Watchmen: Chapter 2 4K UHD Review
“Watchmen: Chapter 2” is superior to part 1.
The animated adaptation of Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore’s seminal comic book mini-series “Watchmen” continues on with the second and final chapter. If you know the story backwards and forwards, you’ll know this portion covers Rorschach in prison, Dr. Manhattan on Mars, Dan (Owlman) and Laurie (Silk Spectre 2) connecting, a war on the horizon, “Tales Of The Black Freighter” continues, Laurie’s past, the revelation of the mastermind behind several plots, and the unleashing of a destructive squid creature on New York.
Adapted by renowned writer J. Michael Straczynski and directed by Brandon Vietti, “Watchmen: Chapter 2” nails the source material this time around. Part 1 was certainly faithful, but it suffered from a rather rushed pacing and a disconnect with the characters. There was no breathing room in the first installment, but that issue has been corrected this time around. There’s a much greater emphasis on character moments and plotting without it ever feeling like a rush job. Yes, it can be wordy as the comics were, but the exposition is essential to both the ambitious story and the character dynamics. You need to see Owlman and Silk Spectre 2 connect, you need to see why Dr. Manhattan returns to Earth, and you need to know why Ozymandias is doing what he’s doing.
It’s up for debate as to whether or not “Watchmen” needed another adaptation, but it does feel better suited for animation. The Dave Gibbons comic book style “Tales Of The Black Freighter,” the depiction of the action scenes, and the various environments really thrive in animated form. This particular adaptation doesn’t get consumed by a focus on action like Zack Snyder’s take either. Straczynski and Vietti were able to highlight the themes of war, morality and a lack therof, unchecked vigilantes, corruption, God complexes, and so forth.
Voice cast wise, Titus Welliver was rough around the edges in part 1, but he seems to have found the role more here and settles in quite nicely. Troy Baker (Ozymandias), Michael Cerveris (Dr. Manhattan) and Katee Sackhoff (Silk Spectre 2) also deliver fantastic performances in their respective roles.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The animation looks crisp in 4K.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is an exceptional 5.1 track across the board.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Dave Gibbons And Watchmen: Endgame”- The illustrator/letterer provides behind-the-scenes stories about the comic book mini-series, “Tales Of The Black Freighter,” and the ending. Other DC folks are interviewed as well.
* “The Art Of Adaptation: Building To The Final Act” touches on the animation and adapting the story for part 2.
* “Designing Watchmen” is all about Dave Gibbons art and the animation design.
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