What captivates me most about Guillermo del Toro is his unwavering commitment to his craft. When he embarks on a new project, he pours his heart and soul into it. Among all his endeavors, I’ve never witnessed a more profound display of his passion than in his exquisite film, “Pinocchio.” This modern reimagining of the classic tale of the Wooden Boy transcends the boundaries of storytelling and uproots into the realms of personal fantasy.
Guillermo del Toro, the masterful cinematic dream-weaver, collaborates with co-director Mark Gustafson to bring this tale to life. Through their visionary approach, they employ groundbreaking and intricately detailed stop-motion animation, pushing the boundaries of the medium. In this dark and captivating rendition of the puppet boy and his creator, del Toro ingeniously relocates the story to the backdrop of Fascist Italy.
Pinocchio’s journey unfolds amidst the backdrop of war, death, and sacrifice, allowing him to gradually grasp the essence of humanity. This daring narrative twist breathes new life into the timeless tale, and it’s no surprise that “Pinocchio” was honored with the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
What further enriches this cinematic experience are the voices behind the characters. Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Christoph Waltz lend their talents to this production, infusing it with depth and authenticity. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, making it resonate in profound and unexpected ways.
Ultimately, “Pinocchio” directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson is not just a retelling of a beloved fairy tale; it’s a bold and resonant exploration of courage and compassion in the face of adversity. This film promises to be a true masterpiece, a testament to the boundless creativity and passion of its creators.
The Criterion Collection has given “Pinocchio,” the visionary creation of directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson, the deluxe treatment it so rightfully deserves. This rendition of the classic tale is undoubtedly a collector’s dream, offering an exquisite package that invites repeated admiration and appreciation.
In the realm of cinematic treasures, this version of “Pinocchio” stands as true cinematic art. Criterion, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving the art of cinema, has left no stone unturned in presenting this work in its finest form. The result is a collector’s item that promises to be a source of delight and fascination for film enthusiasts and aficionados alike.
In this carefully curated edition of “Pinocchio,” you’ll find yourself drawn into a world of visual and narrative splendor. Every frame, every scene, and every moment of this cinematic masterpiece has been given the utmost care and consideration. It’s a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of ordinary viewing, inviting you to savor the intricate details, rich symbolism, and profound storytelling that Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson have masterfully crafted.
This Criterion release is designed to be cherished and revisited time and time again. It’s not just a movie; it’s an enduring work of art that unfolds new layers of meaning and appreciation with each viewing. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the original story or a newcomer to the world of Pinocchio, this collector’s item will captivate your imagination and leave you with a profound sense of wonder.
“Pinocchio” under the Criterion label is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the artistry and dedication of its creators. It’s cinematic excellence, an item that will undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and film connoisseurs, beckoning them to revisit and cherish its brilliance time and time again.
Special Features:
– 4K digital master, supervised by directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson, with Dolby Atmos
– One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
– Handcarved Cinema, a new documentary featuring del Toro, Gustafson, and cast and crew, including the film’s puppet creators, production designers, and animation supervisor
– Directing Stop-Motion, a new program featuring del Toro and Gustafson
– New conversation between del Toro and film critic Farran Smith Nehme
– New interview with curator Ron Magliozzi on The Museum of Modern Art’s 2022 exhibition devoted to the film
– A new program on the eight rules of animation that informed the film’s production
– A panel discussion featuring del Toro, Gustafson, production designer Guy Davis, composer Alexandre Desplat, and sound designer Scott Martin Gershin, moderated by filmmaker James Cameron
– Conversation between del Toro, Gustafson, and author Neil Gaiman
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing and English descriptive audio
– Essays by film critic Matt Zoller Seitz and author Cornelia Funke
– Cover by James Jean