Sweeney Todd (2007)

Thursday, 04 September 2008 00:00

Reviewed by Carol Sullivan

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Released: December 21st, 2007
Rating: R for strong violence and gore

Director: Tim Burton
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DVD FEATURES
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Burton + Depp +Carter = Todd: A behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration of Tim Burton with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter

2-Disc Edition FEATURES
Disc #1

Feature Film

Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd

Disc #2: Special Features

Sweeney Todd Press Conference, November 2007

Sweeney Is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber

Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd

Sweeney's London

The Making of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition

Designs for a Demon Barber

A Bloody Business

Moviefone Unscripted With Tim Burton and Johnny Depp

The Razor's Refrain

Photo Gallery

Theatrical Trailer

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From Tim Burton, the visionary and often dark genius that brought us movies like Sleepy Hollow and Edward Scissorhands, comes the horror-musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Based on the hit Broadway musical, Sweeney Todd is brought to life through the talents of Burton and the cast, and is a breathtaking treat for both the eyes and ears.

Mr. Sweeney Todd, a barber, is returning to Victorian London after 15 years of wrongful imprisonment at the hands of the cruel Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman, Harry Potter). Separated from his wife and baby daughter, Sweeney's heart is full of hatred for the Judge and his mind is consumed with thoughts of revenge. You see, Judge Turpin had Sweeney locked away--wanting the young barber's beautiful wife for himself.

Wandering the streets, Sweeney Todd meets Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) who now resides in his former building and she agrees to rent him his old rooms upstairs. An empty crib and peeling wallpaper are sad reminders of the happy life Sweeney had lost. He soon learns that the scoundrel Judge has raised his baby daughter since the death of his young wife.

Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd begin an odd friendship as the bitter Sweeney seeks revenge on the Judge and aristocracy that took his family from him. With gleaming straight-razors in-hand, Sweeney sets his terrible plan in motion. As an added bonus, Mrs. Lovett will have an endless supply of fresh meat for her pies...

This movie is a visual masterpiece; its colors and atmosphere completely bleak, save for the crimson blood. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are simply perfect in their roles; acting and singing every scene with amazing depth and emotion. As a matter of fact, the entire cast is fabulous and each embrace their roles with seasoned talent that is quite impressive.

Besides the brilliant acting and direction, the film's haunting musical score was brooding and dark, but strangely up-lifting, I must say. All in all, the movie Sweeney Todd is Gothic perfection.

It is, in my opinion, an instant classic and a necessary addition to any serious DVD collection. It is without a doubt, a filmmaking triumph.

Most highly recommended as a rental and purchase!

Overall Rating : 5

VIDEO | Official Trailer

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 02 March 2011 09:26 )