Reviewed by Johnny McNair

Warner Home Entertainment– 186 minutes – 2009 – Unrated – 1080p – 2.40:1 – Dolby Digital DTS-HD 5.1 – Digital Copy

The first time anyone heard about Watchmen was in 1986 when DC comics released a limited twelve issue comic book series created by Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons. Because it was so unique compared to anything out there, it became an instant phenomenon, second only to another graphic novel series also by DC comics, The Dark Knight Returns. For years all comic book geeks heard stories about a live action motion picture in the works, but the closest this came to being a reality was a decade ago when director Terry Gilliam was put on board to helm it. This never happened and the hope of the film coming to light went back into the Hollywood abyss. Then finally after seeing the success of Spiderman, Iron Man and four different guys wearing the Batman suit over the years, interest in a big screen Watchmen film became fashionable again. Two years ago a film based on another graphic novel, 300, hit the screen by a new director named Zach Snyder, and became a bigger hit than anyone imagined. The studio knew that they found the right man for the job, and finally the task of turning one of the most complex pieces of literature into a sellable motion picture was in full motion. When it was finally released in early 2009, Watchmen was not the mega success that everyone banked on it becoming; some even called it a bomb because it tool less than $200 million worldwide. But in my humble opinion Watchmen is a true masterpiece that was badly marketed, and will in time be seen by a new audience that will appreciate what an amazing film it is. Judge for yourself because Watchman is now available on Blu-ray (the only format it should be seen on) from Warner Home Video. Who’s watching the Watchmen? It should be you.

THE MOVIE

It’s hard to explain the plot of Watchmen, you just have to experience it with an open mind. Imagine a world where President Richard M. Nixon is still in power and the U.S. has won the Vietnam War, mainly because a team of superheroes was sent in to eliminate the Viet Cong. Back in the 50’s a collection of masked vigilantes took to the streets to fight crime, and united to form a team known then as the Minutemen. For several decades they were hailed as heroes, until the 70’s when a law was signed outlawing them as criminals, and shutting down the group, sending the individuals to go their own ways. Some were killed off, some lost their minds and were put in mental facilities, and others found new ways to adapt to the modern society.

When one of the former team members, Edward Blake, aka The Comedian (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is murdered, one of his mates known as Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley), takes it upon himself to investigate the crime, which leads him through an endless maze of cover-ups and corruption. He turns to another Watchmen, Nite Owl (played by Patrick Wilson) for his help, and together they begin to unravel the mystery. Within this we are introduced to other Watchmen that include Adrian Veidt. Aka Ozymandias (played by Matthew Goode), who is now a corporate tycoon who uses his power and influence to control the media;

Laurie Jupiter, aka Silk Spectre II (played by Malin Akerman), her mother Sally Jupiter, aka Silk Spectre (played by the Carla Gugino), who are constantly knocking their heads together because of past events. Finally there’s the most powerful Watchmen, Jon Osterman , aka Dr. Manhattan (played by Billy Crudup), a brilliant scientist who fell fate to a drastic radiation blast that transformed him into a hairless blue man, who can increase his height to the size of a giant, vaporize a human to particles, or transform himself to another planet at will. Together they combine their strengths and weaknesses, not only to solve the crime of their fallen comrade, but to save the world from possible nuclear annihilation.

Sure this sounds way out there, but that’s the beauty of Watchmen, it’s not like anything else on the map. There are some traditional comic book elements that will remind you of the whole Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman triangle, but all the dark and sexier tones that those comics will hint at but never touch are fully displayed here. Zach Snyder does and excellent job to deliver a close adaptation of the graphic novel, and without his care it could have turned out to be a disaster. This Blu-ray offers the full director’s cut that includes 24 minutes more of footage that dives more into the characters and human elements. Does this make it better than the theatrical version? Yes, because it’s obvious Snyder was under studio pressure to make the film more action-based to bring in the so-called “X-Men” audience into the theaters. This director’s version plays out closer to the original source material, but it would have been a plus if both the theatrical and the director’s cut were available on the disc.

Overall, even though this will require a three hour time commitment, Watchmen is definitely worth seeing, not only for the hardcore fans of the graphic novel, but for those who are tired of watching watered-down PG-13 comic book movies like Wolverine. The film has flaws, but it also has brilliance and this is what keeps it interesting and fresh. Are there people out there who will hate this movie? Of course, but after a repeat viewing the film may grow on you, particularly because comic book based movies are usually so weak, Watchmen stands up on its own. This one is a must see.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Watchmen looks incredible, and should only be seen in HD to deliver the full effect. Though the film is dark, colors are plentiful, whether it is Dr. Manhattan’s glowing blue skin, the yellow trim on Silk Spectre’s costume, or the red sands on the surface of Mars, the palette is at full spectrum. The films cinematography by Larry Fong steals the show, with scenes ripped right out of the comic book panels that immerse you into the world of the Watchmen. The film’s opening credit sequence alone looks better than most films you’ll see this year. Warner went all out to deliver the best transfer they could, and if you have a TV with excellent resolution, you will appreciate this. I can’t imagine viewing this film in any other way, so if you’re a lucky one with a Blu-ray player don’t even bother with a standard DVD.

AUDIO

Watchmen offers a Dolby Digital DTS-HD 5.1 sound track that sounds superb if you have an audio system set up to experience it. Yes, the movie has loud moments with explosions, gunfire, crowds, and flying vehicles, but for a superhero film this one also has plenty of dialogue. Rorschach’s character, who basically mutters his words, can be heard clearly and Dr. Manhattan’s deep smooth monotone voice stands strong. Music of the times is also becomes a character in the film so whether it be Bob Dylan’s ‘The Times Are a Changing,’ Nena’s ‘99 Luftballons,’ or ‘I’m Your Boogie Man’ by KC & The Sunshine Band, you’re taken on quite a musical adventure.

EXTRAS

The Blu-ray version of Watchmen is packaged in a three-disc set with the feature on disc one, bonus features on disc two, and a Digital Copy on disc three. This is a solid set that’s worth the price, with all the features in full HD and the new Maximum Movie Mode.

The Phenomenon: The Comic That Changed Comics is a half hour featurette that looks at the genesis of the Watchmen graphic novel, and includes interviews individuals involved with the project, including the book’s artist Dave Gibbons.

Maximum Movie Mode is a very cool feature that can only be done on Blu-ray, and allows you to watch the movie while director Zach Snyder appears on screen for certain scenes to show you some behind the scenes clips and provide background information with comic book-to-movie comparisons. This is much better than the standard audio commentary track and with the Picture-In-Picture view, it makes you feel like you’re getting so much more.

Focus Points are the 11 webisodes shown online before the release of the film that look at specific behind the scenes segments of the production.

Real Super Heroes: Real Vigilantes runs a half an hour and looks at the world of real vigilantes who patrol neighborhoods to fight back against crime. This one is kind of interesting, and definitely worth a look, just for the comparison. Look at it this way, Batman himself is no more than a vigilante.

Mechanics: Technologies of a Fantastic World is a fifteen-minute featurette where Dr. James Kakalios, the Professor of Physic at the University of Minnesota discuses the science of the Watchmen universe.

The music video for ‘Desolation Row’ by My Chemical Romance is accessible if you’re a fan of the band, or at least like the song from the movie.

Finally there’s a Digital Copy of the theatrical version of the movie. For those who never saw the film in theaters, this is your chance to compare the theatrical version to the director’s cut.

BOTTOM LINE

Watchman is an incredible Blu-ray presentation offering excellent picture and sound quality and a nice batch of extras, particularly the Maximum Movie Mode. The director’s cut offers 24 minutes more to the story, that actually fills in gaps and brings it closer to the graphic novel. A film like Watchmen is the reason you bought that Blu-ray player or own a PS3, because this is really one of those movies that can only be fully experienced in the HD format. This one is a must buy.

SCORES: (out of 5):

The Movie: 4.5

Video: 5.0

Sound: 5.0

Extras: 4.0

Bottom Line: 4.5