The Devil's Backbone (Special Edition)

To anyone that's hesitant about buying this film, do yourself a favor and add it to your cart. Like most people, I wasn't even aware of this movie until after I had watched Pan's Labyrinth. Once I did some research on Guillermo del Toro, I instantly knew that this was a must-see. Del toro has said that of all the movies he has directed, this is his personal favorite. He began writing the story when he was in college and all-together the film was in development for sixteen years. The part that interested me the most was that del Toro said that this and Pan's Labyrinth were designed to be sibling films, DB being the masculine "brother" film, and Labyrinth as the feminine "sister" film. Aside from the Spanish Revolution, the plots aren't very similar, but this film definitely has the same "feel" as Pan's Labyrinth. They are both richly atmospheric, violent, and somewhat sensual adult fantasies. If you enjoy one it's almost impossible not to enjoy the other. The DVD itself is also great with a really cool interactive menu and a wonderful commentary by del Toro himself. Highly recommended!

You may also enjoy:
Spirit of the Beehive - Criterion Collection

I didn't remember reading or hearing about "The Devil's Backbone" until I saw "Pan's Labyrinth." If I did see any reviews, I dismissed them since the film was classified as a horror film in the US - what a shame! It has its very scary moments, and it has its violent and gory moments, but this movie is so much more than that. It is a ghost story; it's an historical fiction set against the Spanish Revolution; it has tremendous character development; and, for all of its bleakness, it celebrates the human spirit. This movie had my full attention from the opening credits, and didn't let go until long after the film had ended. I've watched it at least four times, and plan to revisit it several more times. The actors are all superlative, and del Toro and crew outdid themselves with all aspects of the film. I actually like "Backbone" better than "Labyrinth," so check it out. It's one of my top favorite films!

This is a good movie, but I have seen it after seeing the more recent (and really brilliant) Pan's Labyrinth, so it's hard to be objective and judge the Devil's Backbone on it's own merits. However, all the necessary elements are there (the story is interesting, main characters are introduced with enough care, the ghost and the sectrets arount it is getting reveiled as the movie goes on), so it's a good movie for people who like to watch drama with ghost/fantasy elements. I found it not as stylish and frightening as Others (some people obviously did, according to the reviews printed on the back of the DVD box), but it's definitely worth watching.

this movie was almost perfect. there could have been some changes here and there, but overall it was beautifully done. guillermo del toro does some wonderful stuff, and this film is proof. the story was great, the setting was brilliant, and the characters did they're best. it showed and although the language is in spanish you can't help but be intrigued and drawn in to the devils backbone. a story about an orphaned boy who sees this ghost who's bent out on seeking vengance, so the boys of the orphanage must get along to help this ghost boy find what or who he is seeking, all the while a backstabbing handyman turns on them because of his greed. their only protection, the headmistress, and the old professer. although spooky at times, it's filled with drama, and i really enjoyed this. it's hard to come across movies such as these.

The movie is thoroughly engrossing, unpredictable, and worthwhile, as most of the reviews here attest. But the bonus features on this edition are worth the price of admission as well. Like Kevin Smith and a handful of other active directors, Guillermo del Toro makes an admirable effort to add value to his DVD releases with thoughtful extras for fans and film buffs. Excerpts from the director's notebook, storyboards, even the ubiquitous Making Of documentary all add more substance than the usual PR filler material. Of particular interest here is del Toro's commentary, which goes beyond the usual behind-the-scenes anecdotes to delve into the artistic and historical roots of the creative decisions he made in the film. From the history and conventions of the gothic romance to fine art and architectural influences, del Toro is like an unusually entertaining and articulate college professor with near-encyclopedic knowledge. The extras enhance an already excellent film viewing experience.