Region 2 DVD
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Starring John Hurt and Ron Pearlman
This film tells the tale of Hellboy and his arrival from another dimension where demons await their chance to return to Earth.
Summoned by a resurrected Rasputin working for the Nazis, the demon-child arrives in Scotland in 1944. He is rescued by an American squad and brought up in the care of the Dr Broom and, as time passes, works for the Bureau of Paranormal research and Defence. Here, he keeps the world safe from monsters with the ‘Samaritan’ (his gun) and The Right Hand of Doom (a big, stone right hand – its reasons become apparent later in the movie).
Moving on to the present day and things take a turn for the worse as Rasputin re-emerges with his dastardly plan to bring about Armageddon. Along with his FBI buddies and a half-man, half-fish sidekick called Abe Sapien, Hellboy sets out to save the world once more.
This movie is based on a comic book and, despite never reading this work, I would take a guess at this being one of the best comicbook/film crossovers. There are some fine characters in here – my personal favourite being that clockwork bag of dust Kroenen. The script is sharp, thought provoking and has action a-plenty. There is also a nice subtle thread of humour throughout this movie, which raises a smile but never degenerates into self-parody.
Also, I hope this movie gives Ron Pearlman the greater exposure he deserves. After being in such fine films as Chronos and City Of Lost Children, I believe he is a most underrated actor that deserves better recognition.
Quality wise, the picture is pin-perfect anamorphic 1.85:1 and the 5.1 sound is stunning not only in its clarity but the precision of position. The rear speakers are used to great effect, giving a fine 360 degree stage.
A film whose influences are obviously Lovecraftian and which spews forth such interesting and imaginative characters should make it a must-buy for any fan of either comics, action, horror or fantasy.
Highly recommended.
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Starring John Hurt and Ron Pearlman
This film tells the tale of Hellboy and his arrival from another dimension where demons await their chance to return to Earth.
Summoned by a resurrected Rasputin working for the Nazis, the demon-child arrives in Scotland in 1944. He is rescued by an American squad and brought up in the care of the Dr Broom and, as time passes, works for the Bureau of Paranormal research and Defence. Here, he keeps the world safe from monsters with the ‘Samaritan’ (his gun) and The Right Hand of Doom (a big, stone right hand – its reasons become apparent later in the movie).
Moving on to the present day and things take a turn for the worse as Rasputin re-emerges with his dastardly plan to bring about Armageddon. Along with his FBI buddies and a half-man, half-fish sidekick called Abe Sapien, Hellboy sets out to save the world once more.
This movie is based on a comic book and, despite never reading this work, I would take a guess at this being one of the best comicbook/film crossovers. There are some fine characters in here – my personal favourite being that clockwork bag of dust Kroenen. The script is sharp, thought provoking and has action a-plenty. There is also a nice subtle thread of humour throughout this movie, which raises a smile but never degenerates into self-parody.
Also, I hope this movie gives Ron Pearlman the greater exposure he deserves. After being in such fine films as Chronos and City Of Lost Children, I believe he is a most underrated actor that deserves better recognition.
Quality wise, the picture is pin-perfect anamorphic 1.85:1 and the 5.1 sound is stunning not only in its clarity but the precision of position. The rear speakers are used to great effect, giving a fine 360 degree stage.
A film whose influences are obviously Lovecraftian and which spews forth such interesting and imaginative characters should make it a must-buy for any fan of either comics, action, horror or fantasy.
Highly recommended.
