18 1/2 (2021) DVD Review

In the long history of America there is only one of our presidents that ever had to resign from office. 37th President Richard Nixon in 1974 mid-way through his second term decided to step down as opposed to facing impeachment due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

Watergate was his efforts to cover up illegal activities by members of his administration. When investigating the Watergate tapes there was 18 1/2 minutes missing.   

All these years people have speculated what happened to those 18 1/2 minutes. In 2021 Dan Mirvish co-wrote and directed a "what if" film adventure about what might have happened to those 18 1/2 minutes. Now 50 years after the Nixon resignation the 18 1/2 is being released on DVD that to MVD Visual.

In 1974, a White House transcriber named Connie (Willa Fitzgerald) is thrust into the Watergate scandal when she obtains the only copy of the infamous 18½ minute gap in Nixon's tapes. She teams up with journalist Paul (John Magaro) in hope of leaking those 18 and a half minutes to the press. But they run into hippies, swingers and nefarious forces.

Historical films have always intrigued me. Now this is far from a historical film. Daniel Moya and Dan Mirvish take a historical event and weave a "what if" tale. The film is a dramatic one with a hint of comedy. 

Now there is so much information in this film. Much of which can be a bit confusing, especially if you don't know your history and  if you're not paying attention. You really need to be engaged to this film otherwise you could get lost pretty easy. Bit if you pay attention you are in for quite a ride.

Now I have to say the production is amazing. The costumes, the cars and furniture everything just transports you into the 1970s. The acting is pretty good, and it is really cool to see Richard Kind (Spin City) and hearing Bruce Campbell on the Watergate tape. But make no mistake this is not a film for the entire family, it contains a good chunk of adult language and a mild sexual scene, its not graphic and no nude is shown, bit it's still there. There is also some violence.

The film has been transferred to DVD in widescreen format in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio soundtrack is a Stereo 2.0. There is also option for subtitles for English, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese language.

The film transfer looks crisp and clean with no signs of digital artifacts and the audio is a clear and a bell. But a crisp looking film transfer is not all that is included here. MVD Visual added some really cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included on this disc.

* Optional English, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese Subtitles

* Audio Commentary from Director Dan Mirvish and Screenwriter Daniel Moya

* “Covid 18½: The Making of a Film in a Global Pandemic”: A feature length behind the scenes documentary including interviews with Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro, Bruce Campbell, Richard Kind and more (1:53:36, with optional English subtitles)

* Audio of full Nixon tape with Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi & Jon Cryer

* Lloyd Kaufman at the Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita

* Alternate Scene: "Revolution" version of "Deadly Butterfly"

* Theatrical release promo with director Dan Mirvish

* Original Theatrical Trailer

* Spoiler-filled International Trailer

All these bonus features are something else. The best has to be the near 2 hour behind the scenes making of film. So much information about making a film during a global pandemic. Than Writer and Director Dan Mirvish and cowriter Daniel Moya gather together to talk about the film in a pretty informative Audio Commentary.

18 1/2 made the rounds of the film festivals and became a hit. Even winning film festival awards. So, if you love indie films or films about the Watergate scandal this new one entitled 18 1/2 maybe just the release you have been looking for. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.  

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The DVD release of 18 1/2 receives....