Edward Scissorhands

The last in the latest batch of Tim Burton films to be issued or reissued to DVD is '90s modern fairy tale masterpiece Edward Scissorhands. But this is merely the Tenth Anniversary Special Edition DVD repackaged in a fancy metal tin with a few stills from the movie included in collector card form. Seriously, that's the only difference. All the same extras are still here but nothing's been added content-wise to justify the upgrade if you already own the Anniversary Edition. Yes, folks, it's another blatant cash grab from 20th Century Fox. Sigh. Still, Edward Scissorhands is a damned fine film. Written by Caroline Thompson and brought to life by Burton, it tells the tale of Edward (Johnny Depp), a man created in a creepy castle that overlooks a picture perfect '50s town. Unfortunately, Edward's not perfect himself, his creator (played by Vincent Price, in one of his last onscreen appearances) dies before he has time to fit him with the hands he's invented for him, leaving Edward alone in the dilapidated old castle with oversized scissors at the end of each arm. Edward remains there until he's discovered by a kindly Avon lady who insists on bringing him home to live with her family. Soon everyone in the neighbourhood is benefiting from Edward's ability to create gorgeous creature sculptures from shrubs and hedges, and style hair (dog and human alike). But Edward is innocent, unsocialised, and as such, easily taken advantage of; he soon finds himself overwhelmed with people's desires and wants, some sexual, others illegal, and before long the town that embraced him begins to turn on him, reminding him that he'll always be an outsider. Only Burton's fourth feature, Edward Scissorhands contains much of the signature look and style that would become the director's trademark. Like on the earlier DVD edition, Burton and composer Danny Elfman each contribute a commentary track; there are also a short featurette, some sound/video bites (taken from interviews with the cast and crew), trailers and a concept art gallery. Still, it's more definitive than the version already in your collection; caveat emptor big time. (Fox)