Night Watch DVD: Review By Dodd

Much has been said about the horror/action entry Night Watch. Well...at least much has been said about it in Russia. Night Watch was released in 2004 in Russia and became one of the country's highest grossing films. Its success has spawned the production of two sequels to complete a trilogy. In fact, the second installment, Day Watch, has already hit the big screen overseas.

The success of Night Watch in Russia is strikingly similar to the success of a little film in America called The Matrix. It appears that Hollywood also noticed this parallel and decided to cash in on the international franchise. Last spring, Fox Searchlight brought Night Watch to American shores with hopes of cashing in on its Russian appeal. The film played on a limited circuit and received a slew of mixed reviews. Some critics found in Night Watch the most ass-kicking experience of 2006, while other critics sat scratching their heads in bewilderment.

Recently I've had the opportunity to finally watch the much-touted flick from across the sea. Is Night Watch really what it is hyped up to be? Let's just say my adrenaline was not pumping through the closing credits.

The film follows the battle between two forces. Long ago, the opposing sides reached a truce to stand their own respected grounds. One enlightened group watches out for the dark Others during the night, and vice versa. The evil Others prowl the night as vampires looking for victims. However, their actions are monitored by the good Others that refer to themselves as the Night Watch.

Entangled in this fantasy mess is Anton (Konstantin Khabensky). Once an unsuspecting civilian, Anton is identified as an enlightened Other, and forced to serve as a nocturnal guardian. On the evening that Anton is sent on a routine mission to protect a young boy from the clutches of vampires, he makes an unsettling discovery. Protecting or not protecting this boy may disrupt the long balance between light and dark, giving dominance to one side.

Night Watch isn't necessarily being accredited as a fine film. Critics tend to compliment it on its ability to simply kick ass. I think we can all relate to this brand of viewing experience. It is when a film grabs you by the throat and does not know when to let go. By the time it reaches the end, the satisfied viewer sits with an astonishing look of "wow" in their eyes. By the end of Night Watch, I searched for this sensation only to feel empty inside.

Night Watch is a horror/action/fantasy jam-packed with explosive action sequences, and mind-boggling special effects that include a man transforming into a tiger. These effects are intriguing, but were only interrupted by director Timur Bekmambetov's cluttered chronology of events. Every supposedly slick action sequence is not punctuated with an exclamation point that screams, "Hell yes!" They are instead punctuated by a question mark that inquires, "What the hell just happened?"

The film does not suffer from content. The previously mentioned synopsis is a concept that could potentially tear up the big screen. In fact, I wish the narrative would make itself more evident throughout this film. Ambiguity is something I cherish in a film, and I by no means wish Night Watch to be simple and straightforward. I just wish it didn't cover up the storyline with irritating stylistic choices such as constant screaming and an overabundance of dreariness. This Russian import has its moments, but not enough to feel the satisfaction of viewing a well-crafted action vehicle.

***Note*** I did not have the chance to see Night Watch in the theater. Therefore, I am not sure if it played with subtitles or voice dubbing. The copy available for purchase contains the film in its Russian language and in English dubbed language.

Commentary- Director Timur Bekmambetov

The director provides commentary on the Russian language side. He surprisingly speaks in English with a very thick accent. Bekmambetov delivers interesting facts about his film like any director is expected to on a commentary track. However, the biggest flaw here is his tone. The slow pacing of his dialogue makes focusing a bit difficult. However, he has plenty of insight for those feeling alert.

Commentary- Author Sergei Lukyanenko

This is an interesting DVD technique that I have not seen used before. The author of the original novel provides commentary. However, we never hear his voice. It is translated in English across the top of the screen where it does not get mixed up with the English subtitles on the bottom of the screen. The text is consistent and works in a "Pop-Up Video" sort of way. Lukyanenko's views of the novel and the film are rather interesting for the curious viewer.

Extended Scene- Rooftop

This is an extension of the film's ending. It is hard to go into great detail without giving anything away, but I am sure fans will be pleased with this rather lengthy addition.

Features also include trailers

Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) The look of the film is rather far out. Constant visual effects and the occasional sweet action sequence make Night Watch a piece of explosive eye candy.

5.1 Dolby Surround. The film is available for viewing in both the Russian and English dubbed languages. This is all about personal preference, but I strongly suggest subtitles if you are literate. Nothing will ruin a viewing experience like over-the-top voice actors and unsynchronized dubbing.

Standard DVD keep case. The cover illustrates the original theatrical poster art that displays the close-up of a vampire-like face which foregrounds a dark and dreary Moscow.

Night Watch is hot and cold on the Rotten Tomatoes chart. I find that this Russian import leans more on the negative side of the spectrum. The horror/fantasy/action vehicle that is supposed to be exciting to the core is only a mediocre and confusing experience. I can only suggest a rental for this film. However, fans of the film should know who they are. To this crowd I suggest snagging up a copy.

Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com