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Cursed: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Review

“Cursed” lacks bite.

2005’s “Cursed” marked another collaboration between the late great director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson. The Los Angeles set story was essentially a modernized take on “The Wolf Man” revolving around a sister (Ellie) and brother (Jimmy) who encounter a werewolf. They are both attacked by the werewolf and become cursed. The only way to stop the curse is to kill the werewolf, but the werewolf situation may be more complicated than it seems. 

“Cursed” was very much plagued by production nightmares and it certainly shows in the final product. The editing is choppy, the CGI is dodgy, the dialogue is strangely stiff, the comedy falls flat (see the werewolf flipping the bird), the characters aren’t remotely memorable, and the jump scares are tired. One can’t help but wonder what this movie might have been had it not been tinkered with and reshot so much. There’s some fun ideas at play here (the werewolf dog), but ultimately “Cursed” comes across as too generic.

The cast is absolutely stacked here as it features Christina Ricci, Jesse Eisenberg, Joshua Jackson, Shannon Elizabeth, Milo Ventimiglia, Portia de Rossi, Mya, Derek Mears, Judy Greer, Nick Offerman, Michael Rosenbaum, Craig Kilborn, and Scott Baio. With the exception of an enthusiastic Jesse Eisenberg (in one of his earliest roles), they are all wasted in their parts. Christina Ricci is especially miscast and looks awkward and uncomfortable as the lead. 

The highlight of the whole production is the special makeup effects supervisor by Greg Nicotero. Had the movie featured more of his work and less of the cartoony CGI werewolf, it would have helped.       

Note: This set includes the Theatrical cut and the 2 minute longer Unrated cut. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? Both cuts of the film feature a 4K scan of the original camera negative. The upgrades are respectable and should please fans.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect an active 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary on 4 scenes by Greg Nicotero and Derek Mears (who played the Werewolf).
* “A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing”- A new 14 minute interview with Derek Mears.
* “A Movie That Lives Up To Its Title”- A new interview with editor Patrick Lussier who talks about Wes Craven and sheds light on the troubled production.
* “Behind The Fangs: The Making Of Cursed”- A 7 ½ minute archival featurette.
* “The Cursed Effects”- An archival featurette on the special effects (practical and digital).
* “Creature Editing 101”- An archival interview with editor Patrick Lussier.
* “Becoming A Werewolf”- A goofy extra with Jesse Eisenberg and Greg Nicotero.

May 6, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Christina Ricci, Cursed 2005, Cursed Blu-ray Review, Cursed: Collector's Edition Blu-ray Review, Horror-Comedy, Jesse Eisenberg, Kevin Williamson, Michael Rosenbaum, Scream Factory, Werewolf Movie, Wes Craven