DVD Corner

Cronos Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Cronos” is Guillermo del Toro’s most underrated film.  

“Cronos” begins with the revelation that an alchemist in 1536 developed a device that would provide eternal life (the Cronos device). With the Cronos device, the alchemist lived until 1937 where he died in an accident that pierced his heart. His mansion and belongings were later sold off. The story jumps ahead to Mexico in the 90’s where we meet an antiques dealer (Jesús), his wife (Mercedes) and their granddaughter (Aurora). Jesús discovers the Cronos device within an old archangel statue. The Cronos device draws blood and his life is forever changed as he begins to initially look more youthful while also becoming addicted to blood of any kind. Jesús is not the only man looking for Cronos, however, as the dying and wealthy Dieter seeks it in order to prolong his life. Dieter also has the manual of how to properly use it. Dieter’s nephew/henchman (Angel) does the dirty work in trying to recover the Cronos by any means necessary.

1993’s “Cronos” marks the directorial debut of famed genre filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Seeing where del Toro’s career has gone since, it’s fascinating to revisit the horror film where it all began. The direction is so assured and accomplished that it never once feels like a first film. In fact, it’s still one of his finest to this day. “Cronos” is a unique spin on the vampire mythos, but there’s also a bit of “Frankenstein,” religion, and zombie storytelling mixed within. It’s also a tragic morality tale about youth and Playing God as it were. 

All of the del Toro trademarks are present here. You can see his horror inspirations, his thematic interests, his aesthetics, his love of trinkets, his visual style, and certain ideas that often pop up in many of his films. There’s plenty of weird little elements here too, including the insect that resides within “Cronos.” That’s just pure del Toro. 

The cast has a few standouts here. Ron Perlman steals every scene he’s in as the quirky brute Angel. Federico Luppi gives a very transformative and physical performance as Jesús. He really sells the character’s journey from start to finish. Claudio Brook commands the screen as the desperate, violent, and greedy Dieter.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With Dolby Vision HDR. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration has a few flaws (including flickering), but the image quality upgrade is undeniable. 

Audio Track: Spanish and English 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a nice clean 2.0 track through and through.

Extras:
* A booklet with Mike Mignola artwork, photos, credits, an essay by writer/author Maitland McDonagh, director’s notes,
* A 2002 commentary by Guillermo del Toro and a 2002 commentary by producers Arthur H. Gorson, Bertha Navarro and Alejandro Springall on the 4K and Blu-ray.
* Trailer
* still gallery
* 2010 interview with Guillermo del Toro, 2009 interview with cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, 2009 interview with Ron Perlman, and an interview with actor Frederico Luppi. Discussions include characters, working with del Toro, “Cronos,” careers and working relationships.
* “Welcome To Bleak House”- A 2010 video tour of del Toro’s wondrous house. A must see.
* “Geometria”- A 1987 short film by del Toro. A new video interview with Guillermo del Toro is included.

February 10, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Criterion Collection, Cronos Criterion 4K UHD Review, Guillermo del Toro, Horror Movie, Ron Perlman