Sweeney Todd is directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Helena Bonham Carter (Planet of the Apes '01, Corpse Bride.) The film is based on the Stephen Sondheim musical. ***

The story is, essentially, the same as the source musical. It follows the life of a man sent to prison for crimes he was not responsible for. Many years later, he is released and returns to his hometown. Seeking the wife and daughter he was separated from when jailed, he vows revenge against those who caused him to suffer. ***

Bringing musicals to the big screen isn't always easy to do. I'll never forget watching an older adaptation of this film on TV a few months back, and finding it to be a stale, boring experience from start to finish, with horrid pacing and weak production. Does Tim Burton's take on Sweeney Todd fall victim to these same issues? ***

Not even close. This is an incredible film, unquestionably the best film adaptation of the story that has ever been released. The whole experience is stylish, with brilliant cinematography and a gothic look only Burton could pull off. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, two regulars in Burton's films, absolutely steal the show here. Depp brings the title character to life like no one else before him. The end result is best version of Sweeney Todd ever filmed, and easily one of 2007's finest films (and this is coming from a guy who doesn't care much for musicals!) ***

When it comes to dark, gothic atmospheres and storylines, Tim Burton is king. And with Sweeney Todd, Mr. Burton proves it beautifully once again. The entire film has a dark, dreary feel to it, and the cinematography reflects this nicely. To put it simply, there is no one on the face of the Earth who could have brought this story to the big screen better than Burton. Even Stephen Sondheim, who created the source musical, has expressed satisfaction with Burton's work on the film! ***

Another area this film simply can not receive enough praise is its leading man. Johnny Depp makes the title role all his own, in more ways than one. In addition to the brilliant acting and scenes he participates in, he even does all of his own singing! Perhaps what is even more remarkable is that Depp had never had a singing role in one of his films before, yet he pulls it off effortlessly here. Just as Burton is the perfect man to direct this film, Deep is the perfect man to play its title character. ---

Image And Sound:

The DVD presentation does the film justice. The brilliant cinematography, encompassing mostly just shades of gray to reflect the dark, gloomy atmosphere of the film, translates excellently to the DVD format. There are no major issues with the picture quality. Sound is just as good, and especially shines during Depp's singing portions of the movie.

As a two-disc set, this package has a TON of extras included - nine featurettes and two interviews, to be exact. ***

Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd: The first disc features this “behind the scenes” featurette. The director and its two stars speak up about what went on behind the scenes and during the making of the movie. Well above average as far as “making of” stuff goes. ***

Sweeney Todd Press Conference Interview: This is basically what is promises - the cast and crew at a press conference, answering questions from the audience. What makes it interesting, though, is the comedic, lighthearted way the crew responds to the questions. Fun stuff to watch. ***

Sweeney Todd is Alive: Not a great featurette, but still worth checking out at least once. This one focuses on the possibility of a real-life Sweeney Todd-esque murderer in 18th century London. *** -Musical Mayhem: This featurette deals with Burton and how he worked to adapt the musical into a feature film, as well as some footage with Sondheim himself. Easily one of the most interesting featurettes included on the disc. ***

Sweeney's London: Essentially, this is a featurette that helps to paint a picture of London during the era in which the film is set. While a bit boring, the featurette does make you appreciate the time period all the more, and the atmosphere of the movie. ***

The Making Of Sweeney Todd: This featurette goes into the details of the movie's making-of process. The problem is that, while this one has more detail, most of this stuff was already discussed on the Burton + Depp + Carter featurette on the first disc. I don't see why they couldn't have just combined the highlights from the two featurettes into a single one. ***

Grand Guignol: I found this particular feature to not be of very much interest, it just discusses French horror productions and theater - and drags on longer than it needs to. ***

Designs for a Demon Barber: Your typical “costumes, props, and sets” featurette. Nothing less, nothing more. ***

A Bloody Business: There's not a whole lot to say about this featurette, it basically focuses on the various deaths and bloodshed features throughout the movie. Fortunately, it isn't overlong. ***

Movietone Unscripted Interview: An interview with Burton and Depp on Movietone. If you've seen or listen to any other Movietone interview, you'll know what to expect here. It's a short but sweet experience. ***

Razor's Refrain: The final featurette on here is more of an “odds and ends” one, which features material that was too small to get its own segment in the earlier featurettes and interviews - namely assorted audio and visual pieces. ***

Photo Gallery: This is one only other bonus feature on the second disc, apart from the aforementioned featurettes and interviews. There is some interesting stuff to look at on here, as you'd expect from something brought to you by Tim Burton. ***

As good as the bonus features are on this two-disc DVD, it's almost too excessive. All of the featurettes are worth watching at least once, but it's questionable as to whether or not you'll ever want to watch them again. Likewise, even in the two-disc set, there is no commentary - a huge disappointment. Unless you're a die-hard fan of the film or the director, you'll be fine going with the single-disc release.

Final Words: