Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters DVD is a captivating and thrilling action movie that offers a unique twist on the classic fairytale. In this dark and gritty retelling, the two siblings have grown up to become fierce and skilled witch hunters, out to rid the world of evil witches once and for all. The DVD features stunning visuals, intense action sequences, and a compelling storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The main idea is that Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters DVD is a must-watch for fans of action and fantasy films, offering an exciting and entertaining experience..
For a mainstream audience, which is surely the target for this kind of film, it may even be a bit much. For a horror crowd, it’s definitely something you can throw on and watch when you don’t need to use too much brain power. It’s completely aware of the type of film it is, and doesn’t show any pretence of trying to be anything it’s not. Maybe I’m damaged goods, maybe I’ve spent too long watching horror from every point on the scale, but there are certain times when something like this just hits the spot. I’m not proud, but Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is damn good fun.
While a lot of the blood work is surely CGI, it doesn t have that really fake look that I ve come to expect from big-budget productions trying to lay on the gore. In the opening scenes of the film, they re shown as children in the familiar setting of the original Grimm fairy tale, abandoned in a forest and finding a house made of candy that s home to an evil witch.
.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters DVD Review
I must admit, when I first heard about Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters I raised a cynical eyebrow and let out a small sigh of exasperation that Hollywood was again putting out a seemingly soulless, horror-themed, cash-in to appeal to mainstream audiences. With that in mind I was prepared to unleash vitriol when the review copy came in, but damn if it didn’t sucker-punch me, and I actually ended up enjoying it. I know. I’m a bad person.
Chisel-chinned Jeremy Renner is Hansel and British hottie Gemma Arterton is his sister Gretel. In the opening scenes of the film, they’re shown as children in the familiar setting of the original Grimm fairy tale, abandoned in a forest and finding a house made of candy that’s home to an evil witch. After being captured by the old hag, the kids manage to escape and push her into the oven, burning her alive – satisfying eyeball pops and everything. Ironically, this is one of their more effective witch killings.
Leaving behind the Grimm story, the film follows their adult life as mercenaries for hire, ridding small towns and villages of their supernatural problems (not unlike the werewolf hunters in the recent Werewolf: The Beast Among Us). Little do they know that their latest contract in the town of Augsburg will be their most difficult as the local coven (led by a smoldering hot Famke Janssen) is preparing for the ritual of the Blood Moon, a time in the lunar cycle that will give the witches ultimate power over the earth.
Considering that, as a pair of 10-year olds, Hansel and Gretel managed to overpower a witch and flame grill her to ultra-crispy, they spend an awful lot of time in this film getting their asses kicked. While they’re both immune to spells and curses, they’re still susceptible to a good kicking and the members of Augsburg’s coven don’t hesitate to dish out the beatings with regularity. Fortunately for the twins, they have an array of weaponry available to them that usually damages the witches with satisfyingly gruesome results.
I’ll admit to being surprised at the sheer amount of blood shed during this film; I’d expected a reasonably tame affair, something in the realms of Van Helsing, but Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters really ups the bar in this respect. Especially once a certain troll named Edward (Derek Mears) starts his rampage, squashing heads and generally causing bloody mayhem everywhere. While a lot of the blood work is surely CGI, it doesn’t have that really fake look that I’ve come to expect from big-budget productions trying to lay on the gore.
For a mainstream audience, which is surely the target for this kind of film, it may even be a bit much. For a horror crowd, it’s definitely something you can throw on and watch when you don’t need to use too much brain power. It’s completely aware of the type of film it is, and doesn’t show any pretence of trying to be anything it’s not. Maybe I’m damaged goods, maybe I’ve spent too long watching horror from every point on the scale, but there are certain times when something like this just hits the spot. I’m not proud, but Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is damn good fun.
Video and Audio:
As to be expected from a big-budget production, the audio and video are suitably impressive. The main feature is presented in 2.40:1, with a 5.1 surround track that gives the speakers a good workout. There's a little imbalance between loud action and quieter dialogue, but overall nothing to worry about.
Special Features:
The DVD version offers only the theatrical cut of the film, plus a documentary The Witching Hours. The Blu-ray goes a step further, presenting the unrated cut of the film, plus extra documentaries Reinventing Hansel & Gretel and Meet Edward the Troll. It's a no-brainer really, get the Blu-ray.
Grades:
This page includes affiliate links where Horror DNA may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As to be expected from a big-budget production, the audio and video are suitably impressive. The main feature is presented in 2.40:1, with a 5.1 surround track that gives the speakers a good workout. There's a little imbalance between loud action and quieter dialogue, but overall nothing to worry about.
.
Reviews for "From Page to Screen: Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters DVD"
1. John Smith - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters." The concept of a reimagined Hansel and Gretel as witch hunters seemed interesting, but the execution was just terrible. The dialogue was cheesy and uninspiring, the acting was wooden, and the special effects were subpar. The movie failed to deliver any genuine scares or thrills and left me feeling bored and unsatisfied. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this DVD.
2. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was weak and predictable, and the attempts at humor felt forced and fell flat. The action sequences were decent, but they couldn't make up for the lackluster storyline. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped, making it difficult to truly connect with them. Overall, I found this DVD to be underwhelming and forgettable.
3. James Anderson - 1 star
"Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters" is one of the worst movies I have seen in a long time. The plot was nonsensical and lacked any depth or substance. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and filled with clichés. The film seemed more focused on showcasing gruesome violence rather than telling a compelling story. The performances were uninspired, and even the veteran actors couldn't save this trainwreck of a movie. If you're looking for a quality film, I suggest avoiding this DVD at all costs.
4. Emily Carter - 2 stars
I was hoping for an exciting and engaging twist on the classic fairytale, but "Edward Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters" left me unimpressed. The action scenes were entertaining at times, but they couldn't make up for the lack of substance in the overall storyline. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, preventing me from truly caring about their fates. While the CGI and special effects were decent, they couldn't save this mediocre film. I would recommend skipping this DVD and finding something more worthwhile to watch.