Looking Back on Alex Proyas’ ‘The Crow’ (1994): A 30th Anniversary Review

I was honored to take review the retro review of Alex Proyas’ The Crow, a film that didn’t disappoint in bringing out the goths and all that came with it. When this film came out in 1994, I was 11-years-old and just beginning my mission to be the weirdest person out there. I was finding myself, and I’m glad I did. The Crow is iconic to many people, and this year is the film’s 30th anniversary. Let’s dive in!

Brandon Lee (February 1st, 1965 – March 31st 1993) as Eric Draven

I am not normally a CGI person, The Crow won me over as a kid. It was a movie for people who wanted to get into the horror genre. Some were a little afraid to jump in but quickly changed their minds after they realized the film isn’t gory. 

Released on February 4, 1994, this movie is about the good guy vs. the bad guys. It is tastefully filmed with expert camera angles. You never have to watch Eric (Brandon Lee: Showdown in Little Tokyo 1991) end someone’s life. The scariest part of the movie is Myca (Bai Ling: South Land Tales 2006). Ling was built to play this role. Everything about Myca is eerie, and she just loves collecting body parts.

A Look The Crow Comic (1989)

The Crow is based on a comic series by James O’ Barr. The first comic appeared on the back cover of Deadworld #10 in November 1988. Soon after, the first issue was published by Caliber Comics and became popular with underground comic fans.

Synopsis

In a city overrun with criminals, something tragic happens the night before Halloween, also known as Devils’ Night. A gang picked the wrong young couple to brutally beat and kill the night before their wedding, leaving behind a young girl who felt safe with them. It is a tragic love story, leaving behind everyone they loved.

It’s not long before the crow comes calling. Eric has another chance at life with a vengeful bone to pick. One by one, he takes out the men responsible for their deaths. He climbs the ranks fixated on getting to the boss, all the while haunted by memories and looking for answers. As he becomes closer to the truth, the question comes up is he hero or villain?

The best part of the movie for me was the soundtrack. Every piece of music compliments the mood, perfectly coinciding with each movie scene. With cameos and music from bands such as My Life With The Thrill Kill Cult, you can feel the energy in each scene.

Eric Draven plotting his plans of revenge.

For The Crow’s 30th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment is releasing a 4K Ultra HD remastered version of the 1994 supernatural movie available starting May 7, 2024, in two forms: an A4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc and a limited-edition SteelBook of the remastered movie. The re-release is full of special features, including,

  • Shadows & Pain: Designing The Crow
  • Sideshow Collectibles: An Interview with Edward R. Pressman
  • Audio Commentary with Director Alex Proyas
  • Audio Commentary by Producer Jeff Most and Screenwriter John Shirley
  • Behind the Scenes Featurette
  • A Profile on James O’Barr
  • Extended Scenes
  • Deleted Footage Montage
  • Trailer

The Crow will always be one of my favorite movies, not just because it’s dark, but because it’s a great movie. Nineteen ninety-four was a much simpler time, a pre-9/11 world.

The Crow has been welcomed into the cult classic level, and I feel like it is more appreciated there. No matter how popular the movie was in 1994, the intense flame dwindled down to just a few of us. We are ultimate fans, here forever. We come to spread the gospel of dark movies.

About Craig Lucas

I hail from rural PA where there isn't much to do except fixate on something. Horror was, and still is my fixation. I have 35 years of horror experience under my belt, I love the horror community and it loves me.

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