To say when a home video release can reach me in advance to review depends on how fast the crow flies to bring me that gift. But often, the last mile is at truck’s (a snail) pace. The reference is apt to describe why I wanted to see The Crow again in 4K; fans of this cult film will want the steelbook and the bling that comes with. It’s excellent and the package is well designed. Myself, I really wanted to check out the new bonus material.
What’s provided is definitely a fond look back. And when this year marks this film’s 30th anniversary, there’s a reason to celebrate! Not only are we remembering Brendon Lee‘s passing but also acknowledging this movie’s contribution to trying to make movies a safer place. There were protocols that weren’t adhered to which resulted in this actor’s death. As for whether this accident could’ve been avoided, it’s possible when considering the details revealed during the trial.
While the new features don’t dwell on the tragic loss, what’s well explored is this actor’s legacy. “Shadows & Pain: Designing The Crow” is broken into three chapters. Each part examines a different aspect of this film’s lasting impact. Instead of delving into how it’s become a franchise, what’s important here concerns Brendan’s contributions to making this figure come alive, its influence from German Expressionism, and the cinematography. The lore isn’t examined in depth, and nor does it have to. Ultimately, the story is a dark fantasy revenge thriller.
The Crow may well have inspired movies like John Wick. Like this Keanu Reeve special, part of the narrative has to explore how the lead deals with loss. When it’s really about the love for another fellow being instead of vindictiveness and hate, there’s a story since there’s a compare and contrast between Elric (Lee) and Sarah (Rochelle Davis), a young girl that he and wife, Shelly (Sofia Shinas), helped raise. They were her surrogate parents. Although some gut reactions include revenge or wanting to take another life, sometimes that’s the wrong way to go–but it won’t stop The Crow when he’s a product of a savagely desolate world of Detroit where crime runs rampant.
Whether the urban folklore is inspired by indigenous beliefs or not, that’s a concept that’s most likely better explored in the comic book. All viewers know is that a black bird can arrive upon the grave of those unjustly slain and grant it life. They only need tooth and nail, along with whatever else is at their disposal, to satisfy the need for revenge. As for why this magic exists, I suspect James O’Barr’s comics have more info about that than the movie.
In terms of the older material, to learn what this comic book illustrator went through is important. Although what he recounts is through the lens of an artist and a guy still feeling traumatised, this piece is just as significant to watch in order to know, before even attempting to read the comics. Surprisingly, The Crow is still an ongoing series. It’s changed publishers over the years, and to watch how hell has no fury than a harbinger of death, well, reading any series about vigilante justice is one way to vent.
4 Stars out of 5
The Crow Original Movie Trailer
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