Watchmen mini-movies coming

CHUD is reporting that Watchmen director Zach Snyder plans on shooting some of the graphic novel’s “aside” stories as separate films. The idea, of course, is to satisfy fans of the book who would likely be upset – and vocally so – at those aspects of the story being dropped from the film.

This is a great idea but let me take it one step further. These movies should be released in advance of the feature film for free through iTunes in much the same way Hotel Chevalier was released prior to The Darjeeling Limited.

Doing that would be a great promotional opportunity for the movie, giving fans a taste of what’s to come and something to later incorporate into their movie experience. The story says the “Black Freighter” story may come out on DVD the same time the movie hits theaters but I don’t think that goes far enough. Make it a digital download as well and I think the studio will get much more excitement brewed up.