The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven and his fiancée Shelly are brutally murdered by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric is resurrected from the dead to seek vengeance against the gang who murdered him and his fiancée.
In the heart of Detroit, a city rotting away, Eric Draven, a rock musician, and his fiancée Shelly prepare for their wedding on Halloween. But on Devil’s Night, their joy is shattered when a gang of savage killers storm their home and slaughter them. One year later, Eric rises from the grave, driven by a supernatural rage, to hunt down his murderers and bring them to justice.
I remember seeing “The Crow” in theaters in 1994 when I became a fan of Brandon Lee. Brandon, the son of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, followed in his famous father’s footsteps by learning Kali and Escrima, Yee Chuan Tao, and Chi Sao. He appeared in action films where he got to employ his impressive martial arts skills. Before “The Crow,” Lee starred in three low-budget action vehicles: 1989’s “Laser Mission,” 1991’s “Showdown in Little Tokyo,” co-starring Dolph Lundgren, and 1992’s “Rapid Fire.” “The Crow” was a huge departure for Lee as it was a film that focused more on his character, Eric Draven, and the emotional aftermath of coming back from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée’s deaths.
In watching the movie again for the first time in 30 years, I could see why Lee was attracted to the story. Unlike anything he had ever done, he wanted to prove that while he was known for his martial arts mastery, he was capable of much more. While he excelled, for the most part, in “The Crow,” there was still room for improvement. If he hadn’t died during filming, I do not doubt that Lee would have gone on to become a big star, doing action films and more dramatic roles.
Meticulously remastered from the original camera negatives, this 4K transfer delivers a level of detail and clarity that truly does justice to the film’s gritty, gothic aesthetic. From the intricate production design to the moody cinematography, every frame is imbued with a palpable atmosphere that pulls you deeper into the story. While the narrative can sometimes be heavy, Lee’s charisma and the film’s stylish direction keep you thoroughly engaged. This 4K release is the definitive way to experience “The Crow” – a bittersweet swan song for a talent taken far too soon.
While there were two unnecessary sub-par sequels and a remake coming out this year, starring Bill Skarsgård in the titular role, I think fans will have a hard time accepting anybody else in the role of Eric Draven. This is not because he died during filming or because it was his first mainstream dramatic role, but because he perfectly encapsulated the look of the comic book Eric Draven, and the movie came along at a time before comic book adaptations took over Hollywood.
The movie is filled with some terrific action set-pieces, and actors Michael Wincott and David Patrick Kelly, known for playing bad guys, portray their villainous roles with relish. Ernie Hudson steps out from under his “Ghostbusters” persona to deliver an empathetic and compassionate performance as one of only two people who can see Eric’s spirit in human form. With its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impeccable clarity, this 4K presentation elevates the film’s gothic atmosphere and Lee’s brooding, vengeful portrayal of Eric Draven. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering “The Crow” for the first time, this 4K Ultra HD™ release is essential to any home media collection.
Available on 4K Ultra HD™ and on a Limited-Edition 4K Ultra HD™ SteelBook™ May 7
