OK..First, welcome to my DVD reviews, I will be reviewing new releases ( old classics too, but mostly new releases) of films I would recommend mandatory viewing for most film fans. Firstly, because film is art that I think everyone can relate to in one way or another. Have you ever met anyone that didn't like film? ..I didn't think so. So hopefully there will be something for everyone. I like all types of film, so there will be lots of variety, and hopefully I make a fan out of the most picky film critic out there of an obscure film they perhaps would generally overlook.
Alright, the first DVD release in my series of reviews is for the 3 disc Hellboy II the Golden Army dvd set. Before I get into ythe movie, I would just like to say, if you are familiar with Guillermo del Toro, you will definitely be at home with this film, for it has elements of some of his past films like Mimic, Pan's Labyrinth, and ofcourse the first Hellboy film. So if you enjoyed those, this will knock your socks off!
Arguably a bigger scope than the first Hellboy, those who are not familiar with the franchise, it's based on a comic book by Mike Mignolia, who also executive produced both films while Guillermo directed and wrote. As a reader of comics and long time fan of Mignolia's I have to say it's pretty true to the source material in that it is very story and character driven, which is always a good thing in film these days, especially among alot of bad films out there. If you are a story person, this is definitely something to check out, since it doesn't tie into the first one. You don't need to see Hellboy 1 to enjoy this!
Quick rundown for the uninformed of WHO Hellboy is:
Hellboy is a demon-like man who, in the first film popped through a portal from the "other side" , a world were God 'keeps all the bad things and creatures that go bump inthe night' ..essentially, Hell..So as an infant, he is raised by a kind, and gentle human scientist during WWII. The Nazi's, as ordered by Hitler himself, opened the Portal to hell, and Hellboy accidently came through. But being a demon, he was meant for greater, more diabolical things, as his arm is an oversized rock/fist contraption that is a 'key to unlock hell on earth'. So, like a son, the Scientist raised Hellboy to do good, and shape him into the hero he is today. He is joined by the most unlikely of characters to help him fight evil and hunt monsters. Ape Sapian, A blue fish-like amphibious creature with telepathic abilities. And Hellboy's live-in girlfriend Liz Sherman, who..well...has a heated temper haha! Together, they are the frontline for the N.P.R.D. ( the national department for paranormal research and defence).
In this film, the fate of mankind is in the balance ( when is it not? haha) when a ruthless but good intentioned elf prince awakens an unstoppable army of clockwork and battered gold. Monstrosities built to wage war with the human world. So it's up to Hellboy and his team of outcasts to stop this destructive force!
This film has EVERYTHING! There is creepy stuff to down right gruesome stuff, and has the right blend of funny to balance out the dark nature of this action packed film. Believe me, when you see the drunken, singing Ape Sapien, you will cry it's so funny. Or the fight between Hellboy and Dr Johan Klauss ( the new gasious member of the NPRD) He's voiced by "Family Guy" genius Seth McFarlane! And that scene is absolutly hilarious!! OK, no more actual specifics! See it for yourselves, this film is an absolute 10 out of 10!
The acting is supurb! Ron Pearlman IS Hellboy, there's nobody else I think who could pull this off like him. The prince is devastating, and malicious, excellent acting playing the part of this evil warrior elf. Everyone has PERSONALITY and veriety, which is so beautiful in a film like this, everyone stands out. The costumes are jaw-dropping, the use of colors and textures span past a normal color spectrum, giving this film a real, living quality to it. And coupled with the special effects, this film looks real..the world it creates as the story progresses looks alive! It's outstanding. The action is on par with some of the best kung-fu and action films out there..like the use of weapons and swords are reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The fights are so well done and fluid, they look flawless! As you can tell, a movie you rate 10 out of 10, there really isn't too many things bad you can say about something so beautifully done. This is an excellent follow up to the first film.
OK..the DVD is crammed..CRAMMED with behind the scenes documenteries and production vignettes, and tours of the art department..there is so much to look at. the film is studied from birth to final product in such an indepth way, it's almost easy saying you've been to film school after watching all of it, because there is so much to take in. And I think anyone interested in the production of film will look at this as gold. It truely is a treat to see the process of such an amazing film!
Alright haha! as you can tell, I LOVE this film, I hope you give yourself a chance to see this. And even if you don't by DVD's, atleast give it a rent only to see a well written story come to life with great care and imagination.
Right! On to the specs, and one element I would say is the only down point for me with this package. There is a pan and scan version, which is made for people who do not like widescreen, or own a non widescreen tv. There is a 2 disc BLU ray set with the docu's I mention but also have more online content than the 3 disc set ( which also includes a mini comic story to tie into the film), like down loadable screen savers and production art. The third disc in the set that I have is just a digital copy of the movie in which you can upload onto your computer or laptop to watch. This is the one thing I didn't like, and thought was kind of a waste since you can watch the actual movie disc on your pc or laptop with no problem. There is simple programs that let you burn the movie, and cut through the copyright barriers, most burners you can get do that ( but we won't get into that here :S ..yikes! lol). But, that is the only negative of the entire 3 disc package for me..the rest is golden! And I hope it is for you.
Thank you for reading my Hellboy II review, I hope it was useful and helped you to decide weather you want it for yourself or for someone special this Christmas. I think it would make an excellent gift for a friend or loved one. It is PG-13 so the youngin's may not like to watch this alone..be cautious. Anyways..it's late, I have to work in the morning ( god, I shouldn't have had that coffee..uhgg! :P) Good night, or morning, and I will have a new flick next week for you to check out!!Ciao!
Deadsurfkiss
Alright, the first DVD release in my series of reviews is for the 3 disc Hellboy II the Golden Army dvd set. Before I get into ythe movie, I would just like to say, if you are familiar with Guillermo del Toro, you will definitely be at home with this film, for it has elements of some of his past films like Mimic, Pan's Labyrinth, and ofcourse the first Hellboy film. So if you enjoyed those, this will knock your socks off!
Arguably a bigger scope than the first Hellboy, those who are not familiar with the franchise, it's based on a comic book by Mike Mignolia, who also executive produced both films while Guillermo directed and wrote. As a reader of comics and long time fan of Mignolia's I have to say it's pretty true to the source material in that it is very story and character driven, which is always a good thing in film these days, especially among alot of bad films out there. If you are a story person, this is definitely something to check out, since it doesn't tie into the first one. You don't need to see Hellboy 1 to enjoy this!
Quick rundown for the uninformed of WHO Hellboy is:
Hellboy is a demon-like man who, in the first film popped through a portal from the "other side" , a world were God 'keeps all the bad things and creatures that go bump inthe night' ..essentially, Hell..So as an infant, he is raised by a kind, and gentle human scientist during WWII. The Nazi's, as ordered by Hitler himself, opened the Portal to hell, and Hellboy accidently came through. But being a demon, he was meant for greater, more diabolical things, as his arm is an oversized rock/fist contraption that is a 'key to unlock hell on earth'. So, like a son, the Scientist raised Hellboy to do good, and shape him into the hero he is today. He is joined by the most unlikely of characters to help him fight evil and hunt monsters. Ape Sapian, A blue fish-like amphibious creature with telepathic abilities. And Hellboy's live-in girlfriend Liz Sherman, who..well...has a heated temper haha! Together, they are the frontline for the N.P.R.D. ( the national department for paranormal research and defence).
In this film, the fate of mankind is in the balance ( when is it not? haha) when a ruthless but good intentioned elf prince awakens an unstoppable army of clockwork and battered gold. Monstrosities built to wage war with the human world. So it's up to Hellboy and his team of outcasts to stop this destructive force!
This film has EVERYTHING! There is creepy stuff to down right gruesome stuff, and has the right blend of funny to balance out the dark nature of this action packed film. Believe me, when you see the drunken, singing Ape Sapien, you will cry it's so funny. Or the fight between Hellboy and Dr Johan Klauss ( the new gasious member of the NPRD) He's voiced by "Family Guy" genius Seth McFarlane! And that scene is absolutly hilarious!! OK, no more actual specifics! See it for yourselves, this film is an absolute 10 out of 10!
The acting is supurb! Ron Pearlman IS Hellboy, there's nobody else I think who could pull this off like him. The prince is devastating, and malicious, excellent acting playing the part of this evil warrior elf. Everyone has PERSONALITY and veriety, which is so beautiful in a film like this, everyone stands out. The costumes are jaw-dropping, the use of colors and textures span past a normal color spectrum, giving this film a real, living quality to it. And coupled with the special effects, this film looks real..the world it creates as the story progresses looks alive! It's outstanding. The action is on par with some of the best kung-fu and action films out there..like the use of weapons and swords are reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The fights are so well done and fluid, they look flawless! As you can tell, a movie you rate 10 out of 10, there really isn't too many things bad you can say about something so beautifully done. This is an excellent follow up to the first film.
OK..the DVD is crammed..CRAMMED with behind the scenes documenteries and production vignettes, and tours of the art department..there is so much to look at. the film is studied from birth to final product in such an indepth way, it's almost easy saying you've been to film school after watching all of it, because there is so much to take in. And I think anyone interested in the production of film will look at this as gold. It truely is a treat to see the process of such an amazing film!
Alright haha! as you can tell, I LOVE this film, I hope you give yourself a chance to see this. And even if you don't by DVD's, atleast give it a rent only to see a well written story come to life with great care and imagination.
Right! On to the specs, and one element I would say is the only down point for me with this package. There is a pan and scan version, which is made for people who do not like widescreen, or own a non widescreen tv. There is a 2 disc BLU ray set with the docu's I mention but also have more online content than the 3 disc set ( which also includes a mini comic story to tie into the film), like down loadable screen savers and production art. The third disc in the set that I have is just a digital copy of the movie in which you can upload onto your computer or laptop to watch. This is the one thing I didn't like, and thought was kind of a waste since you can watch the actual movie disc on your pc or laptop with no problem. There is simple programs that let you burn the movie, and cut through the copyright barriers, most burners you can get do that ( but we won't get into that here :S ..yikes! lol). But, that is the only negative of the entire 3 disc package for me..the rest is golden! And I hope it is for you.
Thank you for reading my Hellboy II review, I hope it was useful and helped you to decide weather you want it for yourself or for someone special this Christmas. I think it would make an excellent gift for a friend or loved one. It is PG-13 so the youngin's may not like to watch this alone..be cautious. Anyways..it's late, I have to work in the morning ( god, I shouldn't have had that coffee..uhgg! :P) Good night, or morning, and I will have a new flick next week for you to check out!!Ciao!
Deadsurfkiss
