In an alternate 1985, a group of ex-costumed heroes are surprised by the death of one of their own, the Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), whose real name was Edward Blake. Though superhero work has been outlawed, old colleagues of the Comedian, especially Rorschach (Haley), work to find out the truth behind his death and what it means about the future of their lives and the world. This requires a lot of scouring the past and reveals a shocking truth about who is responsible.

CRITIQUE

Film audiences all over the world are by now used to seeing comic books on screen. A recent subgroup of this type of movie has appeared and become a force, though, and that is the graphic novel adaptation. Watchmen retains the intense storytelling and timeless themes of the graphic novel with stylish direction, though it also may be a bit too reverent in tone to its source material.

Fresh off the box office success of 300, director Snyder took the helm of this adaptation and in many ways, he vision for the material is appropriate. The first point on which he has made good decisions was the area of casting. Though Matthew Goode, as smartest man Ozymandias, and Malin Ackerman, as the second-generation Silk Spectre, are a couple of bland choices, the rest of the performers here fit their roles like gloves. Wilson plays Daniel Dreiberg, who took over the hero mantle Nite Owl, and he is appealingly subtle.

Fans will recognize Morgan from the television shows Supernatural and Gray’s Anatomy and he turns in a compelling performance complex enough to make the audience care about who killed him. Haley gets the scary tone of Rorschach and does a lot with just his voice.

Second, in the area of style, Snyder hit’s a high-note as well. The color palette used is directly from the pages of the graphic novel, and he goes a step further by using freeze frames at dramatic moments to approximate a comic book panel. This device is effective because not overused and has dramatic impact. The use of voice-over is also directly from the comic- an example of good writing being preserved.

Plus, though it doesn’t work completely in every instance, the soundtrack of classic songs from the ‘60s and after is an entertaining touch. The use of violent and sexual content is uncomfortable to watch, though straight from the graphic novel as well (and proof that a comic can be mature).

This film didn’t need 24-extra minutes added onto it, however. The additions themselves are fine scenes, but this is where the fact that this is a stringent adaptation becomes most evident. Watchmen may adhere too strictly to its source material for true cinematic greatness, but the film is still exciting and thought-provoking.

THE VIDEO

Widescreen format, as I’ve always said, is the one most like the theatrical presentation and the best for home viewing a film like this, with huge visuals and themes. The picture transfer, especially in color, is excellent.

THE AUDIO

The format of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround for the English track is expected on DVDs now, but the same format is nicely offered for the French language track. As for subtitles, they are available in English, French, and Spanish.

THE EXTRAS

The Phenomenon: The Comic That Changed Comics: A lengthy doc, this extra covers in general terms the writing, publication, legacy, and finally the adaptation of the graphic novel. Various people involved with the comic, especially co-creator Gibbons, talk about how the Watchmen novel changed comics and touch on its many progressive elements. Missing is the input of legendary writer and co-creator Alan Moore, who refuses to endorse any film adaptation of his many beloved graphic novels. The focus here is on the comic that is considered a masterpiece, as well it should be.

Watchmen Video Journals: This is a group of brief, behind-the-scenes featurettes, each focusing on one topic about the film. There are eleven here and they cover everything from Rorschach’s mask to the time co-creator Dave Gibbons spent on set. Some of the most interesting are the way the character of Dr. Manhattan was created with visual effects, and the design of Nite Owl’s ship. Even people who aren’t film buffs will find these interesting.

Music Video: My Chemical Romance serves up a cover of “Desolation Row” in this extra. The song is an interesting offering, but the video that accompanies it is fairly standard. Most will probably only watch this once.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The direction and cast of Watchmen show talent, but this is only presentation of the exceptionally layered and adult story. The graphic novel inspires memorable production values for this film as well. Many audiences will want to buy, not rent, this film. (Though die-hard fans may want to wait to buy the 5-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition in December.) Watchmen is a viewing experience that should be enjoyed by many.