Genre: Animation/Family/Fantasy/Musical/Romance
U.S. Theatrical Release Date: September 23, 2005
U.S. DVD Release Date: January 31, 2006
Tagline: "Rise To The Occasion".
First things first.
This is
NOT a sequel to 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.
This is another original story from the twisted imagination of Tim Burton,
just presented in the same visual, artistic style as the previously mentioned beloved classic.
During the late 19th century in a little European village, the VanDort family, Nell (voiced by Tracy Ullman - 'The Tracy Ullman Show') and William (voiced by Paul Whitehouse - 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban') have gradually turned their 'fishmongering' business into quite a successful venture, elevating them into 'nouveau riche' status.
Conversely, the once affluent Everglot family, Maudeline (voiced by Joanna Lumley - 'Ella Enchanted', 'Absolutely Fabulous') and Finnis (voiced by Albert Finney - 'Erin Brockovich', 'Annie') have fallen upon difficult times compared to the lifestyle that they have become accustomed to for generations.
Therefore, the Everglots' have proposed a 'marriage of convenience' between their lovely daughter Victoria (voiced by Emily Watson - 'The Life and Death of Peter Sellers') and the VanDort's handsome, yet hesitant son Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp - 'Pirates of the Carribean') as one step in the Everglots' scheme to regain their position in society.
At the wedding rehearsal Victor struggles to recite his 'wedding vows'. He is severely chastized by Pastor Galswells (Christopher Lee) who commands that Victor "get the vows memorized". During the rehearsal the Everglots' manservant announces the arrival of Lord Barkis Bittern (voiced by Richard E.Grant - 'Gosford Park'), whom neither family can recall if he is related to one side or the other.
Lord Barkis' intent (unknown to either family) is to swindle the Everglots' fortune (which sadly, no longer exists).
As Victor walks through the woods, memorizing his wedding vows he experiences a moment of true clarity and recites his lines wonderfully. In a mock ceremonial style he places the wedding ring on the 'finger' of a hand shaped branch protruding out of the snow-covered ground.
The earth around his feet begins to tremble and shake as the corpse of a surely once beautiful young lady, wearing a wedding dress, rises from the dirt and sweetly states "I Do".
Victor is terrified and attempts to flee as the 'corpse bride' glides gracefully towards him. She eventually reaches Victor and kisses him.
Suddenly he and his new bride are transported to a 'netherworld' known as 'The Land of the Dead'. Here, the story of the bride, which is described as 'a tale of tragic romance, passion and murder most foul' is relayed to Victor.
Can Victor ever return to the 'Land of the Living' and his 'live' bride to be? Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice, to prevent breaking the heart of the 'corpse bride' that he is actually beginning to care about.
The DVD is presented in 'A Matted Widescreen Format' preserving the aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition. English, Francais and Espanol Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 sound and English, Francais and Espanol subtitles.
Special Features include...
- Inside the Two Worlds
- Danny Elfman Interprets the Two Worlds
- The Animators: The Breath of Life
- Tim Burton: Dark vs Light
- Voices From the Underworld
- Making Puppets Tick
- The Voices Behind the Voice
- The 'Corpse Bride' Preproduction Galleries
- Theatrical Trailer
- Music Only Track
Another milestone in Stop-Motion Animation, the film has nearly everything. Love, betrayal, life, death, music, dancing, etc... . A wholly satisfying and emotional experience.
RATING: 4 'Eye-popping maggots' out of 5
TITLE: Tim Burton's Corpse Bride - Studio: Warner Brothers - MPAA RATING: PG (For some scary images and action, brief mild language) - RUNNING TIME: 77 minutes - STARRING: Johnny Depp, Emily Watson, Helena Bonham Carter and many others. - DIRECTED BY: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
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