The Crow 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
30th Anniversary Edition
Score: 92
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
A compelling cult classic, The Crow’s 30th-anniversary 4K remaster by Paramount impresses with native 4K visuals, Dolby Vision HDR, and a solid DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack—highly recommended.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 95
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'The Crow' offers a stellar upgrade, capturing the movie’s gothic aesthetic with exceptional detail and depth. Utilizing Dolby Vision HDR, the release enhances blacks and contrast, maintaining the film's natural grain without excessive DNR. Colors, especially reds, pop against the dark backdrops, making it the best viewing experience to date.
Audio: 93
The Crow's 4K UHD Blu-ray utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which effectively emphasizes the film’s gritty, grungy atmosphere with strong musical integration, clear dialogue, and dynamic environmental sounds like rain and thunder. Despite a lack of an object-based audio upgrade, the mix is immersive and robustly supports action and musical sequences.
Extra: 87
The Crow's UK 4K release features an impressive mix of legacy and new content, including two archival commentaries, a three-part documentary on production design, an in-depth interview with producer Edward R. Pressman, and haunting extended scenes; however, some earlier extras like storyboards are missing.
Movie: 89
The Crow's thrilling revenge narrative set against hauntingly gothic visuals and underscored by an evocative soundtrack still captivates, now enhanced to 2160p/Dolby Vision and DTS-HD MA 5.1 on 4K UHD, poignantly intertwined with Brandon Lee's final, mesmerizing performance made more tragic by his untimely on-set death.
Video: 95
Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment UK delivers an exceptional 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Crow," characterized by a gritty, textured image faithful to the original source material. The disc features a 3840x2160 resolution in a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, employing HEVC (H.265) encoding, with High Dynamic Range (HDR10) and Dolby Vision. The Dolby Vision HDR significantly enhances the film's stylistic attributes—specifically its deep, inky blacks and limited yet impactful color palette, featuring stark contrasts and occasional bursts of vibrant reds and fiery hues. Despite the minimal information on the specifics of the remastering process, it's evident the presentation respects the film's original visuals while optimizing it for modern 4K displays.
Detail reproduction is excellent, making textures and fine nuances, such as facial wrinkles, pores, and the grain of leather, strikingly vivid. Even in low-light conditions, details in skin and fabrics remain impressive. The near-monochrome palette, highlighted by brief flashes of intense primary colors, retains significant depth and shadow delineation thanks to a skillful Dolby Vision grading that handles black levels with precision. Despite a few instances of mild crush in some dark scenes, the overall visual clarity and sharpness outweigh these minor drawbacks.
The remaster preserves the original filmic look, avoiding overt digital noise reduction or artificial enhancements. The controlled grain structure maintains a natural aesthetic without distracting from the overall experience. Even early digital composites are handled competently, though they reveal some inherent softness due to age. With superior contrast and vibrant yet balanced color grading, this UHD release is a commendable update that does justice to "The Crow," enhancing its visual appeal while staying true to its atmospheric roots. The crowning achievement here is delivering an immersive and authentic viewing experience of this cult classic on modern 4K platforms.
Audio: 93
The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Crow" offers a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that stands out despite the absence of an Atmos upgrade. This mix delivers a gritty, engaging experience that blends intense action sequences with a dark, grungy musical score. Highly active surround channels emphasize environmental elements like persistent rain and thunder, creating an immersive soundscape that aligns well with the film's gothic aesthetic. Despite the occasionally inconsistent ADR, the dialogue remains generally clear and centered. However, during louder action scenes, dialogue can sometimes be overpowered by the dynamic soundtrack. The overall balance and clarity of Graeme Revell's score enrich the auditory experience, anchoring the viewer firmly in the movie’s atmospheric world.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track exhibits a characteristic 90s sound profile—opting for bold, high-output content over subtlety—ensuring an enveloping auditory environment. Explosions, gunfire, and other action effects resonate with substantial depth and punch, thanks to a healthy LFE component. While the mix isn't particularly bass-heavy, the low-end performance provides sufficient kick to the track, augmenting the various action set pieces. Musical elements ranging from orchestral scores to Dark Metal/Goth Rock tracks are meticulously spread across the front and rear channels, maintaining strong definition and contributing to a comprehensive surround experience. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as a somewhat narrow dynamic range and lower dialogue levels compared to the action sequences, the audio track remains a compelling and fitting complement to the visuals.
This iteration retains many of the same advantages as the original Lionsgate release but appears to have undergone minor refinements. Notably, ambient effects have improved rear channel representation, offering a more satisfying and immersive soundfield. Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X up-mixing further enhances this by integrating atmospherics into overhead speakers when applicable. While there is no object-based audio option, this lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track still manages to deliver a powerful auditory experience that aligns well with the film's intense visuals and narrative drive.
Extra: 87
The 30th Anniversary 4K UHD release of "The Crow" impressively integrates both legacy and new bonus content, making it a must-have for fans. Paramount has retained most of the features from previous Blu-ray and DVD releases, while also introducing fresh, insightful material. Highlights include the three-part "Shadows & Pain: Designing The Crow" featurette that dives deep into the production's design and visual aesthetics, and an interview with the late Edward R. Pressman regarding collectible figurines. The edition further includes extended and deleted scenes, showcasing additional poignant moments of Brandon Lee. With high-quality packaging options like limited-edition SteelBooks, this release is well-rounded and thoughtfully crafted.
Extras included in this disc:
- NEW! Shadows & Pain: Designing The Crow: A three-part feature exploring production design.
- Angels All Fire: Birth of the Legend: Music and stylization insights.
- On Hallowed Ground: The Outer Realm: Focus on cinematography and world-building.
- Twisted Wreckage: The Inside Spaces: Set decoration details.
- NEW! Sideshow Collectibles: An Interview with Edward R. Pressman: Exploring a collectible figure.
- Audio Commentary with Director Alex Proyas
- Audio Commentary by Producer Jeff Most and Screenwriter John Shirley
- Behind the Scenes Featurette
- A Profile on James O'Barr
- Extended Scenes: Includes The Arcade Bombing, The Funboy Fight, and The Shootout at Top Dollar's.
- Deleted Footage Montage
- Trailer
Movie: 89
Alex Proyas' "The Crow" emerges as a quintessential blend of gothic ambiance and 90s grunge aesthetic, driven by a deeply tragic narrative both onscreen and off. Adapted from James O'Barr's graphic novel, the film follows the revenge-filled journey of Eric Draven, portrayed by Brandon Lee in his final and most compelling role. Lee's commitment to the character is evident in his portrayal, a mix of physicality and emotional depth that resonates through every frame. The film is steeped in visual and thematic elements that echo Detroit’s desolate, crime-ridden streets and is bolstered by Graeme Revell's evocative score, which perfectly matches the film’s dark tone.
Proyas' direction masterfully captures the dark poetry of the source material, using a mosaic of camera techniques and special effects to bring a hauntingly beautiful yet decrepit world to life. Despite production challenges, including Lee’s untimely death due to a prop gun accident, the film maintains a cohesive, atmospheric narrative. The practical effects and budget constraints forced creative solutions that enrich the film’s unique look, making its restricted set locations feel mythically grand. Key scenes were salvaged with innovative VFX, and reshoots employed body doubles and digital face interpositions to complete Lee's remaining scenes.
"The Crow" is anchored not only by Lee’s performance but also by its memorable supporting cast, including Michael Wincott as the primary antagonist, whose gravel-voiced menace complements Draven’s wrathful mission. Although some posthumous alterations led to a slightly uneven narrative flow and minimal character development for secondary roles, the film’s raw emotional core remains unscathed. This cult classic didn't merely benefit from the eerie context of Lee's death but rather emerged as a tour de force showcasing what could have been the dawn of his superstardom. The blend of well-chosen rock tracks and Revell's lush instrumental score amplify the film’s lasting impact, making "The Crow" a timeless gothic masterpiece in the realm of comic book adaptations.
Total: 92
Paramount’s 4K UHD release of "The Crow" is a definitive upgrade that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. Alex Proyas's dark gothic adaptation of James O'Barr's comic book series has never looked better at home, benefiting immensely from a native 2160p transfer and Dolby Vision HDR, rendering the film's moody atmosphere with remarkable clarity and vibrancy. The sound quality receives a commendable boost as well with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, which, although lacking an Atmos mix, provides a robust and immersive experience. This release is a technical triumph, replicating the filmic texture reminiscent of its original theatrical debut.
In addition to the stellar audiovisual fidelity, the release comes packed with a meaningful collection of extras. Fans will appreciate both new and archival bonus content, providing deep dives into the tragic yet compelling history of this cult classic. The lavish SteelBook edition is particularly noteworthy, with premium design and art that mirrors the film’s dark aesthetic. While the price might be steep for some, the unique presentation and comprehensive extras justify the investment for dedicated collectors.
Overall, Paramount has delivered an outstanding 4K resolution package for a film that holds an indelible place in 90s pop culture. Whether for long-time aficionados or first-time viewers, this release highlights “The Crow” as a timeless piece of cinema, enriched by a faithful restoration and thoughtful presentation. This is a must-own edition that serves as both a fitting tribute to Brandon Lee’s legacy and a high benchmark for future classic film re-releases.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 100
The Crow comes to Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment UK, and thankfully - despite the studio's questionable 4K history - the results are universally excellent, revitalising...
Audio: 90
a slew of excellent song tracks Dialogue has always been a little muted with this film, not least because of the lack of a star to complete ADR - but we've had it a lot worse, including on lossy prior...
Extras: 90
It's not perfect, we're still missing a couple of stills and storyboards galleries for no apparent reason, but in terms of new material the short new Interview with the Producers offers a few nice reflections...
Movie: 80
These scenes, at least in the comic, showed a love and warmth that was not present in the rest of the story, and would have worked well when juxtaposed with it (think about the horrific Gasper Noe drama...
Total: 90
A flawed but compelling vision, Alex Proyas’s The Crow was steeped in tragedy – not least in its horrific revenge plot, but also of the real-life variety: both the needless death that inspired the story,...
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
Daylight scenes have a weird sepia look to them, but the majority of the film is bathed in blackness....
Audio: 90
Back channel musical bits are strongly represented, and while the dynamic range isn’t massive, it still gives us some hot and heavy action bits....
Extras: 80
• NEW Shadows & Pain: Designing The Crow -- Angels All Fire: Birth of the Legend -- On Hallowed Ground: The Outer Realm -- Twisted Wreckage: The Inside Spaces • NEW Sideshow Collectibles : An Interview...
Movie: 100
There’s some dated green screen effects going on, but overall the movie itself is visceral, powerfully scored, and has that absolutely perfect amount of 90s angst mixed into a blood soaked revenge action...
Total: 90
There’s been some halfway decent sequels ( City of Angels wasn’t half bad, but the rest are garbage) and a new remake coming out this year, but the original will still go down as one of the best kept secrets...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 100
Black levels are absolutely critical to a viewing, and the Dolby Vision grading presents blacks with awesome depth and accuracy, offering viewers a prime experience that hits blacks for stability and realism,...
Audio: 90
The track soars (literally as the case may sometimes be) but really finds its footing in the more intensive musical and action elements, the former of which often favors popular music as much as score,...
Extras: 80
Angels All Fire: Birth of the Legend (7:07): Production Designer Alex McDowell explores music in the film, the production design and stylization, the noir inspired visual elements, and more....
Movie: 70
A few new extras are included and most of the legacy content from the original 2011 Lionsgate release is also included....
Total: 80
It's a gorgeous image supported by a terrific 5.1 lossless soundtrack (fans might bemoan the absence of an Atmos mix, but this is at least Parmount's established pattern and not a dis to this specific...
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 95
The bright reds and oranges of the explosions now really stand out against the black backgrounds, the reds and golden hues of the flashbacks are more vivid, and the strobe effects like the one during the...
Audio: 90
Of course, it’s the music that matters the most in creating the world of The Crow, and both the score and the songs are well-supported in the mix....
Extras: 85
The Alex Proyas commentary was originally recorded for the 2011 Lionsgate Blu-ray release, and he states up front that he wants to address some of the myths about the film that have developed over the...
Movie: 90
The source of grief for all of these films has proven to be finite, and the wounds have begun to fade....
Total: 90
Paramount has been a bit inconsistent with their 4K releases, and while it would be a gross exaggeration to call them hit-or-miss, there’s no denying that some of the results of their digital restoration...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Early digital composites have unavoidable issues, but the rest maintains a consistent clarity and precision....
Audio: 80
In 5.1, rears engage often throughout the soundstage, rain and thunder seemingly a constant presence....
Extras: 60
The first explores The Crow’s design, the other a unique (if clearly commercial) piece that focuses on Sideshow Collectible’s process....
Movie: 80
Ethically, it’s a debate without end, but without Miramax salvaging the broken production, The Crow’s lasting influence wouldn’t have redirected the genre away from its cartoonish pulpy action....
Total: 75
A grungy comic book flick ruminating on death, The Crow left a lasting impact on a subset of pop culture....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Still, primaries appear a tad fuller and accurate than its HD SDR counterpart, and in spite of whatever minor drawbacks exist, the Dolby Vision HDR presentation is nonetheless the best the movie has ever...
Audio: 80
There is also better rear activity with various ambient effects discretely and smoothly moving all around the listening area, creating a more immersive and satisfying soundfield than before....
Extras: 60
Designing The Crow (HD) is a short three-part documentary looking at various aspects of the production, from the adaptation and overall design to the music and performances Angels All Fire: Birth of the...
Movie: 60
Much of this news ran concurrently with the filmmakers still planning to complete the movie — which was met with some controversy of its own — using the latest advancements in CGI effects, stunt doubles...
Total: 80
Along with a couple of new extras joining the same set of supplements as before, the UHD SteelBook makes for a Recommended addition to the library....
Home Theater Forum review by Neil MiddlemissRead review here
Video: 90
Filmed with 35mm and shot with J-D-C cameras (framed at 1.85:1), the film grain is protected and natural, black levels are lovely, and the Dolby Vision HDR grading is modest....
Audio: 90
Dialogue is clear, surrounds active enough with the persistent rain, and Graeme Revell’s score benefits nicely....
Extras: 70
A mix of old and brand-new special features, including the three-part making of that runs about 25 minutes....
Movie: 90
His likable charm and humanity are vital pieces of The Crow’s power, a lightness amongst the darkness without which the film would have been a tougher view....
Total: 90
A dark and moody piece of filmmaking, it’s a classic form of origin filmmaking that we’ve seen before, and certainly myriad times since, but it remains a potent example of how to create a world, a hero,...
Why So Blu? review by Brian WhiteRead review here
Video: 90
Fine detail like cracks in the white makeup, facial wrinkles, hair follicles, pores and even leather grain is prominently chiseled throughout despite all the darkness....
Audio: 80
The Crow‘s audio presentation on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will rock your viewing environment in both the action sense and musical, which I highlighted above in regards to the film’s stellar soundtrack....
Extras: 70
Newly remastered, The Crow arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc with new and legacy bonus content and access to a Digital copy of the film....
Movie: 70
It’s because when I think of The Crow I think of the movie’s soundtrack that came out prior to the film and contained Stone Temple Pilot’s “Big Empty,” which would would go onto huge commercial success...
Total: 80
This one is purely for the fans as it looks to be the trend right now as they seem to be releasing everything they can nowadays on 4K Ultra HD to get every last buck possible....
Director: Alex Proyas
Actors: Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis
PlotOn the night before Halloween, known as Devil's Night in Detroit, rock guitarist Eric Draven and his fiancée Shelly Webster are brutally murdered by a gang of criminals. The couple, who were supposed to be married the following day, meet a tragic end at the hands of the violent thugs. Eric is killed when he is thrown out of a window, while Shelly is subjected to a horrendous assault before dying at the hospital from her injuries. Their souls cannot rest, and a year later, driven by the profound injustice of their untimely deaths, a supernatural force intervenes.
Accompanied by a mysterious crow, Eric is resurrected from the grave to exact revenge against those who took everything from him. The crow serves as a guide and protector, leading Eric on his relentless quest for vengeance. His resurrection grants him otherworldly abilities, including being impervious to physical harm, which he uses to track down and confront the gang members responsible for the attack. Driven by love that transcends death and a need to right what was wronged, Eric's crusade becomes a dark, poetic justice for both himself and Shelly, as he seeks to bring peace to their spirits. As he systematically tackles the gang, the depths of corruption within the city's underbelly begin to unfold, revealing a larger web of crime and evil than initially anticipated.
Writers: James O'Barr, David J. Schow, John Shirley
Release Date: 13 May 1994
Runtime: 102 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English