The current theatrical and video release "Batman" doesn't really compare to the 1960s television show and film release - that would be like comparing apples and oranges, according to the television caped crusader.
However, Adam West - who currently lives near Ketchum, Idaho - said he does not wish to sound like he has a case of sour grapes, but the 1989's most successful film should have been called "Joker.""It just didn't have what the ads represented - all the hype made it unsatisfying," West said during an interview at Utah State University. "It was just so unbalanced."
He said he appreciated Michael Keaton's performance as the Dark Knight, but Jack Nicholson's "tour de force" was too overwhelming.
"If you had gotten the two of us together - watch out!" he said.
Despite his disappointment about not being offered a role in the film, West says he does not like to discuss the issue much. "I really don't want to stand around here playing a critic."
He said that for the past 15 years he has been treated by Hollywood "as if I were the Flying Nun." His screen treatment for a possible "Batman" film was passed over, he said, so "I just try not to cry too long and proficiently about spilled milk."
Instead, West said he enjoys discussing the television show and his recent projects, including an upcoming film and a television documentary celebrating the series' 25th anniversary, much more.
"A recent survey in USA Today showed that `Batman' was the most popular television show of the past 20 years. It's very pleasant to hear that. I think we just got very, very lucky."
He jokingly said the show succeeded where similar projects failed because "our hearts are pure."
West said he got the role after the show's producers had seen him in a series of three commercials for Nestle's Quik, playing a James Bond-type character named Captain Quik.
"When I got the call I told them `Get serious!' but I read the script and was so interested by it, I couldn't resist. It really tickled me. I just fell down 18 times."
In addition, the "well-mated" crew and cast paid off in spades for the show's network (ABC), he said, and though he does miss his fellow cast members every once in awhile, the Fox network documentary has brought them together again.
For instance, West said Burt Ward (Robin) is "a Beverly Hills kind of guy." "He does call every once in awhile, saying `Holy Hello!' "
He is also eager to discuss his recent film project, "Maxim Xul," in which he plays yet another heroic figure pursuing evildoers.
He said the film's title means "ultimate evil," and that's what his character, Mardrake, pursues for a living. "I've got this great big sword, and a big mustache - my character is a real character. I play a Xul hunter, tracking down people like your Ted Bundys and such. It's going to be a lot of fun."
In fact, the film's producers already have planned for two sequels, so they're expecting it to be a hit, he said.
In the meantime, West said he will continue to hit the road with his college speaking tours and relaxing at his Idaho home and his ranch in Washington.