Edward Scissorhands Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Edward Scissorhands" offers a mixed experience, encapsulated in its 1080p transfer encoded with the MPEG-2 system. Across reviews, it is apparent that while the transfer does bring an energetic uplift in color and detail to this Tim Burton classic, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on a 25gig single layer disc, it is marred by technical inconsistencies that detract from the overall viewing experience. Optimistically, colors are vibrant and rich, demonstrating a broad spectrum from Edward's stark white face against his dark attire, to the lush greens of suburban landscapes. Detail in brighter scenes is commendable, capturing textures and backgrounds with a newfound clarity over previous DVD releases. However, this clarity is not consistent throughout the movie.

Technical shortcomings manifest in various ways that unfortunately compromise the integrity of the image. The use of the same master as the initial SD DVD and subsequent 15th anniversary edition has inherited flaws, including minor flecks and marks. A chronic issue across all versions is a persistent wobble or shakiness in the picture, an element that remains unaddressed and is particularly noticeable on larger screens, where it becomes a significant distraction. Additionally, there is an uneven application of grain and noise; some scenes exhibit heavy grain, notably in darker sequences or when optical effects are employed, creating an artificiality that detracts from the immersive experience.

Despite these issues, when the transfer shines, it genuinely enhances the film's aesthetic appeal, especially in scenes rich with detail and texture, like those set in the old mansion. However, the transition from such highs to lows where the image becomes murky or overexposed, coupled with an unsatisfying sharpness due to overused edge enhancement, creates an experience that falls short of expectations for a high-definition presentation. Fans of the film will appreciate the improvements over DVD issues - such as reduced artifacting and cleaner textures - but might find themselves frustrated by the persistent and unresolved issues that have followed from previous versions to this Blu-ray release.

The audio experience provided by the Blu-ray edition of "Edward Scissorhands" is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track. Despite being a step up from standard configurations, the absence of a dedicated low-frequency effects channel is palpable, leaving listeners wanting in the bass department. Dialogues are centralized, crisp, and clear, ensuring that every whispered word from Johnny Depp’s character is effortlessly audible. The sound effects are neatly panned across the front speakers, creating a soundstage that is predominantly forward-facing. With this setup, one can enjoy the movie without disturbing the neighbors thanks to its limited bass response, yet it doesn’t fully exploit the auditory colors of Danny Elfman’s memorable score.

Interestingly, the soundtrack harbors disappointments for audiophiles anticipating a more immersive experience. The acclaimed musical score by Danny Elfman, characterized by its enchanting choir music, remains anchored to the front, severely underutilizing the soundfield's potential expansiveness. While the technical quality of sound – including dialogue and music – is undeniably crisp and clean thanks to its lossless DTS-HD encoding, the absence of discrete sound effects and a broader spatial distribution lends to an auditory experience that feels somewhat constrained, especially given the theatrical origins of the film's audio in Cinema Digital Sound (CDS), which historically allowed for fuller, more discrete 5.1 surround presentations.

Despite these limitations, the audio track manages to deliver an enjoyable listening experience that aligns faithfully with the film's original sonic landscape. The rear channels, though minimally used, do contribute some level of depth during pivotal moments towards the film's climax. However, the uniform treatment of rear channel outputs and a non-aggressive approach to the soundtrack's dynamic possibilities mark a missed opportunity to truly showcase Elfman’s vibrant compositions and the nuanced ambient details of Tim Burton’s gothic fairy tale. This Blu-ray edition presents a technically solid but conservative auditory rendition that, while sufficient, does not venture far beyond its comfort zone.

The "Edward Scissorhands" Blu-ray extras package by Fox leaves much to be desired when one considers what could have been included. Both commentaries, from Director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman, offer personal insights but suffer from extended silences and a lack of engaging content: Burton's comes across as particularly subdued, hardly matching the vivacity of his visual storytelling, while Elfman's emotional connection to the score is evident, despite long pauses. The featurette offers a brief glimpse behind the scenes but feels insubstantial and dated, and the inclusion of high-definition trailers does little to elevate the overall extras offering. Significant omissions when compared to earlier DVD editions include missing interviews, concept art, and TV spots, highlighting a missed opportunity to fully leverage Blu-ray's storage capabilities for a more comprehensive archival collection. Consequently, fans and newcomers alike may find the extras lacking in depth and breadth, failing to provide the enriched viewing experience expected of a classic film in the high definition era.

Extras included in this disc:

COMMENTARY BY DIRECTOR TIM BURTON: A personal yet subdued journey through Burton's favorite film, revealing behind-the-scenes insights.

COMMENTARY BY COMPOSER DANNY ELFMAN: Elfman shares his emotional connection to the film score, interspersed with long pauses.

FEATURETTE: A short behind-the-scenes glimpse from 1990, featuring interviews and clips that show its age.

TRAILERS: Two theatrical trailers presented in HD, with odd aspect ratio choices that do not match the original film.

FOX ON BLU-RAY: Promotional High Definition trailers for other Fox titles, adding little value to the "Edward Scissorhands" experience.

Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands," revisited on Blu-ray, remains an unwavering fixture in the realm of modern fairytales, articulating a profound narrative that intertwines societal critique with a deep exploration of alienation and acceptance. This film, cemented in the hearts of its audiences through Burton's autobiographical lens, delves into the story of Edward, a creation with scissor blades for hands, played with poignant vulnerability by Johnny Depp. The Blu-ray rendition breathes new life into this cult classic, reaffirming its status among Burton's most personal and evocative works. Accompanied by Danny Elfman's memorable score, the film's suburban backdrop contrasts sharply with Edward's gothic origin, blurring time frames and setting a universally relatable stage for the narrative.

At its core, "Edward Scissorhands" is a meticulous dissection of suburban life and the fear of the unknown. Peg Boggs' decision to bring Edward into her home catalyzes a sequence of events that showcases humanity's fluctuating empathy and cruelty. The film masterfully employs its titular character as a mirror to society, revealing the multifaceted reactions—from warmth to hostility—elicited by his difference. The ensemble cast, including Dianne Wiest, Winona Ryder, and Alan Arkin, deliver performances that are both exaggerated for effect and deeply grounded in emotional truth, enhancing the film’s commentary on inclusivity and prejudice.

Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Edward is a cornerstone of the film's success, infusing every scene with a nuanced depth that speaks to the universal experience of isolation. His interaction with the suburb's residents peels back layers of societal norms, prompting viewers to reflect on the dichotomy between appearance and intent. The Blu-ray presentation of "Edward Scissorhands" not only heightened appreciation for its aesthetic and thematic innovations but also reaffirmed its relevance as a commentary on human nature and our innate yearning for connection and understanding amidst diversity.

The Blu-ray release of "Edward Scissorhands" elicits a mixture of admiration and disappointment among movie enthusiasts and technical purists alike. The film itself, regarded as one of Tim Burton's most enchanting and visually inventive creations, continues to captivate audiences with its darkly whimsical narrative and unique character designs. For many, the movie stands as a pivotal modern fairytale that predates and perhaps even influenced the goth scene of the 1990s. This alone keeps the film's legacy alive and well. However, the transition to Blu-ray has been met with mixed feelings. While there is a noticeable upgrade in picture quality and the inclusion of a DTS-HD MA track adds a layer of auditory enhancement, the overall execution falls short of expectations. Notably, the decision to use a 25 gigabyte disc over the superior 50 gigabyte option results in a compression that detracts from the potential sharpness and depth of the visual presentation. Additionally, the lack of a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel in the audio mix denies the score - one of Danny Elfman's most memorable - the full-bodied resonance it deserves.

The extras—or the lack thereof—further compound the sense of missed opportunity with this release. The Blu-ray disc recycles the same special features found on previous standard definition versions without offering any new high-definition exclusive content. This oversight not only disappoints long-time fans but also diminishes the set's appeal to collectors and newcomers alike. The fact that these extras have remained unchanged despite the industry's evolution over the years suggests a lack of effort in fully leveraging the capabilities of the Blu-ray format.

In conclusion, while "Edward Scissorhands" on Blu-ray still manages to be a worthwhile addition for first-time viewers or those completely new to the film, its presentation does little to justify an upgrade for existing fans content with their SD versions. Despite some improvements in picture and sound quality, the lack of significant enhancements or additional exclusive content makes it hard to recommend unequivocally. Viewers with a deep affection for Tim Burton's work might consider renting before deciding to replace or supplement their existing collections. This release, ultimately, feels like a missed opportunity to truly celebrate a cinematic gem in high definition.