Sinners and Saints Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Sinners and Saints" on Blu-ray delivers a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, aligning well with the gritty and hard-edged aesthetic of the film. The transfer showcases a highly stylized look with an over-saturated, warm palette and blown-out contrast, adding to the intense atmosphere but leading to a somewhat inconsistent appearance. Fine detail fluctuates between good and adequate depending on the scene, with a generally strong but not immaculate representation. Blacks are consistently deep yet occasionally crushed, which obscures some shadow details and flattens the overall dimension of the image.

Grain is present throughout and adds to the gritty texture that the film aims for, but certain scenes can appear washed out and muted despite the high contrast and hot colors. The flesh tones often appear overly warm and bright, enhancing the movie’s visual style but sometimes detracting from naturalism. Some scenes depict smeary and undefined faces and clothes, further contributing to the rough and unpolished look. However, the film source is in good shape, free from excessive banding or blocking. Though technically competent, the transfer often falls short artistically, resulting in an image that can seem pedestrian and even cheap at times.

Overall, while the Blu-ray presentation of "Sinners and Saints" effectively captures the intended gritty, worn-down atmosphere, it lacks a consistent quality and falls far from being demo-worthy. This edition might serve viewers well enough given its adherence to the film’s style, but it doesn’t elevate beyond serviceable—delivering a rough but authentic visual experience that mirrors its edgy narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Sinners and Saints" is offered with an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, complemented by English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Unfortunately, this track falls short of expectations for an action-packed film. The mix, though spatially decent with some well-placed musical elements, fails to deliver the necessary impact for a genre characterized by shootouts and explosions. Gunshots and explosions sound surprisingly thin, flat, and lack the necessary punch, resulting in an overall lack of immersion. Bass activities are adequate but fail to bring the depth and aggressiveness one might anticipate from such content.

Dialogue clarity fluctuates, with certain scenes presenting muddiness that diminishes intelligibility, notably during more active sequences. While the music benefits from nice separation across the front channels, the sound effects rarely utilize the surround channels effectively. For instance, the ringing of a flash-bang grenade and gunfire often sound muddled and hollow rather than crisp and piercing. This issue is further evident in action-intensive sequences, where audio dynamics fall woefully short.

Balance amongst different audio elements is generally maintained; however, the dynamic range feels constrained and limited in fidelity. The soundtrack misses opportunities to fully envelop the listener, leaving many critical scenes lacking in audio intensity. Though not a complete failure, this track remains squarely middle-of-the-road and does not elevate the film's otherwise high-energy visual presentation.

The Blu Ray edition of "Sinners and Saints" offers a limited selection of extras that are both brief and moderately informative. The primary extra, "Behind the Scenes," runs just under four minutes and provides a succinct overview of the film's stunt coordination, including weapon training, shooting sequences, and car stunts. The feature is presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, but it lacks subtitles and deep insight into the filmmaking process. In addition, seven deleted scenes are included, totaling seven minutes with similar technical specifications. These scenes attempt to provide further character development but ultimately add little value. The absence of chapter breaks makes the viewing experience somewhat fragmented.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sinners and Saints: Behind the Scenes: Brief look into stunts and action sequences.
• Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes offering minimal additional character depth.

"Sinners and Saints" ventures into the gritty cop drama genre, reminiscent of hits like "Training Day." While it aspires to pack an edgier punch, this ambition occasionally undermines fundamental aspects of filmmaking, such as consistent acting and well-choreographed action. The movie, set against the backdrop of New Orleans, follows Detective Sean Riley (Johnny Strong), who is deeply embittered by personal tragedies and a catastrophic bust. Under orders from his captain (Tom Berenger), Riley pairs with Detective Will Ganz (Kevin Phillips) to tackle a series of brutal crimes. The narrative is intriguing yet swings between moments of high potential and near-collapse, creating an experience that's frustratingly engaging.

Technically, "Sinners and Saints" suffers from its limited budget, leading to an inconsistent quality in production values. This low-budget aura is offset occasionally by a palpable sense of effort and determination. The movie’s uneven storytelling, stilted dialogue, and fluctuating pacing sometimes fracture the narrative flow. Strong's portrayal of Riley is a mix of brooding intensity, bringing a certain rough charm to the character, though ultimately limited by the script’s superficial character development. Phillips offers a wooden performance that does little to complement the partnership dynamic essential to the film's core.

Despite its many flaws, "Sinners and Saints" manages to deliver in parts where it matters most for its audience: the action sequences. Directed by William Kaufman, these scenes are well-executed, adding bursts of excitement to the otherwise patchy film. The climactic and high-octane fights are staged competently, though their impact wanes due to a lack of emotional investment in the characters. Ultimately, "Sinners and Saints" won't win accolades for cinematic greatness but merits a watch for its earnest effort and occasional thrilling moments. Die-hard fans of gritty action flicks might find some enjoyment in its relentless drive and sporadic flashes of brilliance.

"Sinners and Saints," while embodying many clichéd elements of gritty, edgy cop movies, attempts to rise above its genre's confines through raw determination and commendable effort. Despite struggling to maintain a consistent quality, the film occasionally redeems itself with moments of unexpected intensity, featuring a mix of good performances and predictable storylines. Although some technical aspects fall short, the film's earnest attempts to craft a compelling narrative with limited resources is clear.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray presentation is a mixed bag. The video transfer is competent, but the film's inherently cheap and stylized aesthetic results in an occasionally harsh and uneven viewing experience. Audio quality remains serviceable yet fails to impress, delivering a flat and mundane sound mix that doesn't fully capitalize on the action sequences. Extras are minimal, offering little added value beyond the primary content.

In conclusion, "Sinners and Saints" isn’t a standout in the action genre, but it deserves recognition for its genuine effort amidst mediocre elements. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release reflects the film's highs and lows in both technical quality and content. While it may not be worth a high investment, it’s worth purchasing at a reasonable price for those inclined to explore the labor of love that went into its creation.