The Devil's Backbone

About This Product

As General Franco’s fascists close in on victory during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, 12-year-old Carlos arrives at a remote orphanage for children of left-wing families. Soon after arriving, Carlos discovers the orphanage is haunted by Santi, a dead boy who stalks the building’s dark hallways and seeks revenge for his tragic death…A stunning 4K restoration of master of horror Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone.New artwork by Krishna Bala Shenoi64-page booklet with new essays2 posters of new artwork by Krishna Bala ShenoiOn-disc extras:NEW Introduction by director Guillermo del ToroAudio commentary with Guillermo del Toro (Sony)Audio commentary with Guillermo del Toro (Optimum)Audio Commentary with Director Guillermo del Toro andCinematographer Guillermo NavarroVideo Prologue (Intro by Guillermo del Toro)Behind the ScenesOf Ghosts and Fauns: Del Toro's Spanish Civil WarOriginal EPK Featurette"Que es un Fantasma?" - The Making of The Devil's BackboneDeleted Scenes: With Optional CommentarySketch, Storyboard, Screen: Multi-AngleSpecial Effects FeaturettesDirector's NotebookPicture GalleryTheatrical TrailerRegion Code:4K UHD: A/B/CBlu-ray: B

Product Details

Manufacturer

Fernando Tielve (Actor), Junio Valverde (Actor), Guillermo del Toro (Director) & 0 more Rated: Suitable for 15 years and over Format: Blu-ray

Warranty

and Repairs

ASIN

B0GH8VR1XY

Customer Reviews Summary

The Devil's Backbone is the most horrifying film Guillermo Del Toro has ever done, and not for reasons you would expect. It is a story that features a ghost, but it's purpose is foreshadowing the grim future at awaits.During the last days of the Spanish Civil War. It tells the story of 10-year-old boy, Carlos, who after losing his father is sent to an orphanage on a remote desert island, where he meets a whole bunch of characters, one of which a bully (who he later befriends). The films pacing is really effective because it really does take the time to establish his friendship with the other children in an environment he is completely unfamiliar with. Both Fernando Tielve as Carlos and Íñigo Garcés as the hostile Jamie stand out so much in particular for me. I generally love how the children are written in this film as they just feel real and distinct. Also Federico Luppi gives a great performance as Dr. Casares, who is the doctor or the orphanage. And Eduardo Noriega as Jacinto, the caretaker is truly unforgettable.The second half just explodes on you and the villain in the film is actually revealed about midway through the film and needless to say he is absolutely chilling. The truly horrifying thing about this film is actually about human nature, and what lengths someone would go to for the sake of greed showing absolutely no thought for any of the innocent lives including orphaned children just to get what he wants. It is the most challenging watch, and I could feel my heart just breaking in half at times.Stylistically it's very grounded compared to other Del Toro films. The ghost of course has Del Toro written all over it, but it is definitely nothing like vibrant style of some of his previous work. It truly uses the desert and the bleak environment around them to maximum effect. The film is shot beautifully by Guillermo Navaro. It is so effectively suspenseful in every way and I could feel myself sitting on the edge of my seat just enthralled at this masterpiece that was happening in front of me. The score to this film is haunting and beautiful in just about every regard. This film is Guillermo Del Toro's true horror film, It is unflinching, uncompromising and absolutely demands your full attention with every passing moment. He stated that this was his most personal film and it really does show! This feels like a commentary on his views on the Spanish Civil War, and I think that is why this film has such a passionate feel to it. It's an essential film to watch in my opinion and personally, I think its on a par with Pan's Labyrinth!