The Film (4.5/5)

While driving to see his sick mother, Eun-Soo (Chun Jung-myung) loses control of his car and crashes near a mysterious stretch of woods. As he tries to find help he wanders into the woods and passes out. As he comes too he finds himself in the company of a strange little girl (Shim Eun-kyung). She takes him to her home in the middle of the woods, which turns out to be a vintage mansion filled with toys, and strange figures. But something isn’t quite right about the family staying in the house. As Eun-soo tries in vain to escape the woods, he uncovers some disturbing secrets about the three kids in this house.

HANSEL AND GRETEL (2007) comes to us from director Yim Phil-sung (SCARLET INNOCENCE). It’s a true Grimm fairy tale brought to fighting life with a surreal touch to its narrative. While not a literal version, in tone and style it’s strictly Korean, but its a faithful nightmare of a fairy tale.

Director Phil-sung keeps the tension high with a mix of queasy close ups and tight zones into the dream house. On a production design level, the film has a comfortable brightness and childish joy to it. Everything is bright and shiny. But underneath is a layer of fog and shadow, and later on a bit of snow. The candy colors sneak in some truly grueling imagery. But the movie is overall strangely bloodless.

The themes of repressed anger and Korea’s history are explored, but to explain any further would spoil some of the film’s biggest surprises. HANSEL AND GRETEL has been called a “dark fantasy” by many critics, but in my mind this a true horror film. One that dug deep under my skin and stayed with for days after my first viewing. Even writing this review I got images and music ques buzzing through my mind. The marking of a true creepy classic.

Audio/Video (4.5/5)

The film comes with a 5.1 Korean DTS-HD Master Audio track. The sound mix is top notch with no hiss or pops. The textures and cracks of the house are kept in loving detail. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is a real sight to see. This is one of the best looking Korean films to hit blu-ray. The black levels are smooth and the focus is sharp. There is a natural layer of film grain but no digital noise.

Extras (3/5)

First up is a intro to the film by director Phil-sung. Next up is an audio commentary with Phil-sung and Calum Waddell. The two of them discuss the production and the background of the film. It’s an overall lively chat. Next up are interviews with master cinematographer Ji-yong Kim, VFX Director Jung-seong-jin, and Production designer Ryu Seung-hie. Rounding out the disc is a trailer gallery that features the teaser and theatrical ones.

Overall (4.5/5)

HANSEL AND GRETEL is a great thrill ride at the movies. A true classic of the always surprising cinema of South Korea. 88 films gives the movie a handsome transfer and a well rounded release. Highly Recommended.