Night Watch | Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov

Night Watch | Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov | Vampyres, Witches and Dark Urban Horror in Moscow

DVDs:

Night Watch

	Night Watch Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov 20th Century Fox, 2006 average customer review:based on 154 reviews view larger image
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Among normal humans live the "Others" possessing various supernatural powers. They are divided up into the forces of light and the forces of the dark, who signed a truce several centuries ago to end a devastating battle. Ever since, the forces of light govern the day while the night belongs to their dark opponents. In modern day, the dark Others actually roam the night as vampires while a "Night Watch" of light forces, among them Anton, try to control them and limit their outrage.

A Stunner

The first time I watched this movie my jaw hit the floor about ten minutes in to it, and it didn't return to my mouth until the credits had finished. I mean, I really couldn't believe my eyes. A smart, funny, well acted, brilliant even, horror movie from Russia (in all honesty, how often does one see such a thing coming out of this country). Not only that, I didn't have anything to really compare it to, it's that original. It reminded me of the first time I saw The Evil Dead, it was that same kind of "you've got to be kidding me" kind of moment. Even my partner was floored and she doesn't even like horror movies. So if you're interested in an original, funny, unique, and complex movie, one that will change the way you think about horror movies and one that set Russian box office records, this is the ticket.

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Vampyres, Witches and Dark Urban Horror in Moscow

Based off a successful series of books (which I have, unfortunately, yet to read), Night Watch is part of a planned triology of movies detailing the struggles of The Others - supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches and stranger creatures that lurk, hidden amongst the mortal populace. Long ago, the armies of the Dark Others (who would exalt in their powers and enslave humanity) and the Light Others (who sought to protect humanity) fought each other to a standstill. On that day, they agreed to an ancient pact whereby the two forces would police each other. Set in modern day Moscow, this movie (and the sequel Day Watch) successful capture the feel of urban Russia.

The story revolves around Anton, an alcoholic Light Other who serves on the 'Night Watch' (policing the Dark Others). While on the trail of a pair of vampires, Anton runs across a woman who is surrounded by a dark vortex, which may affect the entire world! Behind the scenes, the action is overshadowed by the figures of Gesser (leader of the Light Others) and Zavulon (ruler of the Dark Others). The story is quite richly detailed and elaborate (hey, it IS Russian after all) and the action goes by very quickly, but you will get sucked into the plot. Despite the supernatural elements, and the brilliant special effects, these are actually fairly understated. Nonetheless, this is one of the most brilliant applications of the supernatural that I've ever seen in a film.

For those who want to see a new direction in Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy, I strongly recommend checking this film out, along with it's sequel 'Day Watch' and the forthcoming 'Twilight Watch.' Especially if you are a fan of Russian/Eastern European film-making. I only wish more American film-makers would take a cue from Moscow and make movies this good! It is phenomenal, even breath-taking! Loved it!

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Movie: 3.5/5 Picture Quality: 3.75~4.5/5 Sound Quality: 4.25/5 Extras: 3.5/5

Version: U.S.A / Region-A
Russian DTS-HD MA 24-bit
English DTS

Version: Japan (REGION FREE / ENGLISH / JAPANESE MENU)
MPEG-4 AVC BD-50
Running time: 1:54:21
Movie size: 37,754,382,336 bytes
Disc size: 43,949,394,764 bytes
Total bit rate: 44.02 Mbps
Average video bit rate: 32.95 Mbps

Dolby TrueHD Audio Russian 3803 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 3803kbps (AC3 Core: 5.1 / 48kHz / 448kbps)
DTS Audio Russian 768 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 768kbps
Dolby Digital Audio English 448 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 448kbps
Dolby Digital Audio French 448 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 448kbps
Dolby Digital Audio German 448 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 448kbps
Dolby Digital Audio Japanese 448 kbps 5.1 / 48kHz / 448kbps
Dolby Digital Audio English 224 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 224kbps

Subtitles: English / Japanese / Danish / Dutch / Finnish / French / German / Norwegian / Swedish

Number of chapters: 21

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