From Hell (2 Disc Special Edition) [2002] [DVD]

Seeing the movie prompted me to seek out more information about the Jack The Ripper case. I had a feeling, whilst watching the movie, that certain liberties had been taken - for dramatic effect - and I was proved right when I discovered some of the facts about the real case (such as Inspector Abberline being a lot older than Depp's characterisation and living well into his '80s!)

The film sets are stunning - a perfect recreation of the grimy, filthy East End of London in Victorian time. The extras on the 2nd disc reveal that the Hughes Brothers had initially planned to film in the streets of Prague in the Czech Republic but it was impractical so a 'replica' of Whitechapel 1888 was built from scratch! The murder sites are re-created with incredible accuracy. This project was undoubtedly a labour of love for the Hughes Brothers and it paid off handsomely.

The movie itself is brilliant. Quite simply put, it's one of the best films I've seen in the last couple of years. Now I'm quite squeamish but I managed to make it through to the end with hardly any head-turns. The ghastly acts of the Ripper are not shown to us in great detail and respect must go to the Hughes Brothers for not selling out and making this another gore-filled 'slasher' flick. The tension and the suspense is all there, underpinned by awesome orchestrated music from Trevor Jones. Depp is on form as usual (with a very convincing East End accent) but it's seasoned British veteran actor Ian Holm who arguably steals the film.

An under-rated gem of a movie which should be on any serious movie collector's shelf.

The new angle here is how the film tells its story. The perspective is one from the streets, focusing on life in Whitechapel. Most of the beginning of the film is told from the prostitute's point of view, only later does Abberline come in and slowly take over the role as lead. That makes the film very evocative - another major strength. The atmosphere is so tense and eerie the whole way through, with only very little bright light (e.g. when Abberline and Mary Kelly meet during the day), most of the film being cast in shadows and dark red hues.

The theory itself is an interesting one (even if the Ripper turns out to be one of the usual suspects), certainly one that's hard to guess from the outset, even if you have dabbled in Ripperology.

What I also liked about the film (and I don't know to what extent this is taken from the graphic novel, not having read it) is that it also contains a story of impossible love before the backdrop of the murders, which gives the whole story and Depp's character (Inspector Abberline, played by Depp as always brilliantly) a depth and emotional power which would otherwise be missing.

A definite must have.

The film may not be factually correct but that doesn't matter, it's a film and a good one at that. As a stand-alone horror its fantastic and a very good mystery film. Johnny Depp is great as usual but the real star is Ian Holmes who is fantastic and captivating. The film will have you guessing and hopefully get people interested enough to read up on the case, but if your just looking for a good chilled out horror film this is as good as any and I would highly recommend it. It is scary and tense and it doesn't just focus on the Jack the ripper case, more of what was happening around the time as well, its great fun. Considering it was adapted from a graphic novel, you don't expect it to be factual but as an adaptation it is brilliant and very close to the novels, the prostitutes also provide some laughs.

I urge you to see it, especially at the price Amazon have on offer, don't expect anything greatly factual just something fun and stylish.

The 2 disc version has a great documentary but it is expensive, this is substantial especially if your just buying this for a horror film, the special features on the special features on the 2 disc edition focus on the jack the ripper case rather than the film, so make your decision, I feel its a good film and a bit of fun.