Snow White and the Huntsman Blu-ray review

Actors: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell

Director: Rupert Sanders

Format: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English, Spanish, French

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Universal

Release Date: September 11, 2012

Run Time: 127 minutes

            This is definitely not the Snow White that I grew up with, either on the page or screen. This version comes with a new brand of visuals and adult themes that seem better fit in a Lord of the Rings film than they do in a classic fairy tale. There are trolls and fairies and even a forest with a hallucinogenic ability, making this an adult reimagining of the classic story. There are many of the familiar elements, although the manner in which they are presented is wholly original. Even the seven dwarfs have seen a makeover in this version.

            Filling the story with war and evil magic, the tale of Snow White and the Huntsman begins with a grieving king drawn into battle with a mysterious army of soldier who shatter like glass when struck. This should be suspicious enough, but when a pretty young woman is found as they magic army’s captive, the king quickly becomes entranced. When he marries her, she becomes Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and takes over the kingdom with dark magical powers and ordinary betrayal.

            The king’s daughter is thrown into a tower to be kept prisoner for years, until Ravenna discovers that Snow White (Kristen Stewart) is both the answer to her problem with aging and the inevitable downfall of her reign of terror. After Snow makes a daring escape, Ravenna sends Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) into the dark forest to retrieve and kill the princess. Although there is still the apple, the kiss and even the dwarfs (cast with stars who are shrunk down in size with computer effects), Snow White and the Huntsman then moves on to a finale with a battle and out princess in armor rather than a ballroom dress.

            The Blu-ray combo pack release of Snow White and the Huntsman comes with a Blu-ray disc, DVD, digital copy and Ultraviolet copy. The theatrical version is included, as well as an extended version which is four minutes longer. Exclusive to the Blu-ray disc is a second screen option for anyone with a tablet of some sort, as well as a number of great featurettes. The most unique is a 360° interactive tour of the set, though there are also three traditional featurettes, one of which has four parts to it.