It’s no secret that my absolute favorite film directed by Tim Burton is “Edward Scissorhands.” When I first saw the film in theatres 15 years ago, I was completely taken in by the style, music and story. Thanks to the twisted mind of Burton, the film works not only as a magical piece of fantasy, but also pokes savage fun at how the average person lives in suburban America (albeit an exaggerated look). “Edward Scissorhands”, for the uninformed, weaves a tale about a boy (Johnny Depp) who is created by an old inventor, who lived in a huge mansion high atop a mountain overlooking an average suburban neighborhood. It was his wish to create a son, but unfortunately he passes away before he can finish his work. So ‘Edward’ is left incomplete… with scissors for hands. He spends years alone in the mansion, never having the pleasure of anyone’s company until one day the mansion is visited by the local Avon lady (Dianne Wiest). She takes it upon herself to take Edward under her wing and teach him how to interact with other people so he never has to be alone again.

The rest of the film deals with Edward’s ‘acceptance’ by the local community, his attempts to conform to society, falling in love with the Avon lady’s daughter (Winona Ryder), and eventual downfall in the eyes of the people who befriended him. The beginning of the end for Edward comes at the hands of the evil boyfriend (Anthony Michael Hall) of his newfound love, and it is interesting how quickly people are willing to turn on those they trusted. In the end, it becomes a tragic love story.

There are those who I’ve heard trash “Edward Scissorhands”, but deep down I’m sure it is only because they either have no heart, no appreciation for a fantasy well told, or secretly cry when they watch it but are too ‘manly’ to admit it. I’ll freely admit that every time I watch the film I get a have a good cry. The mixture of the gorgeous cinematography and composer Danny Elfman’s beautiful score may seem formulaic to some, but it never ceases to bring tears to my eyes.

Fox is re-releasing “Edward Scissorhands” in what is being sold as a brand new Anniversary Edition. I was rather excited by this news, expecting all kinds of new features and a newer transfer. I was rather surprised to find that the release is actually the exact same one that came out 5 years ago (packaging, extras, and all), but with a new slick slipcover. There is also a version you can buy that comes in a collectible tin and includes some photos, but that’s it. The disc is the same.

While I thought that both commentaries by Burton and Elfman were fairly good, as well as the short featurette, I don’t like the fact that people who bought the earlier 10th Anniversary Edition are going to get the exact same thing. It’s extremely misleading. Plus, I always thought “Edward Scissorhands” deserved the royal treatment and would love for Fox to release special edition with a lot more in the way of extra features.

While I give “Edward Scissorhands” high marks because of the movie, and recommend buying it IF YOU DON’T already have the earlier release, I cannot rate this one very high because of how misleading it is as far as a ‘new’ edition.’

Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin
Extras: Commentary Tracks by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, Featurette, Concept Art, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), Dolby Digital 4.0 Surround Sound, Dolby Surround
Studio: Fox
Release Date: 11/8/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website

We'll give Edward Scissorhands: Widescreen Anniversary Edition a C-.