We knew that 'The Dark Knight Rises' was hitting shelves on December 4, but today, Warner Bros. revealed exactly what fans can expect from the upcoming release. They also revealed a reason for fans to hold off on a purchase until 2013, when a fancy box set of Christopher Nolan's Bat-Trilogy will be released.

Here's what you can expect on the actual day of release:

A standard DVD (why haven't you jumped to Blu-ray yet?!) with limited special features and lazy box art.

Warner Bros.

A Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet combo pack with a few more special features and slightly better (i.e., the theatrical poster) box art.

Warner Bros.

The Limited Edition Blu-ray, which comes packed in a broken cowl so you can remember that one time Bane broke Batman every time you look at your media shelf.

Warner Bros.

The 'Dark Knight Trilogy' Blu-ray box set, which packages 'Batman Begins,' 'The Dark Knight' and 'The Dark Knight Rises' together (a bonus: more lazy box art!).

Warner Bros.

However, slipped into the press release is a little sentence that should give all Batman fans and collectors pause: "Warner Bros. Home Entertainment also plans to release “The Dark Knight Trilogy Ultimate Collector’s Edition” in 2013." So take note, everyone. Another box set is already on the way, so be wise with your purchasing decisions in the coming months.

Here's a selection from the full press release, including full special feature breakdowns:

“The Dark Knight Rises” arrives this holiday season onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download on December 4 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group. In the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, Gotham City is threatened by the masked terrorist Bane, forcing Batman to return from an eight-year absence and fight for his city one more time.

Also available will be the free “The Dark Knight Rises” app for IOS 5.0 or higher compatible devices including iPhone and iPad, and Samsung Galaxy devices including S2, S3, Note, Nexus and Tab (operating system requirements vary by device). Building upon the already available “TDKR: Gotham City’s Most Wanted” app, “The Dark Knight Rises” app will be updated in two phases. The first update, which will be available in late October, will include several interactive activities such as a photo application that will allow users to put themselves into a Tumbler, a video application that will allow users to insert a Tumbler into their personal videos, and more. The second update, which will be available on December 4, will integrate second screen functionality into the app. It will allow users to sync compatible mobile devices with the Blu-ray disc via BD-Live enabled Blu-ray players connected to the same Local Area Network to access exclusive bonus content. The bonus content will include film location information, Gotham City maps, film trivia, photo galleries and “making of” featurettes. In addition, the second screen app controls playback of the film on your TV via Blu-ray player. “The Dark Knight Rises” app will be available through the iTunes store and Google Play.

“The Dark Knight Rises” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and on single disc DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray and in standard definition on DVD. “The Dark Knight Rises” Blu-ray disc takes advantage of the marriage of IMAX® and 35mm formats by using the hybrid master to replicate the unique theatrical experience of integrated film formats. Both the Blu-ray Combo Pack and the single disc DVD include UltraViolet which allows consumers to download and instantly stream the standard definition version of the film to a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.*

Also available December 4, just in time for holiday gift-giving, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release “The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset,” featuring “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” all in one collection. Available on Blu-ray or standard definition DVD, “The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset” will also include a premium book exclusive to the collection, which takes fans deeper into the epic franchise, as well as existing special features. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment also plans to release “The Dark Knight Trilogy Ultimate Collector’s Edition” in 2013.

BLU-RAY COMBO PACK:

- “THE BATMOBILE” DOCUMENTARY: Witness all five Batmobiles together for the first time in history. Dive deep into every aspect of the most awe-inspiring weapon in Batman’s arsenal as you journey through the birth and evolution of this technological marvel and cultural icon. (01:00)

- ENDING THE KNIGHT: A comprehensive look into how Director Christopher Nolan and his production team made “The Dark Knight Rises” the epic conclusion to the Dark Knight legend.

- Production

The Prologue: High-Altitude Hijacking

Return to the Batcave

Beneath Gotham

The Bat

Batman vs Bane

Armory Accepted

Gameday Destruction

Demolishing a City Street

The Pit

The Chant

The War on Wall Street

Race to the Reactor

- Characters

The Journey of Bruce Wayne

Gotham’s Reckoning

A Girls Gotta Eat

- Reflections

Shadows & Light in Large Format

The End of A Legend

- Trailers

- Art Galleries

- UltraViolet: Instantly stream and download films to compatible devices

DVD:

- The Journey of Bruce Wayne

- UltraViolet: Instantly stream and download films to compatible devices