Frankenweenie: Blu Ray Review
Rating: PG
Released by Disney
Frankenweenie is a remake of Tim Burton's 1984 short film which really kick started his film-making push.
In black and white and using stop animation, it's the tale of young Victor (Charlie Tahan) and his friendship with his dog, Sparky. Victor Frankenstein lives a quiet life in New Holland. It's a life isolated from people (by choice) and whose only real friend is his dog Sparky.
However, after being inspired by high school teacher Mr Rzykruski (Martin Landau), Victor decides to harness the power of electricity to bring his beloved pooch back to life.
Frankenweenie is an affectionate paean to the world of horror and the Hollywood horror films of yore - it's a tribute piece and one which cinephiles will adore. From its start which resembles the lo-fi quality of the 1960s B Movies to the ending which is a parody of Godzilla attacking via Reanimator for animals, there's much love on show here from Burton. It's also horrendously self referential (which is no criticism by any stretch of the imagination) - the prefab townships of New Holland resemble those of the streets of Edward Scissorhands, the lead character Victor practically looks like Johnny Depp, one character's called E Gore, Bride of Frankenstein references - the list goes on. Throw in some great visual gags as well and you've got enough to keep the family entertained.
But yet, all of that's secondary to the wonderful whimsy on display with the story.
In many ways, Frankenweenie is early Burton through and through - a childlike innocence and slightly macabre view of the world which is washed through with an emotional resonance.While some may feel it occasionally lacks a bit of punch, the charm on display is more than enough to carry it through its 85 minutes run time.
Extras: Original short, all new short piece, music video
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