The story begins with the birth of beautiful Snow White and the subsequent death of her lovely mother while Snow is a very young girl. Even as her father, King Magnus, is reeling from his beloved wife's death, a strange army amasses outside of his kingdom and he and his troops are forced to engage. After they defeat the peculiar intruders, a captive is discovered, a stunning blonde woman named Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Magnus is so taken with her, he marries her the next day. Ravenna's true form is revealed when she murders Magnus on their wedding night and declares herself the ruler of his kingdom, banishing little Snow White to the highest tower, even as her uncle and his son, William, are forced to flee the kingdom and leave Snow behind.
Fast-forward about 10 years and Ravenna's dark magic has taken its toll on the kingdom. Not only is the surrounding area gritty and filthy, but everything that was once green and lush has shriveled up and died. Ravenna is so consumed with vanity that she will stop at nothing to acquire immortal beauty, even if it means obtaining Snow White's (Kristen Stewart) heart, which is pure and the complete antithesis of Ravenna's. When Snow White is able to escape the castle during the advances of Ravenna's slimy brother, Finn (Sam Spruell), she runs into the Dark Forest, a terrifying place, and Ravenna summons the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to find her, promising him the return of someone he previously lost if he succeeds. However, after meeting Snow in the forest, he realizes the evil queen's plan and together with a band of seven swarthy dwarfs and a little fairy magic, Snow determines to retake her rightful claim to the throne and defeat Ravenna and her evil magic once and for all.
What stands out most in Snow White & the Huntsman are the astounding special effects and dark aesthetic. Whether it's the Mirror Man rising out of a pool of molten gold, Ravenna disappearing into a flock of dispersing black birds, the terrifying horrors of the Dark Forest, or the fantastical creatures in the fairy world, the visuals impress. Director Rupert Sanders had a definite vision for Snow White & the Huntsman and the imagery makes it very clear that he was going for a very adult version of the classic tale.
The most impressive actor in Snow White & the Huntsman is easily Charlize Theron in her frightening representation of Ravenna. She is truly fearsome and a force to be reckoned with. Kristen Stewart does an admirable job as Snow White, especially towards the end when she is rallying the troops, but she just isn't what I picture when I think of Snow White, honestly. I just didn't really buy her in the role. Helmsworth does a great job as the Huntsman, a brutish character troubled by his past. The most interesting array of characters lies within the seven dwarfs as you have Bob Hoskins (Muir), Ian McShane (Beith), Nick Frost (Nion), Ray Winstone (Gort), Toby Jones (Coll), Eddie Marsan (Duir), Johnny Harris (Quert) and Brian Gleeson (Gus). Many of these names are easily recognizable and the tricks they used to make them appear to be dwarfs are quite impressive.
Special features include commentary, featurettes on the reimagining of the classic tale, the special effects used in production, a 4-part featurette on the major characters of the film (Snow White, Ravenna, the Huntsman and the Seven Dwarves), one on the actors and a 360 degree set tour, chock-full of info. This last featurette contains views of the various settings used in the film and, by clicking on the icons scattered about, you'll be treated to a bit of info on that location from the cast and crew. Additionally, you can move the map about to literally view all 360 degrees of the area. There's also the choice between the Theatrical version and the Extended version, which contains an additional 4 minutes.
As I mentioned, the special effects and imagery are the most outstanding aspect of Snow White & the Huntsman and Blu-ray makes it all the more impressive. Everything is dark, yet sharp, and the surround sound really works to immerse you into the film, especially during the Dark Forest and battle scenes. Also, I have to note that Ravenna's wardrobe is simply stunning.
While it's a different take on the classic fairytale of Snow White, Snow White & the Huntsman is worth watching. It's not my favorite film, but I enjoyed it. It just didn't grab me as much as some fantasy films. Just be aware that this film is not necessarily for kids since Ravenna is, well, a heart-eater, and she just might scare the bejeezus out of children.
