OK, I confess. I couldn’t wait. I had my good friend Jeff bring me back a PAL version of Day Watch from Russia with no dubbing or subtitles to hold me over. It set him back 39 roubles (about $1.60). But now an American release is finally coming, and it contains footage not seen in theatres. Timur Bekmambetov’s film is coming from Twentieth Century Fox later this year.

DAY WATCH revolves around the conflict and balance maintained between the forces of light and darkness — the result of a medieval truce between the opposing sides. Each side has gained a powerful Great Other, who are headed for a clash, and Anton Gorodetsky is once again caught up in the midst of this conflict. On one side is Anton’s son, Egor, who has joined the ranks of the Dark Others, while Anton’s love interest Svetlana is the hope of the Light. But that’s just the beginning of his troubles: Anton is on the run after having been accused of murder. Things are getting worse, and only the ancient Chalk of Fate can save the day. The problem is the magical Chalk was lost hundreds of years ago…

The Day Watch Unrated Edition DVD is coming in widescreen in Russian 5.1 and English 5.1 sound with optional subtitles. This is good news since Night Watch contained only the American version of the film. What’s not known is whether the DVD will contain some of the most beautifully rendered subtitles ever burnt to film or simply standard subtitling. What will be included is a making of featurette, commentary with Bekmambetov, the American theatrical trailer and several Russian trailers.

With a $27.98 suggested retail price, the DVD emerges from gloom on October 30th. A two pack with Night Watch will also be available for $34.98.