The highly anticipated animated adaptation of the classic DC graphic novel series, “Watchmen,” is set to make its debut this August. Warner Bros. Animation and Paramount have teamed up to bring “Watchmen Chapter I” to life, with the film available on Digital starting August 13 and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on August 27. This marks the first part of a two-part animated film event, with “Watchmen Chapter II” slated for release later in 2024.
“Watchmen Chapter I” is based on the groundbreaking graphic novel series by writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons. The series, which redefined the superhero genre in the 1980s, is set in an alternate history during the Cold War era. The official synopsis for Chapter I reads: “In an alternate world history set in 1985, the murder of a government-sponsored superhero draws his outlawed colleagues out of retirement and into a mystery that threatens to upend their personal lives and the world itself.”
The film is produced and directed by Brandon Vietti, with an adaptation by J. Michael Straczynski. The production aims to faithfully recapture the visual aesthetic of the original graphic novels, staying true to Dave Gibbons’ iconic illustrations. The voice cast for “Watchmen Chapter I” is nothing short of stellar, featuring:
– Matthew Rhys as Dan Dreiberg, Nite Owl
– Katee Sackhoff as Laurie Juspeczyk, Silk Spectre
– Titus Welliver as Rorschach, Walter Kovacs
– Troy Baker as Adrian Veidt, Ozymandias
– Adrienne Barbeau as Sally Jupiter, Silk Spectre
– Corey Burton as Captain Metropolis
– Michael Cerveris as Jonathan Osterman, Dr. Manhattan
– Jeffrey Combs as Edgar Jacobi, Moloch
– Grey DeLisle
– Kelly Hu
– John Marshall Jones as Hooded Justice
– Max Koch
– Phil LaMarr
– Yuri Lowenthal as Wally Weaver
– Geoff Pierson as Hollis Mason, Nite Owl
– Dwight Schultz
– Jason Spisak
– Kari Wahlgren as Janey Slater
– Rick D. Wasserman as Edward Blake, The Comedian
The film also boasts an impressive production team, with Jim Krieg and Cindy Rago serving as producers and Dave Gibbons as the consulting producer. Executive producers include Sam Register, Larry Gordon, and Lloyd Levin.
Fans of the original graphic novel will be pleased to know that the adaptation includes a range of bonus features. These features offer a deeper dive into the making of the film, including interviews with the filmmakers such as Dave Gibbons and J. Michael Straczynski. The special features include:
– The Art of Adaptation: Introducing the Story
– Dave Gibbons and Watchmen: Chapters I-VI
The film’s running time is 83 minutes and it is rated R, ensuring that it stays true to the mature themes of the original graphic novel. The 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions will be available in English and Spanish, with subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
“Watchmen Chapter I” will be available for digital purchase from platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home. The physical 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs will be available for purchase online and in-store at major retailers starting August 27. Fans can pre-order their copies now to ensure they don’t miss out on this highly anticipated release.
The “Watchmen” graphic novel series has long been considered a cornerstone of comic book literature, having garnered numerous awards and accolades over the decades. Its adaptation into an animated film is a significant event for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The film promises to capture the gritty, complex world of masked vigilantes in an alternate version of America, staying true to the spirit and style of Moore and Gibbons’ original vision.
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build for “Watchmen Chapter I.” The film’s faithful adaptation, combined with its all-star voice cast and stunning animation, makes it a must-watch for fans of the original graphic novel and superhero genre alike. Stay tuned for further updates on “Watchmen Chapter I” and the upcoming “Watchmen Chapter II,” set to debut later in 2024.
Source: IGN Nordic, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment
