Watchmen [Blu-Ray]

This is one of those rare films that comes along in a time when most fantasy films are just demo reels for stuntmen and effects men. This film is thoughtful, dark, extremely cynical, and totally thought provoking. It's one of those films that may have you disagreeing with its outcome or it's characters' motives, but you will be interested in them nonetheless. This is like a comic book movie done through the lense of the brilliant auteur filmmakers of the late 60's and throughout the 70's. I a high mark for filmmaking. A high mark for adapting a previously published work. A high mark of impactful visuals. A high mark for actors, mostly unknown, making the unbelievable and fantastic real and relatable. A high mark for art. A high mark for writing. It's that good, I swear. And you don't have to be a Watchmen fan-boy to like it. You just have to be an adult. An intelligent, and always thinking pre-teen to teen. Someone who loves what films can do for our mind and our eyes. Someone who misses the days when films were made for more than the simple vegatation. A time when every film wasn't polled and geared and marketed for 13 year olds. Us adults do like some fantasy in our life, whether it be dark or not.***No plot synopsis here. My bad folks***Lets start with the adaption. It's been a while since I've seen something adapted so seamlessly to the screen. I first picked up the Watchmen in graphic novel form back in the early 90's, I was about 12 years old. I'd always heard that this film project was brewing for years. I'd also heard that it was unfilmmable material. Alan Moore himself, I believe, said it was unfilmmable. I never understood this. I read the thing at 12 and was imagining it as a film. Hell, if you look at the panels and the way the book is structured, it's already very film-like. Is it marketable, and does it hold mass appeal for the price tag it would cost, may have been the real question. For about the first two hours the film is a direct adaption of the book. Hell, even some of the visuals, and intercutting is taken from the novel. The only thing I noticed omitted early on was the whole comic-within-the comic The Black Freighter. That was one thing I guessed would be removed. Where would it go, and how would it work in the context of a film narrative? Well, guess what? It was only omitted for the initial theatrical release. Zach Snyder felt the Watchmen is incomplete without The Black Freighter, and he will be editing animated footage of the short story back into the film for a director's cut. Can't wait to see how it plays out in the film form. The third act is where things really start to change in adaption.****SPOILERS****Sorry, can't avoid them when talking about this and how much it helps the film version. We lose the subplot involving the prison psychiatrist. This I don't mind. With the story itself, and the Black Freighter, I felt the novel was hammering its point home a little too hard with the inclusion of what the psychiatrist was going through when examing the imprisoned Rorshach. Good omission. Finally, the big change in plot has the same outcome but takes a short cut to get there. In the novel the 'villain' cooks up a scheme involving a fake alien invasion that leads to New York's destruction. The whole world unites to fight a common evil, forgets about their differences. In the film the plot is less convoluted. The 'Villain' no longer cooks up an alien invasion, but instead uses an already available resource in the body of Dr. Manhattan to derail nuclear destruction. It makes the story tighter and further implicates one of the main characters into the action, makes him very important to the plot's outcome, and makes him less of a philosphical figure. Sure, he's still expousing the meaning of life, but now he plays a part in it's course. I never thought the idea of artists, scientists, and filmmakers being tricked into creating a genetic creature from scratch was that important. It's interesting and wild, but way too convoluted in a story that's already fairly convoluted. The film's solution to this problem is clever and simple.***SPOILERS END***The acting is all on spot on. The relationship between the second Nite Owl and Silk Spectre II is done much better in the film. It comes off more natural and believable here. It's done with more visuals and less bloated exchanges. Jackie Earle Haley(best known for his part in the original Bad News Bears, and his Oscar nominated performance in Little Children) lives and breaths Rorshach, arguably the most popular right wing vigilante this side of Rush Limbaugh. He brings an already lively character to true life. His performance is complex, playing a man who may be a lone nut, but never compromises his beliefs and suffers no one who doesn't fit into his own moral code. Special attention must also be given to Billy Crudup and the special effects technicians behind Dr. Manhattan. Crupdup's voice gives hints of a longing, a lost humanity trying to resurface. Plus, the animation is subtle and effective on this character, to the degree of Gollum. Sure, it's not as broadly animated, but it would be wrong for the character if he was. Carla Gugino also stands out as Silk Spectre I. Her performance and character is very complicated and not easily understood, especially by those who like to morally grandstand and brow beat others. She brings a longing and tragedy to her small part. Plus, is it just me, or does anyone else have the hugest crush on this actress? She has that rare characteristic of combing cute and comfortable with totally hot and sexy. Sorry, can't help, but after Sin City she gives me much joy-joy feelings.Like I mentioned before, some of the visuals are directly taken from the comic, and all are fairly breathtaking. It reminds me of Blade Runner. The visuals are striking but don't overpower the narrative, and they don't feel like effects for effects sake. Though, I do tire of the slow to fast ramping of speed in action sequences. I think this effect stopped awing me right after The Matrix came out. Zach Snyder has outdone himself with this one. He has finally made a film that he will be expected to top in every future project. I heard of him, directing music videos and commercials, as a contender for the remake of Dawn of the Dead. I didn't feel that film should be remade, it's a horror classic, and his resume just made me guess for the worst. Low and behold, the film worked. Sure, it was more a straigh action piece, but the characters, visuals and acting was all top notch. It was a fun, fast paced piece of fluff of the highest caliber. Then came 300. Wasn't as enthralled with this one as much as everyone else was. I found it striking and mostly entertaing. I didn't really care about any human body in that film. They all just seemed like cyphers. They fought and killed and died, and I didn't really care outside the visuals. I found it to be an example of something that jumped off the page but sunk on the screen. He has 100% redeemed himself with Watchmen. It's fast paced, despite its almost three hour running time, spritely, and visually beautiful and horrifying all in one stroke.This flick is almost fan-boy proof. Sure, there will always be that small purist contigent that take Alan Moore's word as gospel, and they will openly loathe the film whether they secretly like it or not. Moore himself should be open to this film and take a load off. Hollywood did right by him for once. Though, after League of Extraodinary Gentlemen, I understand where the dude is coming from.PEOPLE WHO SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS FILM:1. If graphic violence bothers you, even though it's brief and not often, just stay away. Nobody wants to hear your empty tiatribes about how violent films are and how they are destroying the fabric of America, a country itself which is considered one of the most violent in the West.2. Purist, uncompromising fan-boys. Save it. Nobody is interested in whether you're a bigger fan of Watchmen, or a more devoted deciple. We get it. You read it. You loved it. You paste the faces of your favorite Watchmen character on the bodies of silicon enhanced Playboy Bunnies in your room. Move on...please.3. Action junkies aka vegatables use films as something to pass the time between the next video game. This film has action, and excitement but it's besides the point and not the reason for its existance. I hear the Rock just released a remake of Escape to Wich Mountain. Check that out instead. Instantly satisfying. Hyperactive. Speical effects and star personality driven. Instantly forgettable and undemanding.4.Folks who can't remove their politics from their movie going experiences. People who actually believe Hollywood is involved in some mass conspiracy to warp your children's morals, and to turn them into extreme lefty socialists. Please, stop. Just stay home. It's just a fantasy parable about super heroes, and what their existance would do to our past history in the 20th century. Nixon sucked. It's a fact. There will never be a 6 dollar bill with Reagans face on it, and he certainly won't get a spot on Mount Rushmore. You guys had your shot. The extreme religous disease that invaded your party has corrupted your principles and core ideals. Deal with them, and let the rest of us risk our brains with this piece of thoughtful pulp fiction.5. Finally, all those who fear change, or the fact taht writers like to transcend and disect material as Americana as apple pie. This is not a kid's movie. It's rated accordingly. The definitions of right and wrong, and what makes a hero is turned on its head and hypothesised in situations that most super hero fims don't dare venture into. It's not Superman. It's not Spider-Man. It's not just visceral pop entertainment, even though it's that too, it's got ideas. It will make you think. It might make you angry. It might make you feel justified. The bottom line is it will make you think and maybe even start some involved discussions. Ones that moves beyond how 'Kewl' the special effects were. Then, you'll stop and say, "Hey, are we really talking in this much depth about a flick involving rubber clad super heroes, and a glowing blue guy who chills on Mars?" Yup, you are.See it. Don't see it. Like Blade Runner and other films of this type, it won't matter how much dough the flick makes or how much everyone and their grandma likes it. This will live on while films like Spider-Man 3 and Iron-Man just end up being time filler on TNT.2-DISC DIRECTOR'S CUT DVD UPDATE 7/12/2009Well, any internet Watchment fanboy could tell you, but this isn't quite the director's cut released next week. It's got an additional 24 minutes of footage that adds some more texture and reinstates Hollis' death scene and Night Owl's bloody revenge. Plus, some of the action scenes have been beefed up, especially the jail break scene. It's basically the entire novel minus the Black Freighter. Fret not, this version will be released again on Dec. 9th, 2009 with the Black Freighter animated short woven into the film just like the novel in a five disc Ultimate Edition set. The Ultimate set will have a new commentary by the director on the first two discs, the entire partially animated graphic novel on the next two discs, and on the fifth will be all new unreleased behind the scenes stuff including the mockumentary Under the Hood, which was previously released on the Black Freighter dvd. Hell, this month's release comes with a ten dollar rebate towards the Ultimate Edition. I'm most certainly going to be going in for the 'ol double dip.This director's cut has a second disc with some special features on it, even a couple more on the Blu-Ray, three to be exact, four if you include the useless digital copy. We get a My Chemical Romance music video that is in step with the film's tone but will most likely only be viewed once. We also get a half hour doc concerning the novel's creation and genesis that goes all the way up to the film's creation. Oddly, the film's screenwriters aren't interviewed regarding the novel's adaption. There are extenssive interviews with the filmmakers, DC artists and publishers, and Dave Gibbons, of course. Then you get several short but informative webisodes regarding the costumes, vehicles, design, story, and costumes. The webisodes go more into the hows and less into the why's, but they are quite satisfying. And that's it.A bunch of folks are going to piss and moan regarding the double dip, a double dip that has been old news since the film's original theatrical release, but not me. I'm happy to have a version with the Black Freighter and one without. I'm also happy to have the Black Freighter seperately. Sure, I already bought the moving comic, but I think I know some folks who can take it off my hands happily. I can't wait to hear director Zack Snyder's commentary in December. The only thing I can live without is the theatrical cut, and I don't have to have it this way. Listen, gripey fanboys, don't buy this version or do. Just rent it if you don't want to double dip. Buy it and ask for the Ultimate Edition for a Christmas present. See? I just solved all the major problems in your life. Thank me.PS: Yes, that's a man's penis! Grow up. No, these aren't your mom and pops' super heroes. No, there still isn't a giant alien squid thingy. THERE WILL NEVER BE A GIANT ALIEN SQUID! Deal. The movie is better for this change from the novel. Trust me. And finally, the soundtrack and source music placement is PERFECTION! Especially, "Unforgettable" for the opening scene and "99 Red Balloons" for Night Owl's and Silk Spectre's reunion date. Stop being so narrow and simple. Think about the whys and the placemnt and it will all become clear and way more fun. Try thinking in a more gutteral manner, how the songs feel and not their literal meaning. Again, trust me, they work. If not, and you still don't see it or agree, well, um, then well........ then keep being boring????

"Watchmen (Director's Cut)" is a masterful cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, skillfully helmed by director Zack Snyder. Here's a review:Faithful Adaptation: Snyder's director's cut remains faithful to the source material, capturing the dark, complex, and morally ambiguous world of the original graphic novel. Fans of the comic will appreciate the attention to detail and the reverence with which the story is treated.Expanded Narrative: Clocking in at over three hours, the director's cut allows for a more expansive exploration of the Watchmen universe, delving deeper into the characters' backstories and motivations. This extended runtime enriches the viewing experience, providing greater context and depth to the story.Visual Spectacle: As expected from Snyder, the film is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography, intricate production design, and visceral action sequences. From the gritty streets of New York City to the otherworldly landscapes of Mars, every frame is meticulously crafted and visually arresting.Compelling Performances: The ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board, bringing the iconic characters of the Watchmen to life with depth and nuance. Standout performances include Jackie Earle Haley as the morally ambiguous Rorschach and Billy Crudup as the enigmatic Dr. Manhattan.Themes and Subtext: "Watchmen" explores complex themes such as power, identity, morality, and the nature of heroism, inviting viewers to ponder the ethical dilemmas faced by its flawed and morally ambiguous characters. The film's rich subtext and thought-provoking themes elevate it beyond the confines of a typical superhero movie.Director's Vision: Snyder's directorial vision shines through in every frame of the film, imbuing it with his trademark style and visual flair. While some may find his approach divisive, there's no denying the ambition and creativity on display in "Watchmen."Overall, "Watchmen (Director's Cut)" is a compelling and visually stunning adaptation that does justice to its source material while offering a fresh perspective on the iconic graphic novel. With its rich storytelling, strong performances, and breathtaking visuals, it stands as a worthy addition to the pantheon of superhero cinema.

Mega Film in top Qualität und Länge.... Absolut zu empfehlen

Cioè film codi non esistono più.... ma perché ? Cioè questo è un filmone di quelli con la Fmaiuscola altro che quelli di oggi... fate un 4k cortesemente , grazie

Si comme moi vous n'aviez vu que la version ciné de cette adaptation, il faut d'urgence admirer cette version longue.C'est du Super Héros sale, violent même mais à voir pour comprendre bien des choses sur la culture Comics dans son ensemble.

よくあるアメコミヒーロー全員集合の能天気な作品郡とは違います。アメコミヒーロー全員集合ものは大嫌いで全く観る気がしなかった。が、押井守監督が著書「押井守の映画50年50本」の中でこの作品を取り上げて大変評価をしていた。で、どんな作品か気になり観てみた。とても良かった。平和を維持(戦争回避)するためには真っ正直なだけではダメっていうDr.マンハッタンのオチの付け方がイイね👍️

Classic graphic novel  Watchmen  considers what it would be like to be a superhero in a real world, and what would make people want to become one. one of thsoe books that you can read again and again and still notice something new each time, it also includes text pages. So it was considered to be unfilmable. quite a few big name directors tried and failed to bring it to the movie screen.But now zack snyder has succeeded.the story is set in 1985, but not quite in the world that we know. history has played out rather differently here, and richard nixon is in his fourth term as us president.costumed vigliantes were outlawed in 1976, and the latest generation of heroes, who took over after those who emerged in the 1940's, have either retired or now work for the government or still operate. outside the law. when one is killed, the survivors find a conspiracy that goes further than they could possibly imagine.Can you get into this film if you've never read the book? Not sure if I can't answer that question as I have read it. If you haven't then you will need to be prepared to use your intelligence and pay close attention to everything that is going on. this is not a film where you can sit back and let it do everything for you. You need to think for yourself.If you have read it, then you'll find a movie that is as close to the source material as it is possible to get in it's 155 minute running time. you will also find the most violent movie you've seen in a long time. but this isn't gratuitious violence or hollywood style gore. it's realistic. And there are fight scenes that are stunningly well coreographed. There is one attempted rape scene which may prove too much for some, but again it's not gratuitious.A thinking persons movie and a visual version of a classic graphic novel. It's a memorable and bold cinematic experience.this is the two disc edition of the dvd. the first disc has one single extra, a sixteen minute documentary in which a man who was a science advisor on the project discusses some of the science and technology seen in the story and how accurate it is. this is a rather fast whistle stop tour through such things but it's fascinating with it.the only language track on the disc is english.the subtitles are english danish finnish norwegian and swedish.disc two has a language track in english and subtitles in english dutch french german italian spanish and turkish.the extras are: a thirty minute look at the graphic novel and the phenomenon it became and how much it influenced the movie. it's an engrossing watch and those who've read the book will spot some clips in here from scenes that didnt make the cinema cut.real life vigilanties is a twenty five minute long documentary about those who have taken the law into their own hands in real life. an excellent documentary that considers the issues involved this offers real food for thought.there are eleven watchmen video diaries. these are short features about elements of the production. all run two to four minutes. they're brief but very watchable.there's a nightly news report from a tv channel seen in the film. running roughly three minutes and seen in faux 1970's style it's a nice little addition.there's the music video for a song by the group my chemical romance called desolation row which features on the soundtrack. this is short in the 1980's style seen in the movie but the video bears no other relation to it and whether you like the song depends on whether you like this kind of music.watching this disc on a pc and moving the pointer over the screen at the bottom of the special features will reveal a hidden symbol in the shape of that on dr manhattans forehead. click on this to see an easter egg, which is an advert in 1970's style advising people that vigilantes are outlawed and what to do if they see one. this is a decent little item and worth a look.so it's not the best extras wise but some of them are worth a look. that and the quality of the movie makes me rate this as a 5/5, but it does appear there will be a directors cut and then an ultimate edition along in due course. it remains in question at the moment whether the former will come to region two dvd. so do consider whether or not you want to be patient before getting this. Watchmen