Though The Dark Knight Rises concludes director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy on the big screen, the iconic DC Comics character will continue to live on in various forms. In fact, his next appearance is just around the corner in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the latest installment in the DC Universe Animated Original movie series. We have three photos from this hard-hitting action adventure based on Frank Miller's seminial four-issue limited comic book series. Warner Home Video and The Paley Center for Media are planning a bi-coastal premiere for this upcoming Blu-ray and DVD release, which arrives in stores this September. Check out these cool images of Batman, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon, and then read on for details about how you can attend one of the upcoming premieres. You better hurry, though. These free tickets are guaranteed to go pretty fast!

Warner Home Video and The Paley Center for Media proudly present the bi-coastal World Premieres of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, in New York on September 20 and Los Angeles on September 24. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend both events for red carpet media interviews and post-screening panel discussions.

On Thursday, September 20, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in New York City (25 West 52nd Street) with media interviews starting at 5:00 p.m. and screening commencing at 6:30 p.m. Following the screening, actor David Selby, the voice of Commissioner Gordon, and eight-time Emmy Award winning dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano will lead a panel discussion. Additional panelists will be announced as confirmed.

On Monday, September 24, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in Los Angeles (465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills) with media interviews starting at 5:30 p.m. and screening commencing at 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring actors David Selby and Ariel Winter, executive producer Bruce W. Timm, director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano. Additional participants, including voice cast members, will be announced as confirmed.

A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the New York event on September 20 must RSVP via email to DKReturns1@gmail.com.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on Sept. 24 must RSVP via email to DKReturns1LA@gmail.com.

All fan RSVPs email MUST include the name of the entrant, a valid email, and the name of the media outlet/website by which the entrant learned of the screening.

Tickets to both events will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis.

In the bleak and ominous future of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, it's been a decade since Bruce Wayne hung up his cape, following most of the other superheroes who had been forced into retirement. Facing the downside of middle age, a restless Bruce Wayne pacifies his frustration with racecars and liquor - but the Bat still beckons as he watches his city fall prey to gangs of barbaric criminals known as The Mutants.

The return of Harvey Dent as Two-Face finally prompts Wayne to once again don the Dark Knight's cowl, and his dramatic capture of the villain returns him to crime-fighting - simultaneously making him the target of law enforcement and the new hope for a desolate Gotham City. Particularly inspired is a teenage girl named Carrie, who adopts the persona of Robin and ultimately saves Batman from a brutal attack by the Mutant leader. Armed with a new sidekick, and re-energized with a definitive purpose, the Dark Knight returns to protect Gotham from foes new ... and old.

Fanboy demi-god Peter Weller leads a stellar voice cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Joining Weller behind the microphone is David Selby as Commissioner Gordon, Ariel Winter as Carrie/Robin, three-time DCU veteran Wade Williams as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, and Michael McKean as Dr. Bartholomew Wolper.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 Blu-ray and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 DVD will be distributed by Warner Home Video on September 25, 2012.