DC Entertainment provided us with a little more information for the upcoming Batman: Year One animated feature film that is coming in October, and let me tell you, alongside the release of that box art (click the art here at right for larger view) … the details have me really excited.

If you’ve followed our previous news about this upcoming straight to DVD and Blu-ray feature, then you’ve already had a glimpse of what’s to come [see the First Look and trailer], but let me break it down one more time for all the kids in the back.

Batman: Year One is an animated adaptation of the classic 1987 Batman comic book series Batman: Year One created by multi-time Eisner Award-winning writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzuchelli. The story redefined Batman’s origins for a new generation and it’s one of the very few post-Crisis of Infinite Earths origin stories to actually stick for a character. And the reason for that is that it’s a simple take on The Batman. Bruce Wayne swears an oath to justice and to protect the people of Gotham City after his parents were viciously murdered. Also, the book is just as much about commissioner Gordon while he was still a lieutenant. It’s a tale of two men seeking justice in a world of corruption. A story of two men crossing paths and finding that they need each other to accomplish their goals. Year One also features a brand new take on the character of Catwoman. Searching for justice in her own way, Selina Kyle takes to the streets as a vigilante who a taste for theft, and after a chance encounter with The Dark Knight, she’s inspired to don a costume of her own. It’s a thrilling crime drama with the best superhero while he is still setting his roots as a crimefighter.

But that’s the story, let’s talk about the brilliant casting job for Batman: Year One. This film has one of the most impressive voice casts for an animated film in quite some time. Voicing a young Bruce Wayne/Batman at the beginning of his career is the young standout actor Ben McKenzie (Southland, The OC). He’s not Kevin Conroy, but I think he has the ability to pull off a young, gritty, inexperienced Batman. Lieutenant James Gordon will be played by Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston, an inspired choice, if I do say so myself. Cranston has a very weathered voice that will be perfect for the experienced cop who is drowning is a sea of corruption. Gordon’s partner, and sometimes love interest, Sarah Essen will be voiced by fan favorite actress Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica). Rounding out the voice cast is Eliza Dushku, the sultry voiced star of Dollhouse, as well as supporting roles in TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as films such as a personal favorite of mine, Bring It On.

Dushku will also be reprising her role as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the return of the DC Animated Showcase. This animated short will feature the first appearance of a female character as headliner in any of the DC Showcases, and the first time since Wonder Woman that a female has headlined any of DC’s animated features. At this point, there are no details about the story of the Catwoman Showcase, but as long as it’s handled well, it will be a great addition to the fantastic shorts that have come before it.

Batman: Year One is set to be released on DVD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, On Demand, and digital outlets on October 18, 2011. Get ready folks, if you haven’t read Batman: Year One, you’re in for a treat because it’s one of the best Batman stories of all time.

See below for information on the special features, which includes documentaries and episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, as well as details on pricing here below!

Official Synopsis: The film depicts young Bruce Wayne’s return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. The playboy billionaire chooses the guise of a giant bat to combat crime, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon (who is already battling corruption from inside the police department), inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps to bring down a crooked political system that infests Gotham.

Batman: Year One Blu-rayâ„¢ Combo Pack has almost 3 hours of exciting content, including:

“¢ Feature film

“¢ Sneak Peek at Justice League: Doom, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie

“¢ DC Showcase Animated Original Short – “Catwoman”: This all-new entry to the growing canon of DC Universe animated shorts features the first first solo tale centered around Catwoman. The felonious feline’s adventure takes her through the seedy streets of Gotham City. Catwoman is voiced by Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Tru Calling).

“¢ Featurette –”Heart of Vengeance: Returning Batman to His Roots”: “The Dark Knight Returns” provided the denouement of Batman’s life. Frank Miller’s next seminal work would provide his near-mythic origin in “Batman: Year One.” This documentary uncovers the contemporary genius of Miller and the audience that was poised to appreciate the depths of his work.

“¢ Featurette –”Conversations with DC Comics”: The Batman creative team at DC Entertainment discusses the personal influence of “Batman: Year One” on their careers. Batman producer Michael Uslan leads the chat amongst well-known writers, editors and artists of the Batman lore, focusing their dialogue on the darker, realistic interpretation of Batman’s origins by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli

“¢ Audio Commentary with Alan Burnett, Sam Liu, Mike Carlin and Andrea Romano

“¢ “Batman: Year One, Chapter 1″ Digital Comic Book

“¢ Two bonus episodes from “Batman: The Animated Series,” handpicked by Bruce Timm

“¢ Standard and high definition versions of the feature film

“¢ Digital copy on disc of the feature film compatible with iTunes and Windows