There was a time when only major comic book characters such as Superman and Batman were adapted into feature films. In fact, a little over two decades ago, movies like 2000’s X-Men and 2003’s X2 were outliers in mainstream Hollywood before superhero movies completely oversaturated the market to the point that a new one presently seems to be announced weekly.
In a simpler time before Disney grossly capitalized on acquiring Marvel in 2009, looking back a few years earlier, you had Warner Bros. put out a lesser-known comic-inspired story called Constantine. Based on the character John Constantine, who was featured in the DC Comics series Hellblazer, few are aware that he actually first appeared as a supporting character in a 1985 issue of Swamp Thing. Quite interesting, John Constantine received his own series with Hellblazer in 1988, and it quickly became quite popular among readers. In fact, it was so popular that the concept for a feature film was in development as early as 1997, but due to some issues, including changes in directors (with Francis Lawrence taking over) and shifting from originally planning on Nicholas Cage playing Constantine to Keanu Reeves.
A bit of wild early beginnings, with first-time Director Francis Lawrence (who went on big things such as 2007’a I Am Legend and is the director of four of the five Hunger Games films); production began in 2003, took around five months before it was finally released in theaters in February 2005. Adapted into a screenplay by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello, besides the fact that Constantine came from a DC Comics series, it felt less like a superhero feature than a Horror one.
Something that may appeal to those who do not exactly find appeal in the idea of superheroes: John Constantine himself is an interesting character. He is a normal human being who is blessed or cursed (depending on who you ask) with the ability to see half-angels and half-demons in the material world. Haunted by the visions that leave him as an outcast from others, at a young age, he attempts suicide but survives to grow into an exorcist/demon hunter. The only issue is that no matter how noble John Constantine is in his attempt to rid the world of evil – because of his attempted suicide – as soon as he dies, he will be damned to Hell.
It seems extremely unjust. John Constantine also wants to stay alive as long as possible because once he arrives in Hell upon death, he will most likely be greeted by some really irate demons whom he has cast down there through the years. The question is, can John Constantine find a way forward to help others and save his mortal soul?
A pretty intriguing story, Constantine is full of frightening imagery, solid action, and plenty of drama as John Constantine becomes connected with Los Angeles Detective Angela Dodson (played by Rachel Weisz). Joining him as other feature characters are Shia LaBeouf as his young, loyal apprentice Chas Kramer and Tilda Swinton as Gabriel, the archangel with a very sinistral streak. You also have Bush’s Gavin Rossdale popping up as Balthazar, a half-breed demon who is the son of Lucifer and loves every bit of being evil.
Together, this cast, a well-plotted script, and even pace make Constantine an enjoyable Action Horror film, even with such a heavy reliance on CGI effects. Panned by critics and moviegoers, it still became the 15th highest-grossing film of 2005 and has earned itself a dedicated following. That is why, as the film celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, it is exciting to see it arrive in 4K Ultra HD for the first time.
Available digitally in 4K Ultra HD, but more importantly as a 4K Ultra HD physical format, it emerged on February 18, 2025, ironically coinciding with the date it arrived in theaters around the USA twenty years earlier. With that in mind, the release is through Warner Bros and is presented as one disc and some extras not a part of prior home media options. These extras include the featurette called Two Decades of Damnation, where Keanu Reeves and Director Francis Lawrence reunite on camera to talk about the 20th anniversary. Beyond this, you also get filmmaker commentaries, deleted scenes, and an alternate ending.
Quite exciting to long-time fans, the biggest takeaway is the new 4K Ultra HD transfer. Granted, the film was made in more modern times, but this upgrade is certainly notable in that you can see higher contrast and color. This all matches the compelling newly commissioned art as a slipcase and main artwork, making the new 4K edition of Constantine a win-win.
Also, a great way to gear up for Constantine 2 (which is allegedly moving closer to becoming a reality), Cryptic Rock gives the 4K Ultra HD release of Constantine 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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