Rewatching All the President’s Men with all that’s going on in the world today makes you not only appreciate the true story of how two journalists brought down the President of the United States, but also how important it is to look past all smoke and mirrors and focus on the facts. The harder part of that these days is just how rampant lies and propaganda spread instantaneously via social media and the internet in general, whereas back in 1972, when the Watergate scandal was first noticed, it was the daily news and newspapers that people got their information from.
Now, that’s not to say that certain media outlets don’t lean certain ways, as has always been the case; however, today so much can be said by just about anyone online and it will be believed by many regardless of whether or not any fact checking or truth is to be found. There’s no denying that we’re in a worse place now when it comes to false news being spread like wildfire, but as clips from the Nixon administration shown in this movie prove, if someone is doing something wrong then they’ll aim to convince the general public of their innocence through lies, misdirection and trying to discredit whoever is trying to bring them down.
Based on their own novel that covers the events that took place, All the President’s Men tells the story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), who worked together to expose the deep corruption that rose all the way to the top of the Nixon administration. The story is told in an incredibly well-paced manner, never slowing and constantly moving forward. It feels as though Woodward and Bernstein never sleep, as they’re constantly traveling around, turning over rocks, looking for sources who will go on record or at least give them a lead in the right direction. Weeks and months go by, however, it never feels like it because of how quickly things continue to move, always in a forward motion, even when met with roadblocks.
Director Alan J. Pakula has crafted a spectacular political thriller that doesn’t require any sort of weapons, threats or violence to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. There’s a decision to keep the pedal to the floor and never come up for air, as the window is always closing for these two reporters to see where this all leads, and even though we all know the outcome, Pakula and screenwriter William Goldman build up proper suspense so that it feels as though the corrupt people in power may actually get away with it.
This was a monumental story back when it happened (and obviously still is today) and the quest for the truth by those chasing the story should be seen as nothing short of inspirational. We’re in a time where the world feels as though it’s crumbling right before us, and with how easy it is to spread misinformation the battle to deliver the truth and overcome corruption is arguably harder than ever. But it’s not impossible, and as hard as it may be, hope must remain. Woodward and Bernstein didn’t give up, they persisted even when dismissed and deterred by those above them, and in doing so they brought down what many believe is the most powerful government in the world.
All the President’s Men may show its age in how the reporters take notes with a pen, scrambling to fill a notebook while talking on an old telephone with one source after another; but the superb direction, top tier acting and most importantly the heart of the story in the fight for revealing the truth no matter the odds is a timeless one that holds up incredibly strong. Don’t miss it.
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review:
All the President’s Men has been given a beautiful restoration that showcases the film in 2160p/HDR10 and allows fans and newcomers alike the opportunity to experience it at home the best it has ever looked. There’s an incredible amount of detail, the newsroom is lively, the parking garage where Woodward meets Deep Throat is filled with rich, deep shadows that only reveal what Pakula and cinematographer Gordon Willis want revealed. There’s a filmic quality that remains and the film screams 1970s by all accounts of setting and design, yet the newfound life this 4K gives it makes it look brand new. A wonderful job all around.
On the audio side of things we’ve got a simple DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that does the job well enough, with the dialogue being front and center, clean and clear, and the solid score helping pump the thrills along. There’s nothing to complain about and nothing that will knock your socks off, it all just works and sometimes that’s all that’s needed.
Special Features:
**NEW** Retrospective Featurettes – We’ve got two new, albeit brief, retrospective pieces here. We have All the President’s Men: The Film and Its Influence coming in at just under 8-minutes in length, and that’s followed by Woodward and Bernstein: A Journalism Masterclass, which rings up at seven-and-a-half-minutes. The featurettes see CNN anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper talk about how the film influenced their careers, they talk about meeting Woodward and Bernstein, the accuracy of the film, and various other tidbits. They’re a quick watch combined that fans looking to squeeze every ounce out of this release will easily get through.
Legacy Features:
Woodward and Bernstein: Lighting the Fire – This feature comes in at just under 18-minutes in length.
Telling the Truth About Lies – The longest legacy feature on the disc, at just over 28-minutes.
Out of the Shadows: The Man Who Was Deep Throat – And this legacy feature comes in at just over 16-minutes in length.
Jason Robards on Dinah! – Lastly, this featurette comes in at just over 7-minutes total.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this Blu-ray was sent to me to cover in honest and truthful fashion.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents All the President’s Men. Directed By: Alan J. Pakula. Written by: William Goldman. Based on the book by: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jason Robards, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Jane Alexander, Hal Holbrook. Running time: 138 Minutes. Rating: PG. Released on 4K Blu-ray: Feb. 17, 2026.
