6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 3.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 2.1 |
Based somewhat more authentically on the Grimm Brothers' story of a young woman who is unliked by her stepmother, the film includes the talking mirror, a poisoned apple, and some ruffian gold miners. It takes place at the time of the Crusades, and depicts the attitudes of the wealthy and the peasant classes toward one another.
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Sam Neill, Gil Bellows, Taryn Davis (I), Brian GloverHorror | 100% |
Fantasy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
Snow White: A Tale of Terror brings the "grim" to this story originally published by the Brothers Grimm, made famous by Disney, and re-imagined a number of different ways over the years for the silver screen. This version stars Sigourney Weaver and Sam Neill in a somber, dark take on the tale, though not entirely removed from the essential storyline elements made more famous by Walt than by Jacob and Wilhelm. It's certainly not a take for audiences looking for a cheerful movie, one with song and cuddly animals and the like, a live action update on the Disney treasure, essentially. This one is relentlessly bloody, morbid, dark, and depressed, effective enough as it is but certainly not for the generalized "Disney" version crowd.
Snow White: A Tale of Terror's 1080p transfer is essentially effective if not a bit dull and flat. Much of that, it would seem, can be attributed to the production design as well as Director Michael Cohn and Cinematographer Mike Southon's depressed, flat, lifeless look which is meant to amplify the film's morbidity and reinforce its darker currents. Either way the end result on Blu-ray is not a traditionally splashy image but one that does appear to at least hold more or less true to its filmic roots and basic cinematic proclivities. Details do not soar, not by a long shot. Anything beyond essential textures are not particularly expressive, notably when exploring facial features or, perhaps even more telling, the period attire, which is a shame because the movie is, of course, populated by some complex pieces that would otherwise sing in high definition. Even ornate interiors are lacking serious textural muscle, but the core definition does hold for the duration. Colors are likewise deflated and without serious pop or depth. The film is dim at its foundation and there's not much room for expressive, bold tones. Essentials certainly hold serve for basic color density and accuracy, but forget anything resembling a living, dominating spectrum. Blacks are deep but prone to mild crush. Flesh tones are flat as well. Compression issues are not a major source of trouble for the image, at least, and the print is in relatively good shape. While this is certainly not Snow White: A Tale of Terror looking in top form, Mill Creek has at least released a Blu-ray that is not egregiously offensive.
Snow White: A Tale of Terror scares up a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack for this release. It's a curious blend of capable and wanting. While the track is obviously absent the depth that a 5.1 (or larger) track would have afforded the material, there is no questioning the impactful and seamless front side width that is at work throughout. That expansion is evident in a number of scenes throughout, including a dance at the 26-minute mark as Claudia experiences the beginnings of birth pains at the same time. Likewise, a storm at the 41-minute mark is wildly active insofar as it can be within this encode constraint. A few other examples pop up throughout, and the track is never wanting for additional stage engagement within the two-channel configuration. However, the absence of a dedicated subwoofer channel does limit the track's opportunities for more width. When the carriage crashes in the opening moments, however, the want for more depth and detail is obvious; the effect comes across as messy and flat, lacking either structural finesse or the dominating low end that would have certainly reinforced the moment. Such holds true for most all of the more aggressive sound elements, even if some fare a little better than others. Music is adequately clear and widely engaging. A few atmospheric effects creep in to help set the scene, though audibility more so than clarity and placement finesse seems the order of the day. Dialogue is appropriately clean and clear, well prioritized, and nicely imaged to the middle area.
This Blu-ray release of Snow White: A Tale of Terror contains no supplemental content. The main menu screen only offers options to play the film and toggle subtitles on and off. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does not ship with a slipcover.
Snow White: A Tale of Terror may pique the audience's curiosity, particularly anyone looking for alterative viewpoints and more grizzly approaches to the fairy tale world and Snow White in particular. But the big draw is probably the two names on the marquee: Sigourney Weaver and Sam Neill. While both bring a certain gravitas to the picture, they in no way make it fully worthwhile. This is a grim and violent film that does not pair well with the beloved Disney classic but might satisfy audiences interested in the story but looking for something with more teeth, even if it's lacking technical polish. Mill Creek's featureless Blu-ray delivers serviceable video and audio. Rent it.
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