review: DAY WATCH

Fox  //  Buy from Amazon.com Like The Matrix, Day Watch combines cutting-edge digital effects and mind-blowing action to create a stunningly original world. This Unrated Edition takes you on an even wilder ride with more intense thrills and incredible effects. Only one thing stands between peace and Armageddon: the supernatural agents of Day Watch, who fight to control the armies of light and darkness. When the son of a senior Day Watch officer turns to the darkness, forces beyond the imagination are unleashed and the fate of the world hangs in the balance! I'm not sure where I first read about "Night Watch," but the concept of a Russian "Matrix meets Underworld" film with crazy-ass special effects definitely appealed to me. I actually ordered a Region 0 DVD from some Russian import web site and was blown away - the film was absolutely original, riveting, action-packed and incredibly entertaining. Now we have its sequel, "Day Watch," which picks up right where the first left off and continues the sweeping storyline introduced in the first film. Managing to strike a balance between epic storytelling & unbelievable, eyepopping visual effects, the end result is a fantastic film that has many similarities to some notable North American films, but in sum total is truly original. Can't wait for the next one! Video The film is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, but unfortunately, we were only able to review a screener copy, emblazened with the Fox logo watermarked over top of the picture (double compression = crappy quality.) Audio The Dolby 5.1 surround mix, however, is unbelievable. Booming, sweeping, immersive and outstanding. Extras audio commentary w/ director making-of featurette trailers Closing Thoughts Excellent sequel to a truly original sci-fi gem + decent extras = well worth checking out, especially for a slice of something different