Watchmen Running Time Gets Shortened

Last we heard (in October), Watchmen had a running time of 2 hours and 43 minutes. Well apparently is has gotten shorter. Sci-Fi reports that the current running time is two hours and 35 minutes, and the studio has yet to approve that cut. But fans shouldn't worry as I wouldn't expect the film to get that much shorter. I predict the film will end up around two and a half hour.

The eventual directors cut will be clock in at three hours and 10 minutes in length. Zack Snyder says that it has "even more than the theatrical version as far as the detail that gets even closer to the graphic novel." But hardcore fans will have to wait for what Snyder is calling the "huge epic version" which will incorporate a 20-minute animated adaptation of The Black Freighter, bringing the total running time to three hours and 40 minutes.

Discuss: But why wait for Blu-ray/DVD?

Why doesn't Warner Bros hold theatrical digital screenings of the "Epic Version" in a handful of the major cities after the film has been in theaters for a month or so? Sounds like a great way for the studio to make more money, without that much of an extra expense. We already know their plans to triple-dip the home video release, why not let us see the whole fucking thing on the big screen? Hardcore fans will make the trip to the city to see the extended cut, and I'm sure you could even charge a premium ticket prices for the screenings.