DVD Corner

The Crow (2024) 4K UHD Review

“The Crow” doesn’t compare to the original.  

After countless attempts and numerous recastings, a new version of “The Crow” has arrived from director Rupert Sanders. The 2024 film (which is based on James O’Barr’s comic book series) begins with Shelly and Eric meeting in a rehab hospital. Eric is there due to a troubled past while Shelly is intentionally put there to avoid Vincent (a killer who made a deal with the devil to send pure souls to hell). Shelly has video proof of Vincent’s crimes and he is attempting to make sure it never gets out. When Vincent’s goons discover Shelly’s whereabouts, she and Eric escape the hospital. The two fall in love, but their romance is short-lived when the two are murdered. Eric, however, finds himself in a sort of purgatory where is tasked with taking out Vincent. Eric is reborn and has healing powers, but they don’t last. In order to save Shelly’s soul, Eric makes a deal to take her place in hell. This time Eric is given even more powers in order to get revenge against Vincent. 

30 years ago the Alex Proyas directed “The Crow” became a pop culture phenomenon despite the tragedy of Brandon Lee’s loss that surrounded it. It became an instant goth classic and a renowned comic book adaptation that has stood the test of time. Now, a new incarnation has emerged. The Zach Baylin and William Schneider scripted tale actually starts out promising by giving Shelly more of a role. Eric and Shelly’s relationship is also explored more to the film’s benefit. Unfortunately, any and all promise soon goes out the window 

The biggest issue with “The Crow” is that it takes too long for Eric to become The Crow. He dies and is reborn before dying and becoming The Crow. Once he does become The Crow the movie strangely becomes a real gore fest as The Crow kills anyone in his path. It felt like more of a slasher than The Crow. Another major problem here is that the villain (Vincent) is woefully underdeveloped. There is potential with the character, but the writers do so little with him.

A lot has been said about the make-up and fashion and, well, it doesn’t work. At all. Eric/The Crow looks like a cross between the “Suicide Squad” Joker with all of the tattoos and Vanilla Ice. It’s a puzzling creative choice to be sure. 

Bill Skarsgård is an accomplished actor in his own right, but he’s quite bland as Eric. He comes alive as The Crow, but still doesn’t feel like the right man for the part. FKA Twigs gives the film’s best performance as Shelly. She’s the spark the movie needed. Danny Huston has a long history of great credits, but he’s entirely wasted here as Vincent despite his best efforts. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? The 4K provides a pristine print. 

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the rain drops to the moody soundtrack, this Atmos track delivers the goods. 

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* “True Love Never Dies: Making The Crow”- A 2 part extra that covers the production, the source material, themes and cast/characters.
* “Dark Romance: The Score”- A featurette on Volker Bertelmann’s score.
* “Reborn Through Revenge: Main Title Sequence”- A short featurette on the title sequence.
* Theatrical trailer
* 4 deleted scenes
* “Every Film Is A Miracle: A Tribute To Edward R. Pressman”- A tribute to the late legendary producer. 

November 6, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Comic Book Movie, FKA Twigs, The Crow, The Crow (2024) 4K UHD Review, The Crow Remake