [Super Hero Hype ]