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Based on a cult comic book, Hellboy is rather different from usual superhero fare. Even calling the eponymous central character a superhero is a bit of a stretch, although he does save the world from the forces of evil. The pitch is certainly unique - in 1944, a Nazi scheme (them again) inadvertently brings back a demonic child from the underworld via an interdimensional portal; this child, rescued by allied forces, grows up to become the mysterious crimestopper Hellboy. Director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth), who also writes the screenplay based on Mike Mignola's original comics, brings an interesting and complex character to the screen with considerable skill and obvious affection for the source material. The perfectly-cast Ron Perlman imbues Hellboy with charm and wit, somehow managing to express emotion beneath layers of bright red prosthetics. While Perlman effortlessly carries the film, he is backed up by a diverse range of characters including fish-man Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, with the voice of David Hyde Pierce) and fire-starter Liz Sherman (Selma Blair).
With such a motley crew of faces to introduce the audience to, del Toro felt the need to include a more normal everyman character for us to identify with. Enter Rupert Evans as John Myers, who is just starting a new job at the top-secret US Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defence, allowing potentially cumbersome exposition to be delivered as he's shown around his new "offices". Evans handles a rather thankless role quite well, even though his part in the plot does feel tacked on and the character reduces in prominence as the film progresses. Another element that del Toro adds is a love triangle between Hellboy, Myers and Liz - one of the more unusual trios you're likely to find - which is very endearingly played and leads to one of the film's funniest sequences, as Hellboy stalks the other two across city rooftops.
Right from the gripping World War 2 prologue, a compelling gothic atmosphere is established, no doubt aided by the film's Prague shooting locations (although the film is mostly set in America). The director cleverly juggles numerous subplots simultaneously without losing focus or narrative drive and doesn't forget to include a good serving of action too. Hellboy has quite a complicated script but, for the most part, it is handled well. Unfortunately the third act is quite weak, as the film strains to tie up all the loose ends and concludes with a procession of increasingly CGI-heavy set-pieces, which seem to strain the effects budget (a relatively small one compared to most blockbusters). In the melee, some characters are forced into the background and one even disappears completely. However, it doesn't squander all the goodwill that the first three quarters have built up, with the appealing sense of humour retained all the way through.
This director's cut is approximately 10 minutes longer than the theatrical cut. It's been too long since I saw the shorter version for me to notice the differences, but I certainly enjoyed this extended edition more than the theatrical cut (which at the time I actually didn't like much at all). None of the scenes in this longer incarnation felt extraneous and the pace still hurtles along. This is certainly the version to watch.
The extras
Disc 1 features two commentaries, one from the ever-enthusiastic Guillermo del Toro and one a more unusual choice, composer Marco Beltrami. Beltrami comments over a music-only soundtrack, and while the ability to hear a composer's thoughts is welcome and generally rare, Hellboy is a strange movie to receive such treatment as the score isn't particularly memorable. Still, it's an interesting addition. Also, as seems usual for comic book film DVDs, there's a branching behind-the-scenes option.
Disc 2 appears to be the same as the second disc of the theatrical cut DVD release, but that's no bad thing as it is home to the excellent 140-minute "Seeds of Creation" Making Of documentary. Three deleted scenes with optional commentary are quite redundant because they're in the director's cut, albeit in slightly altered form. There are also some typical storyboard-to-final-scene comparisons, trailers, image galleries (including an interesting one looking at different concepts for the film's poster campaign) and filmographies, evidently aimed at people who've never heard of the IMDb.
The fact that the main feature on Disc 3 is a video commentary smells of space-filling to me - being able to see the participants doesn't add anything, so it could have just been put on Disc 1 as a standard audio commentary - but it is at least a pretty good listen, and the contributors (cast members Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor and Rupert Evans) settle down as it goes along. It also sort of allows you to watch the theatrical version of the film, as that is the version that is talked about and it is shown in a box in the corner of the screen. "A Quick Guide to Understanding Comics" is a 12-minute look at the history of the medium, and a few short technical featurettes look at the film's distinctive visuals. You can also watch the Hellboy Q&A session at the 2002 San Diego Comic-Con, featuring del Toro, Perlman and Mike Mignola. Finally, there are conceptual art and photo galleries, some with optional commentary.
The set comes with a 16-page booklet, which is always appreciated, but this one just reiterates information found in the "Seeds of Creation" documentary and could have done with being proof-read. While some of the extras on the DVDs seem like padding, there's loads of fascinating stuff here with absolutely all the bases covered. It's a thoroughly comprehensive selection.
The summary
Hellboy may have some issues, but it's also extremely entertaining and has a superb atmosphere and a unique, eccentric charm. Certainly not for everyone but worth a gamble if it appeals.
