The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Review
Slipcover in Original Pressing Limited - 1,000 copies
Score: 55
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
A promising crime drama with pacing flaws, 'The Killing of Bobby Greene' offers a solid Blu-ray package for fans, aided by engaging twists and features.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 50
The Killing of Bobby Greene delivers a solid AVC-encoded 1080p presentation with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, capturing decent primary colors and passable delineation, yet marred by muted colors, noisy black levels, and an analog patina that adds a grimy texture akin to its S-VHS origins.
Audio: 50
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio mix for 'The Killing of Bobby Greene' features clear dialogue re-recordings but suffers from audio level inconsistencies and noticeable hisses. Despite clashes with the music and effects tracks, the dramatic elements remain captivating, although English SDH subtitles have frequent errors.
Extra: 76
The Blu-ray of 'The Killing of Bobby Greene' is a comprehensive package for Mick McCleery enthusiasts, featuring extensive commentary, a reworked cut of 'Crooks,' and insightful interviews that highlight the evolution of his filmmaking, technical challenges, and celebrated musical achievements, despite missing a trailer.
Movie: 51
The Killing of Bobby Greene is a solid Shot-on-Video thriller showcasing Mick McCleery's adept handling of suspense and psychological drama, despite pacing issues, with confident composition and relatable characters, enhanced by practical effects and an intricate narrative structure, offering a distinct edge in the teen thriller genre.
Video: 50
The Blu-ray release of "The Killing of Bobby Greene" presents an AVC-encoded video in a 1.35:1 aspect ratio, closely aligning with expectations for shot-on-video (SOV) features. The image captures a fair amount of detail particularly in character close-ups and interior scenes, though it remains somewhat constrained by the source material's limitations. The film’s exteriors hold an adequate representation of quarries and neighborhoods, maintaining an appreciation for its setting despite lacking depth. Colors are well-preserved with decent primary hues and acceptable skin tones, while greenery appears sufficient without drawing attention.
Maintaining the film’s original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p HD image displays a characteristic analog patina, typical of SOV releases. Muted colors alongside noisy black levels immerse viewers into the film’s intentionally grimy aesthetic, highlighted by processing lines that contribute to its retro appeal. While the source material restricts image detail, the presentation remains solid and nostalgic, amplified by the maintenance of skin tones within interior sequences. The good condition of the source S-VHS tapes is evident in the video quality, supporting an honest yet gritty portrayal reflective of the film's raw narrative.
Audio: 50
The audio presentation of "The Killing of Bobby Greene" on Blu-ray arises from a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix that demonstrates the challenges and triumphs of converting a VHS production to high-definition format. Dialogue clarity is prioritized with post-recorded vocal tracks, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of on-camera microphone muddiness. However, this clarity comes at the expense of a harmonious blend between dialogue and other auditory elements. The re-recorded voices are crisp and loud, yet they often conflict with the music and effects, leading to occasional distortion during heated scenes.
Subsequently, the mix does effectively deliver well-balanced soundtrack selections, retaining instrumentation that supports the film’s dramatic elements. Nonetheless, a persistent audio hiss is noticeable throughout, detracting somewhat from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the production's compelling dramatic hooks manage to engage viewers effectively, lessening the impact of the audio discrepancies.
Potential buyers should note that English SDH subtitles present frequent inconsistencies, which may pose problems for viewers relying on them for accessibility. Despite these technical limitations, the sound mix still offers a significant improvement over typical VHS audio quality, maintaining sufficient engagement through clear dialogue and balanced scoring. While it exhibits some wear and tear, the audio succeeds in preserving the film’s dramatic tension and narrative drive.
Extras: 76
The Blu-ray extras for "The Killing of Bobby Greene" present a comprehensive delve into Mick McCleery’s work, offering a treasure trove for enthusiasts of his filmography. Among the highlights are insightful commentary tracks with McCleery himself, which are particularly informative in detailing the technical challenges of SOV filmmaking. The inclusion of "Crooks," both the original and a 2023 edited version, showcases McCleery's early directorial efforts and evolution. The disc also features "Unlimited Vision," an engaging interview that examines McCleery's filmmaking journey, providing context to his creative process. Documentaries such as "One by One Film & Video: 1982-1992" serve as historical retrospectives of McCleery’s production company, while short films with optional commentary offer a glimpse into his thematic exploration and narrative style. Collectively, these extras provide an enlightening look into McCleery’s craftsmanship and the development of indie cinema.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary on The Killing of Bobby Greene: Features insights from writer/director/actor Mick McCleery.
- Crooks: A 1989 feature exploring criminal misadventures.
- Commentary on Crooks: An exploration of SOV filmmaking challenges with McCleery.
- Crooks: 2023 Cut: A re-edited version emphasizing streamlined storytelling.
- Unlimited Vision: A reflective interview with McCleery about his career path.
- One by One Film & Video: 1982-1992: A documentary of McCleery's early filmmaking era.
- Short Films (with optional commentary): Includes "Cyborg," "Out All Night," "Boys Will Be Boys," "Limited Vision," and "Pick-Up."
- Making of a Vision: Insights into the creation of the short film "Limited Vision."
Movie: 51
"The Killing of Bobby Greene" attempts to be a gritty, suspenseful teen thriller that reflects the tumultuous journey of Ray Sterling, portrayed by Mick McCleery, who also serves as the writer and director. The film centers around Ray's descent into crime following his father's imprisonment and subsequent suicide, a catalyst triggered by Bobby Greene's father. Initial scenes are engaging, skillfully establishing the film's foundation in teenage angst and revenge. However, as it progresses, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum, leading to repetition and hampering the intended escalating suspense.
McCleery effectively captures a stark and composed visual style, despite the film's technical limitations typical of shot-on-video (SOV) productions from that era. His decision to helm the lead role facilitates a cohesive exploration of Ray's character, albeit at a deliberately languid pace that challenges viewers' patience. The storyline does manage to maintain intrigue with unexpected twists, although predictability seeps in as the narrative unfolds. While naturalistic dialogue is scarce, the cast—comprised mainly of first-time actors—adequately conveys character motivation and relationship dynamics.
The film's craftsmanship shows McCleery leveraging years of experience honed through Super 8 and VHS shorts to produce a structurally sound SOV feature. It cleverly navigates genre conventions without succumbing to gratuitous tropes, focusing instead on psychological tension and character development. While the film neatly juxtaposes each character's moral evolution against Ray's unraveling psyche, it could benefit from later revelation of pivotal plot points, such as Ray's father's demise. This timing would enhance dramatic irony and engage audiences more deeply post-viewing. Overall, "The Killing of Bobby Greene" stands as a commendable example within its niche, maintaining narrative integrity while navigating the constraints typical of debut SOV efforts.
Total: 55
"The Killing of Bobby Greene" is an intriguing psychological drama that delves into the nuances of revenge and deception, presenting a narrative heavily inspired by the crime thrillers of the 1990s. While Detective Dean features in the storyline, the focus remains resolutely on Ray’s tangled web of personal mistakes and a convoluted plan of vengeance. The film's pacing is a notable concern, reflecting McCleery's inexperience as a filmmaker, with an initial burst of energy that gradually dwindles towards the conclusion. However, the substance of the plot and character interactions remain engaging, despite these pacing pitfalls.
The Blu-ray release by Saturn’s Core and OCN Distribution offers a commendable A/V package that enhances the cinematic experience, transcending any limitations posed by the movie's original SOV format. Viewers are treated to an array of bonus content like short films, adding substantial value to the disc. Such supplemental materials enrich viewers' understanding and appreciation of McCleery’s directorial vision. While this release is particularly appealing to existing fans of McCleery's work, it also promises entertainment for new audiences open to exploring its atmospheric, if occasionally flawed, narrative.
In conclusion, "The Killing of Bobby Greene" stands out for its thematic complexity and nostalgic homage to 90s thrillers, offering an exciting yet inconsistent journey. The film's Blu-ray iteration provides a worthwhile exploration of McCleery's fledgling craft, particularly recommended for enthusiasts of indie cinema. Whether through its story or the extensive bonus features, there’s enough intrigue packaged to warrant attention, making it a worthwhile addition to any collector's shelf.
Blu-ray.com review by Brian OrndorfRead review here
Video: 70
Detail reaches about as far as possible here, offering a look at character appearances and interiors, which mostly explore domestic areas with limited decoration....
Audio: 70
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "The Killing of Bobby Greene" doesn't make use of original sound, offering pronounced dialogue re-recording....
Extras: 80
"Making of a Vision" (24:16, SD) explores the creation of the short film, "Limited Vision."...
Movie: 50
There's something of a story to enjoy with early scenes in the feature, which explore a plot of revenge with a mild degree of interesting turns, but "The Killing of Bobby Greene" eventually runs out of...
Total: 80
"The Killing of Bobby Greene" grows slow and silly, and McCleery's position as a first-time filmmaker is evident in the frustrating pacing of the movie, which opens with a mild bang, and ends half-asleep,...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 40
As with many SOV features, the source material provides a predictable expectation for its jump to Blu-ray....
Audio: 40
Going for post-recorded dialogue alleviates this messy obstacle, but the result is exchanges that don’t gel with the DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mix....
Extras: 80
An archival making-of documentary on McCleery’s short film Limited Vision which was a segment in a sci-fi anthology titled Alien Agenda: Out of the Darkness....
Movie: 60
Keeping this fact until midway through the story puts us in a predicament of either siding with Ray or, at the least, understanding his intentions for messing with Bobby....
Total: 60
The Blu-ray from Saturn’s Core and OCN Distribution presents the film with a solid A/V package and a slew of bonus features, including short films and bonus features....
Director: Mick McCleery
Actors: Mick McCleery, Felicia Freedman, Joshua Batt
PlotIn a gritty urban setting, detective Frank McAllister is tasked with solving the murder of Bobby Greene, a small-time criminal whose death has sent ripples through the city's underworld. As he digs deeper into the case, Frank uncovers a tangled web of deceit, corruption, and retribution. His investigation leads him to the doorstep of various shady characters, each with their own secrets and motives. Among them is Lisa, Bobby's former girlfriend, who seems both distraught and harboring her own agenda. Frank also encounters Eddie, a local crime boss with ties to Bobby. Despite Eddie's alibi and seeming cooperation, Frank believes there is more to the story. As he follows leads and works to piece together Bobby's final days, Frank confronts his own moral dilemmas.
As the layers of corruption unravel, Frank finds himself at odds with his own department and pressured to drop the case. Despite this, he continues his pursuit for justice, driven by a need to uncover the truth behind Bobby Greene's murder. The investigation becomes increasingly perilous as Frank gets closer to the unsettling reality of who had motive to see Bobby dead. With trust in short supply and time running out, Frank faces the challenge of navigating betrayals and uncovering allies. The tension rises as he edges nearer to exposing dangerous truths that could threaten not only his career but his life.
Writers: Mick McCleery
Release Date: N/A
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: Unrated
Country: United States
Language: English