TL;DR
Fifteen years after its release, V for Vendetta remains a compelling modern classic, especially on UHD. While Alan Moore was unhappy with changes from his graphic novel, the film's dystopian themes eerily foreshadow current events. This review focuses on the UHD edition, praising its excellent color, deep blacks, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. Hugo Weaving’s iconic portrayal of V, despite a last-minute casting change, is a standout, alongside Natalie Portman and John Hurt. Though its stylized violence and themes might not be for everyone, fans of the genre will find this anniversary rewatch highly rewarding. Discover why this transfer is so impressive and if it's worth picking up.
The Wachowski sisters, Lana and Lilly, are perhaps best known for the Matrix trilogy. Currently, Lana is directing the fourth installment in the series.
V for Vendetta is based on Alan Moore’s graphic novel of the same name, with the screenplay written by the Wachowskis (then brothers). Moore, however, expressed significant dissatisfaction with the final product and requested his name be removed from the film’s credits. While I haven’t read the graphic novel, reports indicate alterations to key themes during the adaptation process.
Given the film’s 2005 release date, this review will primarily focus on the UHD edition rather than providing a detailed plot summary (which can be found here). How does V for Vendetta hold up after 15 years? The film’s prescience is notable; certain aspects initially presented as science fiction now resonate with contemporary realities, exhibiting both accurate and inverted predictions. Though not without its imperfections, the film remains a modern classic, and provides a showcase for the talents of John Hurt, Natalie Portman, and Hugo Weaving.
Hugo Weaving was a replacement for the masked V. Six weeks of filming had already occurred with Stuart Townsend (who also lost the role of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings) before Weaving assumed the part. Reportedly, some sequences with Townsend remain in the final cut, featuring Weaving’s voice dubbed over (similar to Back to the Future).
This Ultra HD edition is a strong offering. Color reproduction and black levels are excellent; substantial portions of the film transpire in darkness, and these scenes appear impressive, free of image artifacts. While the HDR presentation lacks Dolby Vision, the implemented HDR10 delivers a commendable performance. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is equally satisfying, providing a robust and immersive soundscape. The supplemental materials are also noteworthy, offering genuinely informative content with minimal promotional fluff, making Portman’s audition particularly compelling.
In conclusion, this UHD edition of V for Vendetta provides a highly enjoyable viewing experience. The only factor preventing a “must-have” recommendation is that its stylized, violent, and dystopian themes may not appeal to all viewers. However, enthusiasts of the genre will find revisiting this film a rewarding experience on its 15th anniversary.
“Remember, remember the fifth of november…”
