Burton finds the perfect material for his brooding atmosphere...

Rating: 7/10 (27 September 2010)

Absolutely one of the most satisfying films visually that I've ever seen and it looks great in Hi-Def on a big screen.
The visual treats are too numerous to mention, but all the way through this dark tale the camera lingers on some awe-inspiring shots that almost have a Currier and Ives feeling about them.
The famous tale of the Headless Horseman by Washington Irving gets a new spin here with the plot elaborated so that JOHNNY DEPP is not a timid schoolmaster but a constable given the assignment to investigate the brutal murders taking place in Sleepy Hollow.
Depp is marvelous in the role and it's easy to see why he was Oscar nominated. MIRANDA RICHARDSON is outstanding in the large supporting cast and Christina RICCI, while improbably cast as Katrina, finally convinced me that she's an appealing actress.
Danny Elfman's score contributes greatly to the mood of the piece, drumming up the excitement for all the action scenes, one of which includes a mad chase in the forest with Depp clinging to the back of a horse drawn carriage while sliding on the ground on his belly.
As usual, Burton gets a chance to show buckets of blood, so the faint of heart may want to turn away for the gruesome moments--and there are plenty of them. But overall, a very impressive film with expert costume designs and muted visuals that capture the right feel for this kind of story.
Burton's elaborate revision really works.