The Boondock Saints Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Boondock Saints" utilizes the same 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer as the 2009 release. This choice by 20th Century Fox does not detract from the quality; it remains a faithful representation of the low-budget source material. The transfer adeptly preserves the film's original grain structure, steering clear of any unwelcome DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) application. While minor edge enhancement is occasionally evident, it does not significantly impact the viewing experience. High-definition details are commendably presented, showcasing elements like Willem Defoe's facial lines and the intricate design of firearms.

The color palette is intentionally muted, aligning with the film's thematic tone, and although the colors are not overly vibrant, they maintain a suitable density. Black levels exhibit some variability, ranging from solid to slightly grayish, but this does not present a substantial issue. Skin tones are generally accurate, with occasional minor deviations into ruddiness. Minor print imperfections are present, manifesting as sporadic white specks, yet they do not detract from the overall visual quality. There are no discernible compression artifacts, ensuring a smooth and consistent visual presentation throughout.

Overall, while the Blu-ray does not achieve the spectacular clarity and color depth offered by modern formats like 4K HDR or Dolby Vision, it provides a reliable and authentic high-definition experience that remains true to the film's aesthetic and budgetary constraints.

The Blu-ray release of "The Boondock Saints" boasts a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that remains largely unchanged from previous editions, which is a plus considering its already exceptional quality. Although the sound design doesn’t rely heavily on explosive dynamics, the film’s numerous gunplay sequences are delivered with an impressive level of detail and energy. Punchy gunshots and the immersive movement of bullets across the soundfield ensure your sound system gets a vigorous workout. Even in quieter moments, ambient sounds like Boston’s wind, distant traffic, and chatter enhance the overall immersive experience, expertly utilizing the rear channels.

Furthermore, the soundtrack, blending American-Irish music—some created by Duffy's own band, The Brood—maintains a high level of audio fidelity. The audio mix features deep and defined bass, ensuring clarity throughout the range, with a robust presence across all channels. Dialogue is consistently clean and intelligible, maintaining clarity without overpowering other elements in the mix. The inclusion of optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles adds adaptability for various viewing preferences.

Overall, this audio presentation has been well-designed to maximize the energy and atmosphere of "The Boondock Saints," making it a strong offering for home theater enthusiasts. The balance between dynamic sequences and ambient soundscapes demonstrates an impressive range and a keen attention to detail that enriches the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Boondock Saints" deliver comprehensive insights and bonus content that will satisfy fans of the cult classic. The disc includes both the theatrical version and the Director's Cut of the film, along with two distinct audio commentaries—one by Director Troy Duffy and the other by actor Billy Connolly. The commentary by Duffy is notably dry and less engaging, while Connolly's Scottish charm makes his track more approachable. A standout addition is the exclusive new feature, "Boondock Saints: The Film, The Phenomenon," presenting a nearly 30-minute discussion with key figures such as Troy Duffy, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and David Della Rocco. This feature replaces the previously included script and delves into the film’s creation, production anecdotes, and cultural impact. Additional materials include seven deleted scenes, brief outtakes, the original theatrical trailer, and the bonus of D-Box Motion Code for a more immersive viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Troy Duffy: Insightful, albeit dry, solo track.
• Audio Commentary with Billy Connolly: Engaging commentary featuring Connolly's distinctive Scottish accent.
• Boondock Saints: The Film, The Phenomenon: A 29-minute retrospective discussion with key cast and crew members.
• 7 Deleted Scenes: Seven omitted sequences providing additional context.
• Outtakes: Brief behind-the-scenes clips.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer.
• D-Box Motion Code Enabled: Enhanced motion feature for compatible systems.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Digital version of the film included for convenience.

"The Boondock Saints" is a divisive exploration of vigilante justice set in the gritty underworld of South Boston. The plot follows Irish brothers Connor and Murphy MacManus, who channel their self-defense kill of a Russian mobster into a divine mission to cleanse the city of evil. Initially seen as heroes by the local community, the brothers' methodical eliminations catch the attention of FBI agent Paul Smecker, whose investigation oscillates between professional duty and personal intrigue as he grapples with silently condoning their actions.

The film's narrative structure relies heavily on nonlinear storytelling, notably jumping between the brothers' planning of hits and the aftermath, reconstructed through Smecker’s interpretations. This repetitive mechanism, while briefly engaging, showcases a series of violent action sequences with minimal depth to character development or plot substance. The MacManus brothers' motivations are distilled into a repetitive prayer and religious iconography, lacking meaningful examination of their extremist vigilantism.

Critically, Duffy's dialogue and script falter under the weight of trying to mimic Tarantino's style, often resorting to gratuitous profanity and homophobic slurs under the guise of edginess. Despite shortcomings in both script and execution, performances stand out, particularly Willem Defoe’s eccentric FBI agent Smecker, whose scenes inject a much-needed vitality into the film. While Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus demonstrate palpable brotherly chemistry, their characters are indistinguishable, further underscoring the script's inadequacy. Overall, "The Boondock Saints” garners its cult following more from its action set-pieces and occasional one-liners than any substantive storytelling or character depth.

The Blu-ray release of "The Boondock Saints" is a technically competent edition that caters to both new viewers and long-time fans alike. Although the film itself may divide audiences, with some perceiving it as a mere superficial attempt at emulating Tarantino's style, it still enjoys a strong cult following. This Blu-ray release capitalizes on that popularity by offering an all-new special feature to entice fans. Fox's strategy of adding a retrospective feature is a calculated move to tempt enthusiasts into upgrading, though it's worth noting that this is the sole addition over the 2009 release.

In terms of audiovisual quality, the Blu-ray provides a respectable high-definition experience. Presented in 1080p, the visual quality is sharp and clear, enhancing the gritty urban aesthetic that defines the film. The audio presentation is robust as well, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio track that ensures a dynamic and immersive listening experience. However, it’s important to mention that the overall package remains largely identical to previous releases, with no significant improvements in core technical aspects other than the added retrospective feature.

For those who already own the 2009 edition, the decision to upgrade hinges primarily on one's interest in behind-the-scenes content. The new special feature is informative but not essential for casual viewers. For first-time buyers who appreciate solid technical execution and value-added special features, this edition offers a well-rounded package. However, it’s not revolutionary enough to warrant a repurchase for existing owners.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Boondock Saints" serves its purpose by maintaining high technical standards while adding marginal content to attract collectors. It is a solid buy for newcomers but offers little incentive for those who already possess previous editions. Fans will appreciate the effort, but casual viewers may find more substance elsewhere.