Of all Peter Jackson's films, there remains one that has never really sat comfortably in either of the two genres he is most famous for: fantasy and horror. Ultimately a classically grand love story with all the right ingredients a la 'Romeo and Juliet' (their love kept them apart, their fate was sealed) with elements of film noir (from the moment they met, it was murder), 'Heavenly Creatures' is that rare beast that refuses to conform to the audience's expectations. Indeed, at times it almost feels as though the film and the characters within it have whipped up such a fantastical frenzy that they will all combust in an explosion of excruciating song n' dance and bizarre 50's lingo. Instead, the movie decends into a very dark place before giving us that famous welter of gore, which to this day still shocks. A beautiful film and one-of-a-kind.
The disc is presented beautifully, with classy packaging and a postcard set, while the image is crisp, the colours really rich. A huge improvement on the Canadian blu-ray release.
As for the extras, we don't get the cut scenes alas, although this may have something to do with Jackson not liking them. However we do get a really insightful 30 minute documentary with three film critics, one of whom has many anecdotes relating to Jackson himself. Informative and entertaining.
I enjoyed this return to Christchurch circa 1954 very much, and will do so again and again.