Customer Reviews

The Crow: Stairway To Heaven - The Complete Series

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Stairway to Heaven is often unfavorably compared to the original Crow movie, in part because it uses the same characters and in part because, let's face it, that movie is a masterpiece. That said, you can't do the same things in a TV series that you can in a movie. For instance, at the end of the first two hours, there still has to be a plot left and characters still have to have room to grow. In that, Stairway more than succeeds. It creates a whole new world in the Crow mythos, a kind of "what might have been" that just gets better with every episode. The music in this series is great, too. And it's about time it got released on DVD.

The short-lived television series `The Crow - Stairway To Heaven' is yet another incarnation of the popular movies chronicling the exploits of the tormented Eric Draven on his unending battle against the forces of darkness and his quest to join his beloved Shelly waiting on the Otherside. Building on the foundation established by the '94 cult classic `The Crow' starring the late Brandon Lee, this serialized retelling and extension of the Crow's ongoing saga stars Mark Dacascos in the role of the black garbed, supernatural avenger.

Mark is perfect for the part, succeeding in both emulating and expanding on the role and persona so vividly portrayed by Brandon. The television series also did an admirable job at duplicating the overall gothic atmosphere and morose melancholy that permeated the original film. Someone definitely did their homework before going into production of the series.

In my opinion the glue that holds the saga together while adding depth and dimension to the storyline is the tragic love story between Eric and Shelly. It's their ethereal, intermittent meetings between this world and the next that constitute the soul of the Crow mythos and validates his reasoning for battling on. This romantic, gothic essence is beautifully recaptured in this television series and should help to draw more female interest to an otherwise male dominated audience.

"The Crow: Stairway to Heaven" takes its place on the "Canceled To Soon" list. It really was a wonderful story that put a new perspective on the "Crow" mythos. In this show, Eric Draven's story became one of redemption and Mark Dacascos played him beautifully. The show also featured wonderful performances by Marc Gomez (as Albrecht), Katie Stuart (as Sarah), and Sabine Karsenti (as Shelly). People have been waiting for this show to come out on DVD for a long time (the show ran for one season from 1998 to 1999), so it's great that it's finally here. I look forward to revisiting the episodes and seeing what extras come in this 4-disc set.

I'm amazed it took them this long to release this series on DVD, but better late than never. I'm surprised how many people in the reviews seem to be divided on its quality. It's based on the first films characters, but also you have to think of it in terms of a series, they couldn't just keep reenacting the movie. They added new ideas and some worked really well I thought, while others weren't as clear, but it's hard to tell as the show only got one season. Basically, if you liked the movie and are really into the premise itself, you'll find an interesting take on it in the show. I personally liked the sequels, although I agree they aren't nearly as well done as the first, and some have been much better than others, but if you really enjoy all things Crow, this will provide a lot to like, if nothing more than Mark Dacascos who does a great job despite having the enormous task of living up to Brandon Lee.

I have waited for this forever and a day. I am a huge fan of this show. A lot of crow fans made fun of this show and compared it to the original crow movie and liked the movie better. I also loved the movie but loved the series more. I havnt been into any new tv shows since the series was cancelled. I gave it a 5 star cuz I know it will be great and I hope the extras are good ~caw~ crowAngel :)

02-25-2008
This DVD set is a great buy for the people surfing and wondering what this show was about. Buy it you will get into it. The 1st and last episode were a little different but I would pick this show over any thing past, present, or future. Loaded with extras and are great. I purchased it the day it came out and havnt stopped watching since. ~caw~

"...my soul will never rest until we are together again."

Who could forget those opening words. I was so shocked and happy to see that this series is finally being released on dvd. I had actually looked for it last year, because my tapes (taped from the tv, not a release) of the season were getting run down and basically in bad condition. Normally, I wouldn't flip through the TV Guide, but I did and found the little insert about The Crow: Stairway to Heaven being brought to dvd! I was amazed that it took so long because of the loyal cult following that the Crow movies started. They knew they would have buyers, so I really didn't get why it took as long as it did.

The show of course revolves around Eric Draven, very much like the movie, and his many friends. The show only lasted for a season and a half, being abruptly taken off after only five episodes into season two, I believe it was that many. Anyways, if you liked the movie, you are sure to like this series. Its got martial arts, drama, danger, intrigue, and all that good stuff. Also the dvd includes many bonus features including commentary from Marc Dacascos(?), and creator Bryce Zabel. There are outtakes as well it seems, and behind the scenes of at least one or two episodes. All in all, I think they are giving fans what they want with this five-disc set.

**Update**

I just recieved my copy in the mail today and right now I'm watching the first episode. The quality of the dvds is excellent, and the picture is crisp and clear. The extras include (as found on the back of the box): Commentary on Episodes 1 & 2 by Mark Dacascos and Bryce Zabel, The Show's Gag Reel, The Production dailies for "Death Wish," "Dead to Rights," and "A Gathering Storm;" The Original Score, Photo Gallery, Mark Dacascos Biography, Inside Kung-Fu Magazine articles, The Pilot Script, All 22 Episode Scripts, The Original Episode Descriptions, The Show's Bible, and Tv Guide Crossword Puzzles.

Discs 1-4 contain five episodes each, while disc 5 has the final two. The extras are scattered throughout the five discs, I believe.

I got my copy today and am amazed. A one-season series, and yet instead of the standard "gotta be flipped" three-disc set, TV Guide releases five discs, with loads of extras. They even included the "this episode featured music by . . . " tags just before the closing credits.

The series itself of course is wonderful and should have run more seasons, but the other reviews here are a tribute to that. The job done on the set makes it well worth the price, so if you think it sounds at all interesting, please buy it so that TV Guide will know that buyers appreciate great editions and keep the standard this high.

I will be posting my review of this set once it is out. I wanted to communicate what the set will have on it, and couldn't find any other way to post it here.

Here is what will be included.

This is now a 5-disk set. The 5th disk will house the majority of the extras which include:

1. Gag Reel
2. Production Dailies from episodes: "A Gathering Storm", "Death Wish" and "Dead to Rights"
3. Script for all episodes
4. Original Episode Descriptions
5. Photo Gallery
6. Mark Decascos Filmography
7. "The Crow: Stairway to Heaven" Original Score by Peter Manning Robinson
8. Reprints from Kung Fu Magazine story about Mark and The Crow
9. TV Guide crossword puzzles.

On disk 1, the first two episodes "Soul Can't Rest" & "Souled Out" will have commentary track from series star Mark Dacascos and series producer Bryce Zabel.

All in all, this has turned out to be a very nice release. Like I mentioned previously, I will repost an actual review of the set once I receive it.

I loved the first movie but like so many others, I only got more and more disappointed with each movie release. This series was wonderful though, I remember waiting each week for the next episode. It was based on the first movie and includes more development of the characters and a deeper look into the powers of the crow. Mark Dacascos was so wonderful, he is still my favorite crow. I just wish it hadn't been canceled after a single season. *sigh*

I recall watching this when it was on the air, but I had forgotten about it. After picking up this 5 pc DVD set and watching it again, it makes me hunger for more episodes. But alas! like the t.v. series "Dark Angel" we'll never know what would've happened after the cliff-hanger ending.
A fan of the "Crow" movies, I personally liked Mark Dacascos as the "Eric Draven" character. He gives the character a sensitive persona when of course he's not in his CROW form. Striving to be reuited with his dead love & soul-mate "Shelly Webster" he tries to put right what goes wrong. Mark's martial artist skills come out beautifully in this series.
The pilot opens basically re-telling the story as seen in the original "Crow" movie that starred Brandon Lee, but with a few adaptations & changes. One year after Eric and Shelly are brutally murdered, the mystical crow who has the power to bring back a soul, brings Eric back to life. Being neither dead nor alive he wanders the earth with strange powers. At first he goes after the ones responsible for the murders of him and his beloved Shelly, but then he teams up with the police Detective Albrecht in helping to solve other crimes. Yet, he never loses sight of trying to become re-united with Shelly somehow, someway or someday.
If you're a "Crow" (or Mark Dacascos) fan, then I would highly recommend this set. But don't try to compare it to the other "Crow" movies, appreciate it for what it is a series in it's own light. I will treasure this DVD set & probably re-watch it, it was worth every cent that I paid for it.