The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov April 6, 2026

Guillermo Del Toro's "The Devil's Backbone" (2001) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of StudioCanal. The supplemental features on the release include new introduction by the director; multiple archival cast and crew interviews; multiple documentaries on the production and making of the film; vintage promotional materials; audio commentaries; and more. In Spanish, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

In the midst of the Spanish Civil War, ten-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve, Goya's Ghosts) is brought to an orphanage somewhere in the countryside after his father is killed in battle. He immediately becomes fascinated by the unexploded bomb sticking out right in the middle of the large yard where the rest of the boys like to play. Soon after he is shown his bed, Carlos learns that the boy who used to sleep there, Santi (Junio Valverde, Shiver), disappeared the same night the bomb landed in the orphanage.

While trying to find out exactly what happened to Santi, Carlos frequently irritates Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega, Novo, Open Your Eyes), who works and lives in the orphanage together with his fiancee Conchita (Irene Visedom, The Lost Steps). Jacinto and a few of his friends plan to steal the gold which the headmistress, Carmen (Marisa Paredes, All About My Mother, The Skin I Live In), and Dr. Casares (Federico Luppi, Cronos, Men With Guns), have collected to help the Republican cause.

Eventually, the curious Carlos realizes that only a few of the boys in the orphanage are willing to talk about their missing friend. The rest are afraid to even mention his name - and there is a good reason why. The boys tell Carlos that when they utter his name, the ghost of Santi would quickly emerge from the orphanage’s large basement and haunt them.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone is often compared to his Oscar winning Pan's Labyrinth, but it actually has a lot more in common with Spanish director Victor Erice’s The Spirit of the Beehive. In Erice’s film, a young girl attends a screening of Frankenstein and her life changes dramatically. Throughout the film, Erice uses light and shadow to create an atmosphere that is very similar to the one present in The Devil's Backbone. Like The Devil's Backbone, Erice's film also delivers an important political commentary.

The Devil's Backbone is divided into two uneven parts. In the first, and bigger one, the material is better. This is where the Mexican director’s passion for Gothic atmosphere gives the film its identity – light and shadow are very carefully used to make the orphanage look as spooky as possible; the exchanges between the boys and the adults are also appropriately vague, forcing the viewer to keep speculating about the direction the film will follow.

The second part features all the important, yet somewhat predictable, character transformations. There are different political overtones associated with them, which, in the end, almost manage to alter the film's identity – almost, because even if the viewer is unfamiliar with Spanish history and does not understand what each character represents, the finale still makes sense.

The special effects in The Devil’s Backbone are not as elaborate as those seen in Pan’s Labyrinth, but this is something that actually benefits the film. Del Toro and cinematographer Guillermo Navarro utilize light, shadow, and color in a variety of ways to create spectacular visuals that are guaranteed to impress even viewers who do not typically enjoy films with frequently reappearing ghosts. The visuals are also enhanced by a top-notch soundtrack courtesy of Javier Navarrete (Agustí Villaronga's In a Glass Cage, María Lidon's Stranded).

The Devil's Backbone was executive produced by acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.

*In 2002, The Devil's Backbone was nominated for Saturn Award for Best Horror Film.

The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

StudioCanal's release of The Devil's Backbone is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. However, the Blu-ray is Region-B "locked".

Please note that some of the screencaptures included with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and downscaled to 1080p. Therefore, they do not accurately reflect the quality of the 4K content on the 4K Blu-ray disc.

Screencaptures #1-18 are taken from the 4K Blu-ray.
Screencaptures #21-36 are taken from the Blu-ray.

The release introduces a new 4K restoration of The Devil's Backbone, sourced from the original camera negative. In native 4K, the 4K restoration can be viewed with Dolby Vision and HDR grades. I chose to view it with HDR. I also spent time with its 1080p presentation on the Blu-ray. The two presentations are quite different, so I will comment on them separately.

BLU-RAY: The 1080p presentation is unconvincing. On my system, I saw numerous gamma issues, virtually all of which become very prominent in darker areas, where they create unnatural flatness, similar to the one that is present on many 4K restorations of black-and-white films completed at L'Immagine Ritrovata. You can see an example here. Also, in darker areas, it is easy to see mackoblocking, which could and should have been avoided with encoding optimizations.

4K BLU-RAY: In native 4K, the 4K restoration looks significantly better. I did not see the same prominent gamma issues from the 1080p presentation. Also, here there are completely different, healthier ranges of darker nuances, virtually all of which are part of a superior dynamic range all visuals boast. Color reproduction and balance are, unsurprisingly, more convincing as well. However, I would say that the native 4K presentation also could have used some additional encoding optimizations. Since I have only one other Blu-ray release of The Devil's Backbone, which is sourced from a 2K master, I performed several comparisons. The most noticeable discrepancies I could see were in the area of color reproduction, where certain ranges of nuances are different. However, I do not think that any are preferable, even when the expanded color gamut of 4K is considered. Delineation, clarity, and depth are impressive on both presentations. Also, their density levels are identical. I did not see any distracting surface imperfections to report in our review.

The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this release: Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Spanish LPCM 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature.

For obvious reasons, I chose the Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The film's elaborate sound design makes it rather easy to be impressed by the dynamic variety of the lossless 5.1 track. Separation and seemingly random noises and effects can be particularly great. All exchanges are clear, sharp, stable, and very easy to follow. The English translation is excellent.

The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Introduction - presented here is a new video introduction by Guillermo Del Toro. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Commentary One - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro for Optimum Releasing in 2001.

• Commentary Two - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro for Sony Pictures' R1 DVD release of The Devil's Backbone in 2004.

• Commentary Three - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro and Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro.

• Archival Introduction - this archival video introduction by Guillermo Del Toro was filmed in 2010. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Behind the Scenes - this archival program visits the elaborate sets of The Devil's Backbone and gathers several interviews with Guilermo Del Toro, Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes, and Federico Luppi, amongts others. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (19 min).

• Of Ghosts and Fauns: Del Toro's Spanish Civil War - in this archival program, Guillermo Del Toro discusses the original story that inspired The Devil's Backbone and the various changes that were made to it. Also, Del Toro discusses the evolution of the screenplay and some key differences and similarities between The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).

• Original EPK Feaurette - this archival program gathers interviews with Guillermo Del Toro, screenwriter Antonio Trashorras, Eduardo Noriega, Fernando Tielve, and others, as well as raw fotoage from the shooting of The Devil's Backbone. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (13 min).

• Que es un fantasma? - this documentary film, directed by Javier Soto in 2004, focuses on the production history of The Devil's Backbone. It features interviews with Guillermo Del Toro, co-writer Antonio Trashorras, cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, art director Cesar Macarron, unit production manager Esther Garcia, make-up effects designers David Marti and Montse Ribe, and actors Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Fernando Tielve, and Federico Luppi, amongst others. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (28 min).

• Mini Featurettes - in the following short programs, Guillermo Del Toro, members of his creative team, and cast members discuss different aspects of the production, period identity, and narrative of The Devil's Backbone. Raw footage from the shooting of the film is included as well. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
  
  1. Enchanted Horror Tale. (4 min).
  2. Insects Trapped in Amber. (3 min).
  3. An Adult Approach. (3 min).
  4. Realizing Del Toro's Vision. (6 min).
  5. A Director Like No Other. (3 min).
  6. Anchoring Fantasy in Everyday Life. (8 min).

• Deleted Scenes - four deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Guillermo del Toro. In Spanish, with English subtitles. The commentaries are in English. (4 min).
  
  1. Carlos and the Principal
  2. Encounter in the Plaza
  3. Carmen and Conchita
  4. "I'm Coming With You"

• Sketch, Storyboard, Screen - a collection of video pieces offering side-by-side comparisons of director Guillermo del Toro's initial thumbnail sketches, Carlos Gimenez's production storyboards, and the corresponding scenes from the final cut of the film. The video pieces were produced in 2004. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (12 min).
  
  1. Prologue and Opening Credits
  2. Sleeping Quarters
  3. The Bomb
  4. The Ribbon
  5. Keyhole
  6. "Who are you?"

• Special effects - two mini featurettes about crucial special effects used in the film. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
  
  1. Aerial Bombardment. (7 min).
  2. The Ghost. (7 min).

• Director's Notebook - produced by Javier Soto in 2010, this interactive gallery presents pages from director Guillermo del Toro's notebook of preparatory drawings and concepts for The Devil's Backbone. When highlighted (look for the red key on each page), selected entries lead to on-camera comments by the Mexican director.

• Picture Gallery - a collection of stills from the film. Silent. (4 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage American trailer, from Sony Pictures, for The Devil's Backbone. In English. (3 min).

BLU-RAY DISC

• Introduction - presented here is a new video introduction by Guillermo Del Toro. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Commentary One - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro for Optimum Releasing in 2001.

• Commentary Two - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro for Sony Pictures' R1 DVD release of The Devil's Backbone in 2004.

• Commentary Three - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Guillermo Del Toro and Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro.

• Archival Introduction - this archival video introduction by Guillermo Del Toro was filmed in 2010. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Behind the Scenes - this archival program visits the elaborate sets of The Devil's Backbone and gathers several interviews with Guilermo Del Toro, Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes, and Federico Luppi, amongts others. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (19 min).

• Of Ghosts and Fauns: Del Toro's Spanish Civil War - in this archival program, Guillermo Del Toro discusses the original story that inspired The Devil's Backbone and the various changes that were made to it. Also, Del Toro discusses the evolution of the screenplay and some key differences and similarities between The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).

• Original EPK Feaurette - this archival program gathers interviews with Guillermo Del Toro, screenwriter Antonio Trashorras, Eduardo Noriega, Fernando Tielve, and others, as well as raw fotoage from the shooting of The Devil's Backbone. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (13 min).

• Que es un fantasma? - this documentary film, directed by Javier Soto in 2004, focuses on the production history of The Devil's Backbone. It features interviews with Guillermo Del Toro, co-writer Antonio Trashorras, cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, art director Cesar Macarron, unit production manager Esther Garcia, make-up effects designers David Marti and Montse Ribe, and actors Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Fernando Tielve, and Federico Luppi, amongst others. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (28 min).

• Mini Featurettes - in the following short programs, Guillermo Del Toro, members of his creative team, and cast members discuss different aspects of the production, period identity, and narrative of The Devil's Backbone. Raw footage from the shooting of the film is included as well. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
  
  1. Enchanted Horror Tale. (4 min).
  2. Insects Trapped in Amber. (3 min).
  3. An Adult Approach. (3 min).
  4. Realizing Del Toro's Vision. (6 min).
  5. A Director Like No Other. (3 min).
  6. Anchoring Fantasy in Everyday Life. (8 min).

• Deleted Scenes - four deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Guillermo del Toro. In Spanish, with English subtitles. The commentaries are in English. (4 min).
  
  1. Carlos and the Principal
  2. Encounter in the Plaza
  3. Carmen and Conchita
  4. "I'm Coming With You"

• Sketch, Storyboard, Screen - a collection of video pieces offering side-by-side comparisons of director Guillermo del Toro's initial thumbnail sketches, Carlos Gimenez's production storyboards, and the corresponding scenes from the final cut of the film. The video pieces were produced in 2004. In Spanish, with English subtitles. (12 min).
  
  1. Prologue and Opening Credits
  2. Sleeping Quarters
  3. The Bomb
  4. The Ribbon
  5. Keyhole
  6. "Who are you?"

• Special effects - two mini featurettes about crucial special effects used in the film. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
  
  1. Aerial Bombardment. (7 min).
  2. The Ghost. (7 min).

• Director's Notebook - produced by Javier Soto in 2010, this interactive gallery presents pages from director Guillermo del Toro's notebook of preparatory drawings and concepts for The Devil's Backbone. When highlighted (look for the red key on each page), selected entries lead to on-camera comments by the Mexican director.

• Picture Gallery - a collection of stills from the film. Silent. (4 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage American trailer, from Sony Pictures, for The Devil's Backbone. In English. (3 min).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Booklet - a 64-page illustrated booklet with new essays, as well as technical credits.

• Posters - two laerge posters of new artwork by Krishna Bala Shenoi.

The Devil's Backbone 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Devil's Backbone and Cronos are the only two Guillermo Del Toro films that I have felt the urge to revisit over the years, and the former, in my opinion, remains his best work. Del Toro's contemporary films have been hugely disappointing, catering to a mainstream audience that values the least important qualities of what made his work special. This upcoming combo pack brings a good new 4K restoration of The Devil's Backbone. However, only its native 4K presentation on 4K Blu-ray is satisfying. RECOMMENDED.