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Hancock (Unrated) [Blu-ray] | ![Hancock (Unrated) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zbt5IUk5L._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Peter Berg
Actors: Jack Axelrod, Jason Bateman, Elizabeth Dennehy, Eddie Fernandez, Johnny Galecki
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.95
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Rating:  103 reviews
Sales Rank: 77
Format: Ac-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Original Language), Cantonese (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Korean (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: Unrated
Media: Blu-ray
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 102 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: COLBR27900
UPC: 043396279001
EAN: 0043396279001
ASIN: B001F76PDS
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: November 25, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Shipping: International shipping available
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Product Description
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 11/25/2008 Run time: 102 minutes Rating: Ur
Amazon.com
Hancock turns the standard superhero movie inside-out: The title character (Will Smith) can fly, has superstrength, and is invulnerable, but he's also a sloppy, alcoholic jerk who causes millions of dollars in property damage whenever he bothers to fight crime. When he saves the life of a public-relations agent named Ray (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development), Ray decides to improve Hancock's image--starting by having Hancock surrender himself to the authorities and go to prison for his lawless behavior. The idea is that once he's in prison, the crime rate will go up, and people will start to realize Hancock might be of value after all. This is only the first act of Hancock--from there, the movie takes several clever turns that shouldn't be revealed. Hancock isn't a great movie (among other things, director Peter Berg overuses close-ups with a hand-held camera to a degree that may cause motion sickness), but it is an extremely entertaining one. The script, which holds together far better than most superhero movies, has a propulsive plot, good dialogue, some compassion for its characters, and even an actual idea or two. The spectacular action at least gestures towards obeying the laws of physics, which actually makes the special effects more vivid. The three leads (Smith, Bateman, and Charlize Theron as Ray's wife, Mary) deftly balance the movie's mixture of comedy, action, and drama. All in all, a smart subversive twist on a genre that all too often takes itself all too seriously. --Bret Fetzer
Stills from Hancock (click for larger image)
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| Customer Reviews: Read 98 more reviews...
 Another outstanding Will Smith movie December 3, 2008
D. Steigman (USA)
I liked this movie very much & happy to have it in my DVD collection. Its a little offbeat,it has a slight 'cult' feel to it. The action and story are outstanding. I watched both versions of this movie & both are equally enjoyable. Will Smith is Hancock who is a hero that is often called an a-hole, because he's a jerk of a hero. And a drunk. During the movie he undergoes a character chance,via going to prison and getting help from a PR guy (Jason Bateman) The cover gives away that he's not the only superhuman on Earth,sorry to say for those not having seen it in the theaters... This isn't as quite as good as any of the 3 X-men movies (just my opinion) , but its on par /somewhat better than other action movies such as Fantastic Four ( 1 and 2 ) I Robot, I am Legend. If you liked the Hulk movies,other Marvel Superhero movies you will like this as well,maybe more. I was into the characters in this. It was cool to see Jason Bateman who was once a teen idol of sorts. I would certainly rent this first if you arent at least 90% certain that you would like this movie. Id say half of you will call it a renter - and half of you will go running to the local video store and get the DVD of it :) I bought it without seeing it in the theaters first and I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through. Having seen the 92 minute and 102 minute versions, you cant go wrong either way.
I have the steelbook DVD - which is basically the same as the 2 disc unrated version. If you totally love this movie, get the 2 disc, but if you like it and want to own it and don't care about bonus features,extras,etc, then just get the one disc. (note the one disc has the theatrical version)
++Somewhat of a spoiler - One flaw of the theatrical version - when Charlize Theron ( Mary) goes to meet Hancock "at 4 O'clock" she flies to his home. In the unrated version she drives over there. When she is trying to leave - in the theatrical version you can see a quick glimpse of her trying to get back into the car even though in this version she flew++
Could Have Been Better, But Still Quite Entertaining December 2, 2008
Zachary Koenig (Fergus Falls, MN)
The basic premise of this film is a fascinating one that really has never been explored in mainstream films: what happens when a bona fide superhero ends up being more trouble than he is worth? This is exactly the case with Will Smith's Hancock, who (although saving lives) also wreaks tremendous damage to the city and is a dirty, stinking alcoholic. Thus, the "hook" of this film involves Hancock trying to rehab his sullen, non-caring image after meeting a PR consultant on one of his "rescue" missions.
What works in this film is the theme of "superhero gone bad". Coming on the heels of "The Dark Knight", which really toyed with the definitions of heroes and villains, "Hancock" takes that theme to a whole new level, as he is a terrible person in every way besides the fact that he saves a few lives every once in awhile. Thus, the most entertaining portions of this film occur as Hancock tries to learn the delicate balance between being a role model and still being "cool" at the same time. Early in the movie, Hancock's loneliness is so readily observed that one can believe he will try anything to gain some respect or friendships.
On the other hand, I thought that the reveal of where Hancock is actually from was a bit lacking. The build-up to his origins are fantastic (as his scattered memories contribute mightily to his apathy towards being "good"), but the reveal leaves much to be desired. In all honesty, I still don't exactly know what/who Hancock is with much certainty. More fleshing out of that angle of the storyline may have pushed this film to a five-star rating from me.
Overall, Hancock is a very entertaining movie...and really, what more can you ask for?! Despite being a bit lacking in Hancock's character history, the film DOES provide some great action scenes, multiple moments of comedy, and an original storyline that will make you personally feel for the tormented "superhero".
 Please, no sequels. This is just enough and lackluster at best! November 30, 2008
Star Sailor (Whidbey Island, WA)
As Will Smith has become the "King" of the summer blockbuster, you would think the film company and director would produce a proper showing for such high expectations of a superstar. Unfortunately, what you get here is a stellar first hour filled with lots of character development, complex plot lines, so-so acting (we're not lookin for Oscars here) and some tricked out special effects that are mind blowing to say the least.
Then comes the last 40 minutes or so... Right about the time Will Smith gets thrown for a loop in the plot line and everything unravels from then on. I can see why they did this since you can only keep teenage boys' attention for so long before it falls into oblivion. Take a great story and round up all your plot points for one plot point and get to the ending as soon as possible. Quite a shame because there was a lot going for this movie in the beginning. If they had kept that momentum going and used the antagonists like they should have, this would've been a really great film. Unfortunately, it's all fodder by the time the film ends.
I give this movie three stars because of the great first hour and it being truly visionary in it's concept. Unfortunately, it just doesn't earn the other 2 stars to make it a first rate movie, falling short of a cohesive whole. Rent this film and see for yourself but don't buy this one unless you really gotta have every Will Smith movie.
HANCOCK is Pure Popcorn Fun!! November 29, 2008
Woopak (Where Dark Asian Knights Dwell)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Superman was raised by a kindly couple and taught the decent way to live and respect life. Thor is the God of thunder who was exiled from his home of eternal Asgard to live on Earth as a mortal so that he may learn humility. Spider-man required personal tragedy so he could realize the responsibility of having powers--Batman deals with his tragedy in a very different way, for him he does what he does for vengeance.
All comic book "super-heroes" have their stories of the "why's", the "how's" and the "what's". Director Peter Berg's "HANCOCK" is a spin on the super-hero genre, together with the screenplay by Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan they present a hero not adapted from any line of comic book myth. The film has all the elements of a comic and exudes "popcorn entertainment".
John Hancock (Will Smith) is a man with tremendous powers, he has chosen to use these powers to help people but he has been labeled as a menace in the eyes of the public. He befriends a public relations specialist named Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) who encourages him to be "nice" and stop acting like a jerk. Despite the protestations of his wife Mary (Charlize Theron) not to get too close, Ray and Hancock forges an uneasy relationship. Hancock is a guy who has no idea exactly how he came to be--he's an immortal with no memory of his past. He is, however, about to find out....
The first act of the film fleshes out the frustrations and anger that Hancock suffers. He is brash, careless, irresponsible, rude, hot-headed and well, a lot arrogant. He carelessly uses his powers to help but for some reason, the people he helps ends up disliking him. Power without responsibility and the ability to use wisely is indeed a menace. He wreaks destruction to property and his exploits prove too expensive for the city so a warrant for his arrest is issued. This aspect has been explored in Marvel's "Civil War" comic mini-series, which delves into a plotline about a required government registration act for super-beings. For in the real world, property damage is a major obstacle for super-heroes. (no wonder they wear masks) The film is sort of a "coming of age" movie, as the character of Ray Embrey becomes his sort of a mentor--ironic that a mere mortal could teach him the ropes of "super-heroing". The film is sort of a social affair and fleshes out the feeling of alienation to those who are different. There is one major plot hole or a perhaps more of a question in the film, a being as powerful as Hancock can be affected by alcohol or does he just act as if he is so impaired? Where does he get his money--does he do anything for a living?
The film is your usual "run of the mill" comic film, but it does attempt to find a soul. The origins of Hancock is quite interesting and while it is a tad underdeveloped (no doubt a set up for a sequel) the script does offer quite a few surprises. The film does have a sort of a "love triangle", no doubt to please the female audience. The mystery of Hancock is actually the film's most effective selling point and opens up to a lot of potential, it manages to achieve this for a first installment. There is a touch of tragedy in the film's final act as Hancock has to choose and sacrifice. It is a bit predictable but nonetheless it manages to maintain its forward momentum since the groundwork had been carefully laid out. All heroes have a weakness--this one is sort of a fail-safe for god-like beings. That weakness may be a little undefined and underdeveloped but it was interesting enough to get some emotions going.
The special effects are quite impressive. The flights and exploits of Hancock is pure eye-candy as he crushes and destroys property. I especially loved the scene when he stopped a locomotive as it is a clear example of his single-minded purpose with no regard for anything else. The superhuman fight is quite fun to see but it was just too much special effects that it lacked definition of the combatants. I rather expected a more dragged-out fight than a minor display of special effects. The film has some nice touches of humor--that prison scene that involved two inmates is very amusing although a lot far-fetched and unbelievable. One thing I have to say, Hancock has to watch himself carefully when he has sex.
Will Smith has definitely matured as an actor since his "Fresh Prince" days. The man can indeed act and while it is the same acting style as in his previous movies, he did fit the character. His performance may not be on par as in "The Pursuit of Happyness" but he made best with whatever he had to work with. Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman proves a competent supporting cast; Theron is still as sexy as ever and Bateman is the usual "nice guy" with integrity.
Overall, "HANCOCK" is a lot of fun. The film is very enjoyable and entertaining; while it does have its flaws, the script managed to keep me interested for its entirety. The effective twist is sort of a tragedy and played a key element on its success. The direction by Peter Berg manages to keep an amount of restraint that I commend him for doing so, since some scenes had the dangerous potential to become heavy-handed. The effective chemistry between its performers and the nicely paced action sequences makes it a fun popcorn film. I am pretty sure there will be a sequel since Hancock's character had just started cooking and if there will be a "Hancock 2", consider me all in.
Video/Audio: 2.35 ratio anamorphic widescreen. The image is very good but it looked a little soft on some scenes. I think studios aren't mastering Dvds in High-def for full Picture potential anymore to push the Blu-Ray product. It's a good image but it could have looked a lot better. Maybe it was meant to look this way? The 5.1 Dolby Digital audio is very powerful and fits this kind of movie.
Extras: making of/production notes/seeing the future feature about its storyboard and concepts/Effects concept/backgrounds
The unrated version has an added scene to display Hancock's prowess in bed and contains some more profanity. The added scenes may not add anything significant but it does add a more humorous and gritty feel.
Highly Recommended! [4- Stars]
Nobody loves me, everybody hates me I guess I'll go to the bar and drink-"Hancock": the superhero everyone hates November 29, 2008
Wayne Klein (My Little Blue Window, USA)
"Hancock" is two films in one and one of them is much better than the other. Hancock (Will Smith)has super powers but no memory of who he is. He slips into a life of drinking to drown his sorrows--the people he saves don't like him because he seems to screw up every time he saves someone. Luckily Ray Embrey(Jason Bateman) a PR man that Hancock saves decides to save Hancock by making him into a super hero that the people will appreciate. Even Ray's son has taken a shine to Hancock while Ray's
wife Mary (Charlize Theron)appears not to like him.
Director Peter Berg does a nice job with the action sequences and Will Smith continues to prove that he has a lot more to offer dramatically as an actor even in a summer blockbuster like "Hancock". The major flaw in "Hancock" is the uneven tone of the film. It shifts from an almost satirical film about a misanthropic superhero into a darker, morally complex film by the last third. That wouldn't be a problem but the transition is so sudden its almost jarring.
Interestingly, the unrated theatrical version hints at the complexity to come much earlier in the film with one key scene that was trimmed probably for ratings reasons. The unrated version plays better than the rated version but it is also less succinct with a handful of scenes that could easily have been cut because of the repetition in them. Director Peter Berg does a pretty good job of juggling all the themes and shifts in tone throughout the film and if he drops the ball on occasion I think it's understandable because "Hancock" tries to be two very different films often at the same time. The other issue is that there really isn't a bad guy introduced that provides much of a challenge for Hancock.
The Blu-ray looks exceptional with crisp images and colors that pop. Sony has done a exceptional job of transitioning this from the theater to home video. Audio sounds terrific as well with an active 7.1 mix.
The extras are very good. Although we don't get a commentary track, we do a lot of featurettes that take us behind-the-scenes. Aside from getting both the original theatrical version of the film (which has less bad language and a sexual situation removed that IS pretty amusing and also sad at the same time) and the "Unrated" version, we also get a nice mix of featurettes on the production of the film. One observation about the bad language issue--the same result could have been achieved with Hancock being called an "idiot" as an "a-hole" so the use of the latter seems like an excuse to put teens in the seat and get a PG-13 rating (which the film would have gotten anyway for other reasons). When will Hollywood learn that we don't need to hear people spewing foul language out of characters mouths every 5 minutes (particularly in a superhero film that stars kid friendly Will Smith?). I should note that there is also a single disc edition but, beyond the fact that it doesn't have the "unrated" version, I have no idea what special features might be on the disc or missing.
We also get a digital copy of the film (some people will like this extra but I find it useless for the most part) in the second disc. We also get "Superhumans: The Making of Hancock" a promo piece on the making of the film. We also get "Seeing the Future" a 16 minute featurette that can be viewed either as one featurette or in its individual segments.
Visual effects maestro John Dykstra ("Spider-Man" and the original visual effects for "Star Wars: A New Hope" before Lucas messed with it) takes center stage with "Building a Better Hero". "Bumps and Bruises" focuses on the action sequences of the film. We also get "Home Life" and "Suiting Up" which are pretty self explanatory looks at the Embreys and Hancock. Finally actor/director Berg sits in the driver's seat for "Mere Mortals: Behind the Scenes with "Dirty Pete'" focusing on the director's off-beat sense of humor and practical jokes. Rounding out the extras are a series of previews for "The House Bunny" and "Lakeview Terrace" among others.
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