V for Vendetta DVD: Review By Reedy

Written in the 1980's as an Alan Moore/David Lloyd graphic novel, adapted by pre-Matrix Wachowski's and directed by former assistant director James McTiege, "V for Vendetta" follows freedom fighter/terrorist "V" (Hugo Weaving) and average-citizen-girl Evey (Natalie Portman) as they deal with the fascist government that stands over their lives in a strict police state. Can Evey accept V's motives to kill bad government folks and blow stuff up? Can V ignite a revolution before getting caught? As one would expect from Wachowski related fare, the film is an action movie with a strong under-current of philosphical concepts on various aspects of the world. Mostly political aspects. Very, very political. The satirical viewpoints are pretty obvious (though, with a little work, can be open ended to any belief system) yet regardless of agreeing with certain viewpoints or not, the movie is fun and has genuine moments of excitement.

Freedom! Forever!: Making V for Vendetta

A standard making-of featurette with cast and crew talking about the movie. Unlike other short doc*mentaries attached to most Dvds, this is less about actors reading prewritten positive comments about why their directors are Mega-Gods and sticks more on the political climate of the film as discussed by cast/crew. Though this movie wasn't technically groundbreaking on any Matrix-esque level, it still lacked what could have been some fun insights into the filmmaking process. Instead, little behind the scenes snippets were randomly integrating into the sometimes fluff filled spot. Worth a watch either way, if you're into this kind of thing.

Designing the Near Future

Nothing extremely informative for those seasoned in special features, but fun for those who want an elementary school style field trip thru set design, miniature building and a mild look at the thought process behind making a realistic, oppressive retro-future.

Remember Remember: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

A look into the world of England in the early 1600's. Religious and political oppression loomed over society for various reasons, some of which are explained here by experts on the matter. Didn't know Queen Elizabeth oppressed Catholics and didn't get hitched? Now you will. All this sets the foundation on explaining who Guy Fawkes was and how he inspired/parallels V, English history and modern culture.

England Prevails: V for Vendetta and the New Wave in Comics

A brief history of comics thru time leading up the revolutionary invention of literature coined "graphic novels." Cast/crew and comic industry folks such as co-creator David Lloyd get into how British comics broke away from the typical American adolescent super hero fare and smacked readers in the face with the open handed palm of intellectual subject matter. We even learn a little about the journey of the first run of the 1980's graphic novel and how it lost funding prior to it's final issue. Educational, some neat insight into who Alan Moore was, but kind of slow/bland.

Cat Power Montage

A short montage/music video set to a song which was featured as one of V's juke-box selects in the film.

Easter Egg - SNL Digital Short

In the last page of Disc 2's "Special Feature" Menu, click the government seal/logo thing. You'll be treated to the hilarious SNL Digital short with a short haired Natalie Portman getting vulgar in a Jay-Z style music video.

Theatrical Trailer

Excellent. Clean. Everything seemed preserved as they wanted. Fits the entire screen. Nice resolution, good color.

Excellent. Sharp.

In one of the more original artistic decisions to come out of marketing in recent history, the cover is awesome and original. A brown/red/black propaganda style poster instantly lets you know the direct political tones this movie will stab you with. If there was a Dvd-cover-of-the-year award, this should probably win for form and function. It comes in a cardboard sleeve which is identical to the actual case underneath. Why have cardboard sleeves? Maybe it makes the movie seem more important? In any case, the back of the box even retains design oriented interest, being slanted (perhaps like it's sometimes lopsided political themes?). Either way, it looks cool.

Not the world's best DVD in the special features department, but for those who like their action movies with political substance and want to look a little deeper into the process, it's worth a buy.