After releasing anniversary/first-time 4K UHD editions of the first two TRON films, Tombstone (1993), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and many others, 20th Century Studios offers audiences a chance to celebrate the 35th anniversary of filmmaker Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands (1990). Featuring an all-start ensemble, the romantic dramedy written by Caroline Thompson (Corpse Bride; The Addams Family) is itself inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus as it reimagines 18th-century Europe for 20th century suburbia (the horror) and a selfish creator with a loving one who died before completing his creation (the heartbreak). Like many of Burton’s early films, Edward Scissorhands is among the treasured for its production design, score, costume design, and, of course, the cast. In honor of its 35th anniversary, 20th Century Studios offers Burton’s tale in first-time 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in either limited edition 4K UHD Blu-ray combo steelbook and digital with a small grouping of legacy features.
Upon a hill overlooking a suburb rests an abandoned estate that once housed an inventor and his creations. While out trying to drum up more Avon® sales, Peg (Dianne Wiest) decides to knock on the door of said estate, but, instead of finding a new client, she discovers Edward (Johnny Depp), a boy with scraggly hair, a leather outfit, and scissors for hands. After being brought back to Peg’s home, it takes time for him to adjust to life and, though folks seem to like him, his trusting demeanor makes him a target for those who can take advantage. After several such incidents, the populace turns on him and they may not stop until he’s gone forever.
The following 4K UHD streaming release review is based on a 4K UHD digital edition provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment (WDHE). Additionally, as a result of this being a streaming edition, no exploration of bitrate will be provided as there’s I’ve no available means to test that via streaming through an Apple TV device.
Before we get into how Edward looks via Apple TV, be aware that the press release states that the 4K UHD disc is 66 GB compared to the Blu-ray’s 50 GB. There’s no indication of whether or not the bonus features are included on both discs, but, what is included is so minor, it likely will have no bearing on the space issue. However, with the film having been restored with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the fact that the release isn’t the larger 100 GB disc means that there’s still quite a bit of compression for the file. It’s not necessarily something that viewers will notice so much as it’s a viable commentary on how WBHE often views their restorations. Along these same lines, it would be great to inform you how the restoration was created, but the only information provided at this time comes from the official press release which states, “Lovingly restored for its 35th anniversary …” and nothing else. At least the TRON editions provided information on who supervised and/or approved the new editions. As the boutiques, such as Criterion and Radiance, provide restoration information as part of their practice so that buyers know where their money is going, its absence stands out in these supposed premium editions. Even Lionsgate with their Lionsgate Limited line of special editions and steelbooks often include this information, or, at the very least, more than “Lovingly restored.”
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS steelbook packshot. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment / 20th Century Studios.
Regarding the digital edition, it’s important to keep in mind two factors: a video presentation is only as good as one’s internet provider and the EoM office can’t explore Dolby Atmos. With these in mind, the video presentation is quite impressive. The palate of the film is wide-ranging with the estate monochromatic and the suburb brighter not just in the pale neon of the houses, but in the vibrance of the greenery and blue sky. The colors do more than denote specific spaces, they speak to the transition from one period to another as the monochrome reminds of classic Universal monster titles (of which Frankenstein is one (another tale inspired by Shelley)) while the world of Peg borrows from the entire Pantone® color wheel. The divergence of color also speaks to the simplicity of living on the estate where the inventor worked in solitude versus the complexity of modern living which requires understanding that what people say and do is often in opposition with the truth or their intentions. Though there is some visible grain, there’s no haze, dirt, or grime within the frame, allowing for quite a lot of detail in unexpected places to come through. In one of the flashback sequences, as we learn that the inventor built a complex machine to make cookies, of the many details present, it’s fascinating to be able to see the appearance of wear on the gears in the background. It’s one of those things that’s been there ever since the initial release, but one may not have noticed before, however, with the enhanced detail that the 4K UHD with Dolby Vision provides, things like this are far more apparent, a credit to three-time collaborator Bo Welch’s (Beetlejuice; Batman Returns) production design. One of the better sequences that makes use of the enhanced detail and visual spectrum is the famous ice sculpture sequence as Kim (Winona Ryder) spins around under Edward as he carves an ice block in an angel’s form, the darkness of night is cut sharply by the clear white flakes, Kim’s white dress, her pale skin, and her blonde hair. It’s a scene of romance, interrupted by Jim’s (Anthony Michael Hall) jealous fury, and the 4K UHD enables the audience to clearly take in each flake against the night sky.
This being a 35th anniversary edition, a first-time 4K UHD, *and* limited physical edition relegated to a steelbook packaging, one might expect something special to be included. Unfortunately, for the price point, you get nothing but limited legacy features that adjust based on how you access the film. For instance, for the purpose of this review, the 4K UHD digital edition provided by WDHE was accessed via Apple TV and that version includes a lone featurette, two audio commentaries, two trailers, and an image gallery. If I check MoviesAnywhere, all but the image gallery is included. The official press release for the 35th anniversary doesn’t mention either the trailers or the image gallery. Makes little sense to go through the trouble of picking up this edition if the only things new are the video and audio elements, which have been remastered for 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and with Dolby Atmos sound.
One responds to Edward differently as an adult than as a child. I was almost 10 when the film hit theaters and, while I’m not sure if I saw it there (fan of Burton though I was), I certainly caught up with it on home video. I remembered the cruelty beset upon by the neighbors, Peg’s kindness, and Edward’s longing for all things. As an adult, however, one notices the fetishization of Edward by the neighbors, where each desires something from him whether it’s access to his talent, access to his burgeoning fame before his misuse by Jim and Kim, or access to his body. Only Peg’s family, even Kim once she gets used to Edward being around, don’t desire anything of Edward and rapidly include him as a member of their family. Even with all that happens, Peg not once has a Victor Frankenstein moment of regret about bringing Edward into their lives in the sense of vilifying him, rather, she takes on parent guilt for removing him from the estate at all — a place where he was safe and comfortable. One notices the salaciousness of Joyce’s (Kathy Baker) advances and the eagerness by which she sought to take advantage of Edward in any way possible, which, somehow, was deemed as ok by the men while immediately clocked by Peg and Kim. Though, in hindsight, that speaks more toward the views of sexual relationships between men and women and what’s deemed permissible based on age. Interestingly, along the same lines, one also notices that the film indicates that the relationship between Kim and Jim is not at all chaste, which feels progressive for the time given how the presentation of Kim (especially in the ice sculpture sequence) implies more of a traditionally pure individual. To their credit, Thompson constructs a world within the script that feels frank and honest about teens, romance, and sex that would be viewed as forward-thinking today and possibly “woke” for its advanced concepts. Even the police officer who seems genuinely concerned for Edward comes off as wildly out of place based on the current view of law enforcement as a cudgel for suburbanites and city dwellers alike, yet it brings comfort here to see someone putting up a façade of action in order to attempt protective measures for the insular and introspective Edward.
In comparison to other recent WBHE 4K UHD/anniversary titles, this is a difficult one to recommend. The visual presentation is great, but between the cost and lack of supplemental materials, this edition of Edward Scissorhands is more cash grab than celebration. If you love the film and own it already, you’re not going to get enough out of purchasing this that you don’t already get from what you have. Especially when one considers the scalper market for steelbooks and WBHE’s perpetual understocking of the steelbook to increase scarcity, it feels immoral to recommend tracking one down. Now, if you have it physically and not digitally, while you won’t get the best audio/video presentation due to streamer compression, it may be a way to spend less and gain access to the restoration. As one feels compelled to say to Edward before he enters society: proceed with caution.
Edward Scissorhands Legacy Special Features*:
- Featurette – Peek behind the scenes and hear the cast & crew of Edward Scissorhands discuss Burton’s unique, modern reinterpretation of Frankenstein (4:39)
- Audio commentary by Tim Burton (1:45:02)
- Audio commentary by Danny Elfman (1:45:02)
- Two (2) Trailers (4:21)
- Image Gallery
*Bonus materials vary by product and retailer
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbook and digital October 28th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official 20th Century Studios Edward Scissorhands webpage.
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Categories: Home Release, Recommendation
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