Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Night Watch Blu-ray Movie Review

Between the light and the darkness...there is Blu.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman September 21, 2008

So long as there are those among us who believe in light, there will be hope.

Nochnoy Dozor? What in the world is that? A Russian-language fantasy/horror film? Subtitles? Why would anyone be interested in that? The answer is simple. Other than making for a very good Blu-ray disc, Nochnoy Dozor, subsequently referred to as Night Watch, is a very well-done horror/action/fantasy/drama film, one that definitely has a very odd vibe about it, but one that is ultimately worth the effort of watching. Indeed, Night Watch features an involved plot with some wonderful twists and turns along the way, but the film takes its time settling into a groove, and may leave some viewers squirming in their seats while they try to get a grasp on exactly what's going on. The story is not an overly-complicated one, but this is the sort of film where past secrets and earlier scenes seemed to have an insignificant bearing on the plot, or made no sense at the time, and are only revealed later in the film. Night Watch is a film that will make significantly more sense upon repeated viewings. As the story picks up steam, as the intrigue builds, as we become accustomed to the characters, and as we enjoy some bloody and well-done action sequences, Night Watch pulls in its viewers and establishes itself as a good movie, and will likely engender a desire to watch the sequel, Day Watch, especially considering the number of significant, eye-opening revelations in the final act of the film, not to mention an excellent ending that comes as quite the shock.

The next Terminator?

They are known as "Others" -- people with extraordinary abilities or talents, including the ability to shape shift or utilize witchcraft -- and they fight in an ages-old conflict between the forces of good and evil. An uneasy peace between the forces of light and the forces of darkness has been in place for centuries, with each side keeping watch on the other. The Night Watch, consisting of the forces of light, and the Day Watch, consisting of the forces of darkness, abide by the truce and ensure it is kept by the other side as well. Also part of the truce, Others who discover their talents are free to join with either the side of light or with the side of dark, and a prophesy foretells of an Other who will one day choose sides and change the course of history. In 1992 Moscow, Anton Gorodetsky (Konstantin Khabensky) discovers that he is a seer, an Other, and after a run-in with a witch from whom he sought help in re-reuniting with his straying wife, he chooses to side with the Night Watch. A dozen years pass, and Anton becomes the primary player in what is to develop as the potential final battle between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. As history unfolds, as his future becomes uncertain, and as his past reveals itself, Anton and the Night Watch must battle destiny and save humanity from the devastation of the final battle between good and evil.

Night Watch offers viewers something out of the ordinary, which is always welcome. Movies have become all too indistinguishable one from the other, across almost every genre. Comedies offer the same tired jokes, action movies feature nothing but interchangeable parts, and horror films are awash in predictable plot devices. The worst examples of each of these styles of film forget there must be a story worth telling underneath the jokes, the action, or the gore. Night Watch is a success because it offers a good enough story that emotionally invests viewers, keeps them thinking, and manages to surprise on several occasions. Night Watch isn't groundbreaking. It's certainly not a great movie, and it most definitely is not "top 10" material. However, it is not derivative, stale, or dull, either. It manages to create its own identity, offering plenty of action and gore but never falling into a string of clichés and predictable plot contrivances to move itself along. The film also features good direction from Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted). He offers a style that adds a unique flair to the film without coming across as gimmicky or experimental. He handles the film with care and attention to detail, ensuring that viewers remain interested in the film, especially once the film opens up and begins to pull the story together. This allows the movie to remain fresh for longtime viewers who can seek clues and watch the film unfold with foreknowledge of what will happen, but it also keeps the first-timer guessing and interested, eventually leading up to a point where every moment offers edge-of-your-seat tension. Awash in action, violence, intrigue, and drama, Night Watch does Russian cinema proud.

Night Watch Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in 1080p high definition and framed at 1.85:1, Night Watch looks very good on Blu-ray. Colors are rich and natural throughout the movie, perhaps a bit subdued, thanks in large part to the nature of the movie. It's a somewhat dark movie, but not overly so. It's actually brighter and more alive than I would have expected from a film entitled Night Watch, but the transfer remains strong between the darkest scenes and those most awash in light, and everything in between. Black levels are solid, and shadow detail is strong. Detail in general is acceptable. The somewhat obscure nature of many scenes and drab color schemes found in many shots of the movie don't lend to an eye-popping, incredibly detailed world, but the transfer is a success in the context of the intended look. Grain is also present over the film, lending an even grittier feel to already dark and foreboding proceedings. Flesh tones appear accurate throughout, and there is a solid depth to the film. Night Watch is simply a fine looking disc. It won't wow audiences accustomed to Blu-ray presentations, but it will definitely not disappoint, either. Overall, this is another fine effort from Fox.

Night Watch Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

As always, Fox offers viewers a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, this time in the film's original Russian language. A 768 kbps dubbed English language DTS track is also available, as are English subtitles. The original language lossless track is the only way to go, and it sounds great. The movie features a loud, active soundtrack awash in effects and music. Surrounds are used to fine effect throughout, for atmospherics, action, and music. There is oftentimes a very good, foreboding atmosphere that features just the slightest rumble of deep lows and creepy effects all around the soundstage, creating a nearly perfect horror movie environment that comes alive in your living room. A scene in chapter 6 as Yegor arrives in the abandoned building at the beckoning of the Vampires is an excellent example. A pulse-pounding, hard-hitting rock soundtrack accompanies many scenes, a good example being during Anton's fight with the Vampire in chapter seven. An audible theme heard in parts of the film is the persistent buzzing of mosquitoes in "The Gloom," the effect of which moves effortlessly around the soundstage. Dialogue is presented with no discernible flaws. Night Watch features a soundtrack worthy of the nature of the film and is the prefect compliment to the experience.

Night Watch Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Night Watch comes to Blu-ray as a fully-featured special edition. A commentary track with director Timur Bekmambetov is first. The director discusses this film's place in Russian cinema history, the themes that run throughout the picture, and the differing genres that come into play throughout the film. The track is slow and deliberate, with some minimal gaps in the commentary, but fans should get a lot out of what is presented here. Another commentary track is available, this one a subtitled commentary by novelist Sergei Lukyaneko (available with English, French, and Spanish subtitles). Lukyaneko discusses a broad range of topics, from Vampire mythos, the origins of his stories and how they don't necessarily fit in the genres the author generally works in, and how his characters are portrayed in the film. The text moves along quickly with only a few brief pauses.

Seven deleted scenes (480p, 28:42) with optional commentary by Timur Bekmambetov are next. Making of 'Night Watch' (480p, 39:03) is a Russian language feature with English subtitles. The piece features interviews with Sergei Lukyaneko, Konstantin Khabensky, Timur Bekmambetov, and others. The piece delves further into the themes and mythos of the story, contains a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage, and features many clips from the film. Characters, Story and Subtitles (480p, 5:06) is a brief feature that looks at the impact of the film on Russian culture and the themes of the film. Also discussed are the film's subtitles, although what we see in the feature does not match the subtitles shown and discussed in this feature. There, subtitles are shown in red and slowly dissolve. On the Blu-ray, we are only presented with standard subtitles. Night Watch Trilogy (480p, 3:27) is a piece that discusses the origins of the ideas and the styles behind each movie. Comic Book Still Gallery (480p, 8:44) is a portion of the comic book, subtitled. Rounding out the features is a poster gallery (480p, 1:20), the film's theatrical trailer (1080p, 2:26), and additional 1080p trailers for Day Watch, Alien Vs. Predator, From Hell, The Fly, Man on Fire, and Sunshine. This feature is also D-Box enabled.

Night Watch Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Night Watch is an amalgamation of horror, drama, and fantasy, a film that revels in kinetically-filmed action and plenty of blood and guts, but also remembers there is a story to be told, and a good one at that. The film offers just the right mix of horror action and good storytelling, and the result is one of the more unique pictures of the decade. It's slow to build but quick to crescendo, a film that slowly unravels its secrets and finishes with a barrage of revelations that will leave you on the edge of your seat and yearning to pop the sequel, Day Watch, into your Blu-ray player. 20th Century Fox presents Night Watch on Blu-ray in a quality package that makes the set worth your while. With an excellent lossless soundtrack in the original Russian language, a fine 1080p video presentation, and a good selection of supplements, the disc is another winner from Fox, and the surprisingly good movie contained thereon is well worth watching. Recommended.