Nine years before John Wick premiered in theaters, Keanu Reeves (The Matrix Franchise) played a different kind of assassin in 2005's Constantine. Based on DC Comics/Vertigo Comics' Hellblazer graphic novels, Constantine is described as a working-class warlock, occult detective, exorcist, and con man from Liverpool who is stationed in London. Known for his cynicism, deadpan wit, ruthless cunning, and constant chain smoking, he is also a passionate humanitarian with a deep desire to make a positive impact. However, in the film version, he is a cynical exorcist with the ability to perceive and communicate with half-angels and half-demons in their true forms and to travel between Earth and Hell. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the film's theatrical release, Warner Bros. has created a 4K UHD release for the first time.
When John Constantine (Reeves) is asked by LAPD Detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz; The Mummy) to help her look into the apparent suicide of her devout Catholic, twin sister Isabel. After traveling to hell Constantine confirms Isabel took her own life but, as the two continue to investigate, they learn her reason for doing so had more to do with the struggle between heaven and hell than any mental illness Isabel might have had. In the end, after Gabriel and Lucifer pay a visit to Earth, people end up dying while Constantine gets another chance at life.
When Constantine was first released it had mixed reviews, but it seems the critics at that time may have been a bit too harsh. The script isn't bad and a solid group of actors do their best with what they had to work with. If anyone deserves fault for the mediocre reviews, it would have to be director Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire). His over-the-top choices make the serious subject matter come across as hokey. However, over time the movie has gained a kind of cult following that has made it successful worldwide.
The Dolby Vision video quality with 2160p resolution is excellent, making the viewer wonder if this movie was made specifically for 4K. The special effects are terrific and don't look cheap or "green-screened." The details are sharp and clean, and the varying hues that cover whole scenes (e.g., greens and blues to depict Earth and hell, respectively) give the movie its unique feel. The Dolby Atmos is just as impressive, with demon swarms utilizing all the surround speakers.
The 20th-anniversary 4K combo pack has many legacy extras ported over from previous releases of Constantine. They include:
- Audio Commentary featuring Francis Lawrence and Akiva Goldsman
- Audio Commentary featuring Kevin Brodbin and Frank A. Cappello
- Channeling Constantine
- Conjuring Constantine
- Director's Confessional
- Collision with Evil
- Holy Relics
- Shotgun Shootout
- Hellscape
- Visualizing Vermin
- Warrior Wings
- Unholy Abduction
- Demon Face
- Constantine's Cosmology
- Foresight: The Power of Pre-Visualization
- A Writer's Vision
- Deleted Scenes + Alternate Ending
However, there is one new feature that has Reeves and others looking back on the story, the filming, and the following of the movie called Two Decades of Damnation. This addition offers 15 minutes of insight as the cast and crew look back and gives a glimpse of Reeves as animated as I have ever seen him when talking about a film.
Constantine 4K Blu-ray 20th Anniversary Edition is a home entertainment release we didn't know we needed but one that we should all add to our collection. Warner Bros. delivers a solid set with a nice presentation that does the movie justice. With an interesting subject matter surrounding a comic book figure (albeit not a superhero) and a strong cast, Constantine stands the test of time, at least in its first 20 years.
Grade: B-
