Stop reading and go take over the world.

It would have been wonderful to have a behind the sets look at the making of this film, but it's doubtful that any such footage was recorded at the time or still exists. Instead, the studio could have contacted Burton, Elfman, and several of the major cast or crew members for short interviews reflecting on the film, or perhaps provided a sneak peek of the making on an upcoming Burton film, such as 9 or the remake of Frankenweenie, which was originally filmed only four years before Beetlejuice and was partially responsible for Burton's big break as director of the Pee-Wee movie. As the film and special features stand, however, it seems as though the studio simply repackaged existing material, slapped a "20th anniversary" label on it, and jacked up the price, which seems unfair to consumers.

Even though I felt that the series didn't live up to expectations, it was still fun to watch and I enjoyed almost every episode. Rumor has it that TNT cancelled the show due to Butler's struggle with alcoholism as well as low ratings, but if she was having off-set problems, they were never reflected on camera. She, along with the rest of the cast, did a great job with the material they were given and if the series had had a little more direction, it might have really taken off. Most of the writing was actually quite good; the characters were interesting, dialogue was often excellent, and most of the episodes were internally consistent and engaging. There was a lot of potential for success here, but in the end, these parallel lines just didn't ever cross.

For the true Sondheim / Sweeney experience, you really need to see the full musical performed by a Broadway-caliber cast. Barring that, this movie is a great adaptation and introduction to the show. Another knockout Burton/Depp collaboration!

This incredibly creative and beautiful film provides a fresh and valuable perspective on the Iranian people and their culture and may make western audiences think twice about the freedoms many of us take for granted.