Regret missing this one at the cinema, but an excellent Blu-ray presentation made up for the disappointment.
I'd read the graphic novel before seeing the film and thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of vision employed by both artist and writer. When the US region-free Blu-ray was announced in the form of a director's cut, I took the plunge and ordered sight unseen. Happily, the film fulfilled all my expectations and grabbed me right from the word go.
Set in an alternate timeline, WATCHMEN begins with the killing of costumed vigilante 'The Comedian', and moves into a wonderful opening credits sequence which provide character history before weaving a tale of paranoia and imminent nuclear war.
The transfer is a thing of beauty, with shadow detail particularly well rendered.
The famous 'Maximum Movie Mode' - where Zack Snyder hosts the film next to side-by-side comparisons of scenes, pages from the graphic novel and more - works very well, and the release of this edition in the UK is a real bonus in itself for import-shy fans of the film.
Now, we have another release to consider in the form of WATCHMEN ULTIMATE CUT: THE COMPLETE STORY, which loses the MMM, but adds a commentary track, the complete motion comics movie and TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER edited into the DC.
Up to now, I haven't had the cash to double-dip but not an immediate concern, as I'd bet hard cash on there being yet another 'Ultimate' release in the not-too distant future. For now, this one will do admirably.
I really enjoyed this film and aside from a few quibbles felt was quite faithful to the source material. The director's cut is even better as it lets the film breath a bit more, altho, the lack of extras was a tad disappointing. The Complete Story makes up for this. I just got it for Xmas but have yet to crack it open yet. Can't wait to see how TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER fits in with the rest of the film!
ReplyDeleteI saw Watchmen at the theater. In IMAX-lite, in fact. The changes to the content were there, but as a whole, it was a faithful adaptation (I had watched Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic that was narrated by Tom Stechschulte right before taking it in). I, too, received the Dir. Cut BD as a seasonal gift, and am waiting to take it in. But, I'm curious about the Ultimate Cut. These latter special releases, the double-dip, are really getting old. No wonder DVD sales are dropping. People are really getting tired of it (at least, I hope so). Maybe then, the studios will stop this insanity. Great selection, Steve. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteAs far as double-dipping goes, it helps to frequent the occasional DVD site as some directors, like Snyder, Peter Jackson, Guillermo Del Toro, etc. do warn fans in interviews that another edition is in the works. Of course, the casual consumer probably doesn't think to do this... or have the time, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteThaks, leOpard. I'd love to have caught this on the big screen. Agree this double-dipping is getting old. I've brought numerous titles on Blu such as HALLOWEEN, when I just know there will be future releases round the corner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JD. It does pay to frequent DVD sites to get latest info and future intentions. I had planned to sell my Watchmen director's cut and purchase the 5-discer but I'll lose the Max Movie Mode which I love. Hope you enjoy the Freighter addition.
Keith, thanks mate. Really gutted to hear of your problems. I'll stop by your blog right now and hope you are back with us soon.