The theatrical trailer for “K-19: WIDOWMAKER” is fantastic! It really made the film look like an intelligent action-thriller.  The fact that it was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, made it even more attractive.   Bigelow has displayed an ability to create solid entertainment, even with mediocre material, e.g. “NEAR DARK,” “POINT BREAK.”  Unfortunately, she’s also made crap, as was the case with “STRANGE DAYS.”  “K-19: WIDOWMAKER” falls somewhere in-between.  It’s not at all “bad,” but, Bigelow has made some fundamentally horrible choices, greatly diminishing the grander efforts achieved elsewhere in the film.

Based upon a true story, “K-19” focuses on an event testing the mettle of a submarine captain, as well as his entire crew, after an accident places it in a dangerous position that could set off WW3.

When Captain Polenin(Liam Neeson) raises concerns about his submarine’s safety before it moves out for a mission, resulting in his immediate replacement by Alexei Vostrikov(Harrison Ford).  The script, at least in the beginning, cleverly conveys the fears that the communist government placed on anyone who stepped “out-of-line.” Polenin is only concerned with the well-being of the submarine and its crew, but this doesn’t matter to higher powers.  Vostrikov appears to be the kind of rigid, uncaring Captain the Russian Navy prefers to be making life-and-death decisions regarding the sub and its crew. Because of this fact, the crew displays more respect for Polenin, even after his replacement.  Still, Polenin demands that his crew follow the new captain’s instructions and pay absolute respect.  As their mission begins, Vostrikov continues to push the crew and the submarine to its limits, making everyone question his judgment. Soon enough, the crew and most viewers wonder whether or not a mutiny is in order. When the core of the submarine develops a leak, its temperature begins to rise. If not stopped immediately, an explosion would result, setting the circumstances in notion, to start an unintentional World War.  There are some great moments within this story, and it’s moving, no matter what country we’re dealing with, to see genuine patriotism and selfless acts of derring-do. Unfortunately, in spite of some great “set-ups” “K-19” often sputters!  Bigelow moves the film alone at too slow a pace.  It really seems obvious that in the hands of another director, “K-19:WIDOWMAKER” could’ve been a minor masterpiece. 

PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is nearly flawless!  Colors are solid, although intentionally restrained. There’s great depth in every image, and the contrast is perfect. Blacks and grays are deep, offering incredible depth in darker scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

PARAMOUNT has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. While there are many great “demonstration-quality” moments within the mix, it’s not as aggressive as we’d expect from an action film.  “K-19: WIDOWMAKER” focuses more on drama than action, so it’s understandable, and when the surrounds kick in, they add tremendously to the film’s impact.  At times, there are rich multi-layered effects, but more often, this is a dialogue-driven film. The powerful score, evocative of an “epic” boosts the dramatic tension, as well, throughout the speaker system. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

PARAMOUNT has added some extras here. To begin with, Director Kathryn Bigelow and cinematographer Jeff Cronenworth provide a running commentary. Their discussion is understated and focuses on the technical aspects of the film, specifically in regards to the details going into the production design and other aspect relating to camera setups.  It’s very dry, though at times interesting. 

“THE MAKING OF K-19” is a featurette that gets better as it goes along, and ultimately leaves the viewer disappointed at its short(20 minute) running time. It focuses on the scale of the film, offering some great “behind-the-scenes” footage.

There are also a few shorter featurettes, exploring the visual effects and more.

The film’s original trailer is also included.