It’s been 20 years since Keanu Reeves battled demons, both internal and external, in “Constantine”, we take a look at the brand new 4k UHD Release of the film from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment below.

Released in 2005, Constantine marked director Francis Lawrence's feature film debut, launching his career in Hollywood before he went on to direct I Am Legend (2007) and The Hunger Games sequels. The film, an adaptation of DC’s Hellblazer comics, follows Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a chain-smoking, world-weary demon hunter who has literally been to hell and back. Along with co-stars Rachel Weisz (Isabel/Angela), Tilda Swinton (Gabriel), Djimon Hounsou (Midnight), and an early appearance by Shia LaBeouf as Chas Kramer, John’s apprentice, the film’s cast is pretty hard to match when it comes to talent.

With an estimated production budget of $100 million, “Constantine” grossed approximately $230.9 million worldwide. So, it is safe to say the film was a moderate success. Where it shined was when it hit home video markets and gained a massive following since its release. In the past twenty years, the film has gained much praise from both the cast and fans alike.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR CONSTANTINE BELOW

To celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, Warner Bros. is releasing “Constantine” in stunning 4K UHD, sourced from the original film negatives. Even cooler, the release lands exactly 20 years to the day since the film’s premiere on February 18, 2005. Before we dive into the review, here are the exact specs for you.

Constantine Digital release and Ultra HD Blu-ray disc contains a new special feature along with previously released special features:

New Feature - Two Decades of Damnation
Commentaries
Channeling Constantine
Conjuring Constantine
Holy Relics
Shotgun Shootout
Hellscape
Warrior Wings
Unholy Abduction
Demon Face
Foresight” The Power of Pre-Visualization
A Writer’s Vision

Constantine Ultra HD Blu-ray disc contains the additional previously released special features:

Director’s Confessional
Demon Face

OUR REVIEW

Photo Courtesy Of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Francis Lawrence’s “Constantine” is a visually arresting and atmospherically rich adaptation of the Hellblazer comics, bringing a noir-infused vision of the supernatural to life. From the very first scene, the film plunges viewers into a shadowy, ethereal world where angels and demons battle for influence over humanity. The way the film blends action with stylistic visuals truly makes it stand out amongst brightly colored superhero movies of its time. While the idea of being a supernatural detective might seem thrilling, it’s undoubtedly a job from hell—literally. Keanu Reeves fully embraced the role of John Constantine, delivering a performance that oozes weary cynicism and effortlessly cool, making the character his own with undeniable attitude and swagger.

While the supporting cast—including Rachel Weisz as a determined detective locked into an otherworldly battle her psychic sister dragged her into, Peter Stormare as a gleefully menacing Lucifer who teases and truly shines as a stand-out performance, and Tilda Swinton as the androgynous, enigmatic Gabriel—elevates the film to heights and depths few other films could match. Stormare alone gives such a performance that many today call it the best adaptation of Lucifer on film and we would have to agree. From his white suit to his tattoos and rebellious attitude, Stormare nails the role in a way that scares us and intrigues us. Even the young Shia LaBeouf was a sight to see as Chas Kramer. He kept Constantine humble while being a constant student of the occult and witchcraft. Both are needed in the world of “Constantine.”

Without these actors in these roles, we would have had a completely different film in our opinion, and one that would not have stayed as long in the fandom psyche as they have for 20 years now. We never collected much Hellblazer comics but after this movie, we made sure we read up on all things John Constantine. We enjoyed how the blending of religious dogma with occult teachings and wrapping them up in a warm blanket of supernatural scares.. By the second act of the film, one can see how tortured John Constantine is. His reluctance to be attached to anyone and his desire to save himself make him a very selfish individual who deep down does have a heart and doesn’t wish his reality on anyone.

From the grimy, neon-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the nightmarish vision of hell, all add layers of visual storytelling that make Constantine feel uniquely immersive. Who would have thought that seeing hell would be a visually stunning experience but Constantine sure made that so? As locals, we couldn’t help but pause the film a few times to pinpoint the exact downtown locations used—many of which are rarely seen on screen. The filmmakers didn’t just opt for polished, well-known landmarks; instead, they ventured into shadowy alleyways, forgotten industrial zones, and underpasses that add an extra layer of authenticity and danger to Constantine’s world. These choices ground the supernatural elements in a gritty, lived-in reality, making the film’s version of L.A. feel just as eerie and unpredictable as the underworld Constantine so often navigates. When the world switches from regular Los Angeles to the hellscape we see what John and others experience by going there, it truly shows how desolate and blown away the world of hell can be. We liked the idea that hell is where you are so the look of hell would be the same just with some added demons and torture. As John Constantine says in the film: “Two minutes in hell, is like a lifetime” and just by the visuals the film provides, we would agree.

While some liberties were taken with the source material, “Constantine” excels in style and tone, delivering a darkly captivating, visually mesmerizing supernatural thriller. The film’s blend of noir, religious mysticism, and gritty action makes it a cult favorite that still holds up nearly two decades later. We do wish the film garnered a few sequels after its release but know sometimes Hollywood takes its sweet time. This new 4K remaster of “Constantine” only amplifies the stunning cinematography, proving that the film remains an unforgettable and visually striking journey into the occult and a vision of hell that’s so mesmerizing and wicked we can’t help but not look away.

HOW DOES IT LOOK

Make no mistake, “Constantine’s” transfer to 4K is nothing short of breathtaking. The enhanced resolution brings out the film’s striking visual design, immersing viewers in its rich, otherworldly hues of deep blues and eerie greens, evoking the sensation of being submerged in an unsettling, supernatural realm. Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, a master of light and shadow, expertly wove these colors into the film’s DNA, crafting a neo-noir aesthetic that feels both haunting and mesmerizing.

Every frame is drenched in atmosphere, from the dimly lit streets to the ethereal glow of hell itself, making this restoration a true revelation. The moody, textured visuals—now sharper and more defined than ever—draw out the film’s gritty, gothic beauty, allowing audiences to appreciate its intricate details and striking colorways more fully. We must applaud the work done for this restoration as it is a must-own film for the visuals alone. Just watch this extended scene in 4k that Warner Bros released to see what we mean.

SPECIAL FEATURES

While the new 4K release of Constantine doesn’t boast an extensive array of brand-new special features, it does include one standout addition that fans will appreciate—the mini-documentary Two Decades of Damnation. This feature is an impressive deep dive into the film’s legacy, featuring insightful reflections from both Keanu Reeves and director Francis Lawrence. From the very first line, spoken by Reeves himself—"Why do I love Constantine…"—the documentary immediately sets the stage for an engaging discussion on the film’s significance, artistic vision, and lasting impact.

Reeves and Lawrence explore how “Constantine” brought something fresh and unexpected to the screen in 2005, blending supernatural horror with noir-infused action in a way that felt both innovative and bold. As they revisit the creative choices that shaped the film, “Two Decades of Damnation” serves as a fascinating retrospective, offering fans a richer appreciation for the film’s unique style and the influence it continues to have in the genre.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

While the new 4K release of “Constantine” introduces the compelling mini-documentary "Two Decades of Damnation," the remaining special features are largely ported from previous editions. These legacy extras provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film's production, though they have not been upgraded to 4K quality. If you picked up the original 2005 Two-Disc Deluxe Edition, which was particularly rich in supplementary content, you already saw 18 minutes of deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Francis Lawrence, which offered fans a glimpse into moments that didn't make the final cut. Among these is an alternate cemetery ending, providing a different perspective on the film's conclusion which gave Chas a farewell that was very much deserved.

For those interested in the adaptation process, the documentary "Conjuring Constantine” traces the journey of bringing the iconic character from page to screen, highlighting the challenges and creative decisions involved. This too was a ported over documentary, previously released.

While these features enrich the viewing experience by offering a deeper understanding of the film's creation, it's important to note that they are presented in their original resolution. The absence of remastering for these extras means they don't benefit from the enhanced visual clarity that the main feature enjoys in its 4K restoration. Nonetheless, for both longtime fans and newcomers, these special features provide valuable context and insight into the creative processes behind Constantine.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While the new 4K UHD release of “Constantine” is an absolute visual feast, it doesn’t break new ground with fresh insights or behind-the-scenes revelations that could have made this 20th-anniversary edition truly extraordinary. That said, revisiting the film in such stunning clarity is a treat, immersing us once again in John Constantine’s gritty, supernatural world—where “the world behind the world” lurks in every shadow. If nothing else, this release rekindles hope that a sequel will materialize sooner rather than later, especially with both the cast and crew eagerly expressing their desire to return to the realm of angels, demons, and trench coat-clad exorcists. Fingers crossed we won’t have to wait another two decades.

Constantine will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more starting today, February 18, 2025.

RELATED ARTICLE: CONFIRMED: CONSTANTINE 2 Is Officially Happening With Keanu Reeves Returning!

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Nov 4, 2020

Samuel Santiago

Nov 4, 2020

Sam has been writing Horror news, reviews, and handling event coverage for over 10yrs in Southern California. Well versed in movies as well as music knowledge Sam watches over the world that is MACABRE DAILY and makes sure its just spooky enough for everyone's liking...especially his.