Crow [2 Discs]

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

Based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr, this fantasy follows Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a rock musician who is murdered along with his fiancée Shelly (Sofia Shinas) by a group of marauding thugs who terrorize the decaying city in which they live. One year to the day after his death (which happens to be Devil's Night), a mystical crow appears at Eric's grave; Eric rises from the dead and, with the bird as his guide, goes on a mission to avenge himself against Top Dollar (Michael Wincott), the leader of the gang who killed him. Star Brandon Lee was killed while filming a scene in which he was shot with a shell from an improperly cleaned gun that was supposed to be loaded with blanks. Like his father, martial arts superstar Bruce Lee, Brandon was fated to enjoy his greatest popular success after his premature death. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: 1
• Number of Discs: 2
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Theatre Wide Screen)
• Audio: Dolby Digital Surround, DTS
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Subtitle: English, Spanish
• Features:
  • • Behind-the-scenes featurette
    • Feature commentary track with producer Jeff Most and screenwriter John Shirley
    • Profile of James O'Barr
    • Extended scenes
    • Deleted footage montage
    • Original poster concepts
    • Production design stills
    • Storyboards
    • French-language track
    • Spanish subtitles
    • DVD-ROM features: Devil's Night Retribution video game; enhanced playback track; screenplay viewer; weblinks
    • DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
    • Dolby Digital Surround Sound
    • Widescreen [1.85:1] enhanced for 16x9 televisions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Director:

  Alex Proyas

• Producer:

  Edward R. Pressman, Robert L. Rosen, Jeff Most

• Screenwriter:

  David J. Schow, John Shirley

• Cinematographer:

  Dariusz Wolski

• Composer (Music Score):

  Graeme Revell

• Songwriter:

  Henry Rollins

• Musical Direction/Supervision:

  Buddy Alper

• Editor:

  Dov Hoenig, Scott Smith

• Production Designer:

  Alex McDowell

• Art Director:

  Simon Murto

• Co-producer:

  Caldecot "Cotty" Chubb, James A. Janowitz

• Associate Producer:

  Gregory A. Gale, Grant Hill

• Executive Producer:

  Robert L. Rosen

• Set Designer:

  William Barcley, Marthe Pineau

• Costume Designer:

  Arianne Phillips

• Makeup:

  Lance Anderson

• Special Effects:

  Andrew Mason

• First Assistant Director:

  Steven E. Andrews

• Stunts:

  Jeff Imada

• Casting:

  Billy Hopkins, Suzanne Smith

REVIEW:

• This dark romantic fantasy of revenge from beyond the grave has a blackly funereal beauty which makes up for some of its sillier elements. The Gothic-style production design and an achingly poetic performance from the late Brandon Lee should make it a favorite among certain types of young people, while action fans should appreciate the moments of bone-crunching violence and a great villainous turn by Michael Wincott. An unexpected treat from promising director Alex Proyas, The Crow was followed by a wretched sequel. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi