Funny, Thrilling and Visually Stunning

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2008)

This DVD is worth the purchase just for the striking cinematography and visual imagery of this macabre film. Tim Burton uses all of his best elements in this supernatural thriller, the result being a slightly over the top but exceptional comedy horror fest.
Johnny Depp is Ichabod Crane, a young, fidgety and eccentric forensics expert who is sent to the small secluded village of Sleepy Hollow to uncover its nasty secrets. At night, a cloaked figure on a massive black horse is stalking and murdering a seemingly random string of the town's residents, and clearly has no intention of stopping unless Crane can solve the mystery.
The town is a series of stunning old fashioned architectures and is shot in a gloomy, dense fog. All in supreme Tim Burton fashion, the visuals and special effects especially stand out in "Hollow". Another intriguing aspect is Christina Ricci as the pale, beautiful girl Katrina Von Tassel, who aids Ichabod in his quest for the truth- and survival.
Although it all sounds dark and it is, with loads of blood splattered over it (tastefully), the whole film has a heavy undertone of black humor and it never takes itself too seriously. When the horseman cuts off heads, they spin around before hitting the ground. How seriously can you take it? All around this a jolting atmospheric horror comedy which boasts loads of Tim Burton's creative style and spirit.