Return to the whimsical world of Edward Scissorhands on 4K
review by Bobby Blakey
Everyone knows of the unique looks and feel of Tim Burton films, but in 1990 he took us to a place like never before with Edward Scissorhands. The film was not only one of the first films to really put Burton on everyone’s radar as most unique filmmaker around it also marked the first of many collaborations with Johnny Depp. The film co-stars Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, the late Alan Arkin and the final film appearance from acting horror icon Vincent Price. Not to celebrate the films 35th anniversary they are finally giving the film the much deserved 4K treatment.
Edward Scissorhands follows a kindly inventor who once created a gentle young man named Edward but passed away before he could finish his work – leaving Edward with only metal shears for hands. Lonely until welcomed into a pastel suburbia by a kind Avon lady, Edward’s story still resonates today with its timeless message: to embrace what makes us different, and to discover that wonder often lies just beyond the unknown.
This is one of those movies that has so many layers that you really have to let it
breathe to take them all in. Its fairy tale format brings together so many elements fused together in a love story, comedy, and a touch of Frankenstein for good measure. This not only Burton and Depp’s first collaboration but brought Burton and Ryder back together after Beetlejuice. One of the biggest stand outs here for 80s kids would be the against type casting of Anthony Michael Hall. Once known as the nerdy kid from John Hughes films he was able to step up as the jock bully that I think helped him to break his stereotype and move on to the wider variety of roles he has done ever since.
Depp might be the star and does a fantastic job with Edward it’s the family around him most notably the parents played to perfection by Dianne Wiest and Alan Arkin that really make this film work. Their loving nature of taking him in and never judging him is a heartfelt embrace in a world that would usually have everyone turn against him like the rest of the neighborhood. Her loving motherly affection towards Edward is beautiful and Arkin’s average dad with a straightforward doesn’t seem affected attitude is the perfect addition.
The emotional and loving relationship that is built between Depp and Ryder here elevates the film even further with touches of beauty and the beast and Romeo and Juliet. The layered ideas in this film, vibrant colors, plain looks and creativity make this classic film forever stand out like nothing else. I love every aspect of this film and still marvel at how much of this should not work just in its absurdity and yet here we are 35 years later and it’s better than ever.
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For collectors and fans, a hauntingly beautiful SteelBook® encases the classic film. The exterior features striking artwork, with Kim's face reflected in shattered glass on the front and a detailed close-up of Edward's compelling gaze on the back. The interior reveals a captivating illustration of a gothic Edward in all his leathered, studded and bladed glory. This limited-edition set includes both the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs, making it a must-have for any enthusiast.
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Grab your copy of the 35th Anniversary Edition of Edward Scissorhands available now on 4K for the first time ever from 20th Century Studios.
