A Visual Feast of Gothic Proportions

Read Time:5 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Crimson Peak [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Year Released: 2015, 2024 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director(s): Guillermo del Toro
Writer(s): Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Robbins
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver, Burn Gorman, Leslie Hope, Jonathan Hyde, Doug Jones, Bruce Gray, Emily Coutts
Where To Watch: available May 21, 2024; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: CRIMSON PEAK emerged in 2015 as a hauntingly beautiful symphony of shadows and suspense, masterfully conducted by Guillermo del Toro. Set against the misty backdrop of 19th-century England, the film draws viewers into a mesmerizing Gothic world where the boundary between the living and the spectral is hauntingly blurred. This is the definitive gothic horror, at least from the “modern-day.” Arrow knew this and packed this release with so many incredible extras and original bonus materials specific to this release. I don’t often order day one of a pre-release, but this was a no-brainer for me.

As you journey deeper into the heart of CRIMSON PEAK, the narrative crafted by del Toro and co-writer Matthew Robbins unfolds with an intricate blend of mystery and melancholy. At the center of this spectral saga is Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), ensnared by the enigmatic charm of Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). Their union quickly devolves into a haunting mire of doubt and darkness, encapsulated within the walls of an estate that breathes with the literal spirits of its tragic past.

The mansion at CRIMSON PEAK, portrayed with chilling precision, is a formidable character in its own right. Del Toro's direction ensures that every shadow and gust of wind adds to the tale's tapestry. His flair for the Gothic is undeniable as he crafts a setting that is as beautiful as it is foreboding, laden with themes of decay and lost innocence that echo the grand narratives of Gothic literature.

Del Toro weaves a complex meta-narrative into CRIMSON PEAK, challenging viewers to look beyond the surface. The screenplay invites a reflection on the ghosts that haunt both the mansion’s halls and the corridors of our minds, framing the film as much more than a simple horror story—a meditation on legacy and memory.

My only criticism of the film is that the climax, while spectacular, leaves one wishing for a more measured resolution. I would have loved to have seen the time taken to put it in equal measure with the rest of the film. Thankfully, the path to this conclusion is strewn with enough Gothic elements and stylistic flourishes to satiate any genre fan.

In conclusion, CRIMSON PEAK deserves to be in any conversation about del Toro’s most iconic works; it is a formidable entry in his filmography and the gothic horror genre. This film weaves a rich narrative of dread and beauty, ensnaring its audience in a web of intrigue long after the curtains fall. With a stunning visual feast and a narrative journey, CRIMSON PEAK shows why del Toro is a master in crafting worlds where the haunting and the haunted play out their timeless dance.

Bonus Materials
– 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible), approved by director Guillermo del Toro
– Original DTS:X Master Audio sound
– Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
– Optional Descriptive Video Service (DVS) for the visually impaired
– Audio commentary by co-writer and director Guillermo Del Toro
– The House is Alive: Constructing Crimson Peak, a feature-length documentary with cast and crew interviews and extensive behind-the-scenes footage
– Spanish language interview with Guillermo Del Toro
– The Gothic Corridor, The Scullery, The Red Clay Mines, and The Limbo Fog Set are four featurettes exploring different aspects of Allerdale Hall
– A Primer on Gothic Romance, the director and stars talk about the key traits of Gothic romance
– The Light and Dark of Crimson Peak, the cast and crew talk about the film’s use of color
– Hand Tailored Gothic, a featurette on the film’s striking costumes
– A Living Thing, a Look at the Design, modeling, and Construction of the Allerdale Hall sets
– Beware of Crimson Peak, a walking tour around Allerdale Hall with Tom Hiddleston
– Crimson Phantoms, a featurette on the film’s amazing ghosts
– Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance, an interview with author and critic
– Violence and Beauty in Guillermo Del Toro’s Gothic Fairy Tale Films, a video essay by the writer Kat Ellinger
– Deleted scenes
– Image Gallery
– Original trailers and TV spots
– Double-sided, foldout poster
– Four double-sided postcards
– Limited edition packaging designed by Crimson Peak concept artist Guy Davis
– Limited edition 80-page, hard-bound book featuring writing by David Jenkins and Simon Abrams, an archival interview with Guillermo del Toro, and original conceptual design illustrations by artists Guy Davis and Oscar Chichoni

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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