Watch Christian Bale Audition As Batman In Val Kilmer’s Suit [Video]

In stores this week is The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector's Edition box set (which we're giving away a copy of). The set includes all three of director Christopher Nolan's Batman films on Blu-Ray, plus a number of extras, including, as revealed by Batman News in the site's review of the set, a video of Christian Bale's audition for the role of Batman, while wearing Val Kilmer's suit from Batman Forever.

Nolan provides commentary on the video, describing the audition process and what Bale brought to the role, as you see him acting opposite Amy Adams, who was standing in as Rachel. Also included in the box set is actor Cillian Murphy's audition as Batman, which led to him being cast as the Scarecrow. And just in case you think making Bale wear the suit from Batman Forever was some sort of unique form of torture, according to Nolan, every actor who auditioned to play the Dark Knight had to it. It could have been worse, of course. At least they were spared the nipple suit.

The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector's Edition box set goes on sale this Tuesday.