Killing Bono Blu-ray Review

"Killing Bono" on Blu-ray offers a visually engaging experience, captured through the lens of cinematographer Kieran McGuigan. Utilizing Techniscope—a budget-friendly format revitalized with digital intermediates—McGuigan successfully renders a diverse palette that ranges from the surreal, almost fluorescent sheen of late 80s scenes to the gritty earth tones of mid-70s Dublin. The Blu-ray's 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer showcases these palettes effectively, maintaining a smooth, filmic appearance. The disc delivers deep blacks where necessary and natural-looking grain that is subtle and not overpowering. The reproduction of colors is meticulous, from the faded aesthetics in more subdued settings to the fully saturated, vivid hues in livelier scenes such as those in Machin's club.

The Blu-ray excels in fine detail and texture reproduction. Viewers can easily discern minute details—such as individual hairs in Neil’s beard or the intricate stitching in wool coats—imparting a sense of realism and depth to the visuals. The earthier color palette of browns and yellows becomes particularly noticeable, while elements like vibrant red lipstick provide striking contrasts. The concert sequences are notably well-handled, with nimble spotlights adding dynamism without falling prey to common technical issues like blocking or artifacts.

However, the video presentation is not entirely flawless. One recurring issue is the flat and gray appearance of blacks in low-lit indoor scenes, which can crush details and obscure figures in shadowed areas. Despite this minor drawback, the overall quality remains impressive, making "Killing Bono" a visually compelling addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The audio presentation of "Killing Bono" on Blu Ray is anchored by its DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, which strives to authentically depict the different eras and venues the characters inhabit throughout the film. Early scenes, featuring Ivan McCormick and the nascent U2, convincingly capture the raw, unrefined sound of a teenage jam session, with all its inherent roughness. As the story progresses and the McCormick brothers' band evolves, so does the auditory experience, realistically mirroring the transition to more professional settings with muddier mixes, overloaded amplifiers, and booming bass typical of well-worn sound systems. The standout moments are often accompanied by distant U2 tracks, providing a stark contrast in quality. Music enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the end credits, which feature a blend of studio recordings of original songs by the McCormick brothers and tracks written for the film by Joe Echo.

In terms of surround utilization, the mix adopts a somewhat conservative approach, reserving the full surround effect primarily for concert scenes where the rear channels add depth and immersion. Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained through the center channel, although viewers may find Irish accents challenging without subtitles. However, there are notable drawbacks. Despite the abundance of music, many users may perceive the overall mix as somewhat flat and lacking in dynamic range. Non-concert scenes often suffer from underutilized rear speakers and a scarcity of impactful bass, an omission particularly surprising given the robust musical content available. This uneven volume can necessitate higher-than-average system adjustments to achieve satisfactory audio levels. While functional, the audio mix does not entirely leverage its potential to elevate the film's rich musical landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Killing Bono" provide a comprehensive complement to the main feature, enriching the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The "Making of 'Killing Bono'" featurette offers engaging promotional interviews with the cast and crew, including insightful commentary from Nick Hamm, Mark McCormick, Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan, and Pete Postlethwaite. The behind-the-scenes footage further enhances this in-depth look, offering historical context and a glimpse into the production process. Additionally, the included theatrical trailer efficiently encapsulates the film’s essence, presenting a tantalizing preview of the two brothers’ quest for fame. The startup bonus trailers for "Knuckle," "Seducing Charlie Barker," and "The Way" provide extra entertainment value but are only accessible upon disc startup.

Extras included in this disc:

• An In-Depth Look at the Making of 'Killing Bono': Informative featurette with cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: A precise encapsulation of the film's story.
• Bonus Trailers: Initial startup trailers for three additional films.

"Killing Bono" is an absorbing dark comedy that takes a unique spin on the rock-and-roll narrative by focusing on Neil McCormick, played by Ben Barnes, a man forever overshadowed by his childhood friend, the now-iconic Bono of U2. The film, inspired by McCormick's 2003 memoir "Killing Bono: I Was Bono's Doppelgänger," delves into the trials and tribulations of a man perennially poised on the brink of stardom but held back by misfortune—and occasionally, his own poor decisions. Director Nick Hamm's approach to this tale eschews the traditional biographical drama, presenting instead a mordantly witty, surrealist journey through McCormick’s persistent, yet ultimately futile, quest for rock glory.

Set against the backdrop of 1987 Dublin during U2's Joshua Tree album promotion, the film starts with a frantic sequence showcasing McCormick’s exaggerated frustration towards Bono. Flashbacks reveal Neil’s pivotal and ill-fated decision to prevent his younger brother Ivan from joining Bono's emerging band. This act of jealousy serves as the catalyst for a series of comedic misadventures and missteps in Neil’s pursuit of success. Neil's brash confidence is matched only by his poor judgment, epitomized by his disastrous choice to engage with an Irish gangster for financial support, setting off a cascade of chaotic events that epitomize the absurdity and unpredictability of the music industry.

Though the plot is heavily fictionalized for dramatic effect, its core remains compelling, portraying Neil McCormick as an almost tragic figure—ambitious and talented yet continually undermined by his overreaching ego and refusal to capitalize on opportunities afforded by his friendship with Bono. The screenplay, contributed by skilled writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, balances this underlying sorrow with sharp wit and comedic absurdity, crafting a satirical narrative that lampoons the frivolity and capricious nature of rock 'n' roll. While "Killing Bono" at times seems to lean too heavily into farce, it nonetheless delivers an engaging examination of unfulfilled ambition against the stark contrast of U2’s meteoric rise.

"Killing Bono" offers a delightful and humorous reflection on the trials and tribulations of making it in the music industry. The narrative, laced with wry humor, at times feels a bit too overt in its criticism of the music business. However, it still presents an engaging and funny commentary that will resonate particularly well with fans of U2. The film’s presentation on Blu-ray is commendable, with the video quality standing out significantly, although the audio doesn't quite reach the same standard.

The visual quality of the Blu-ray release is notable for its clarity and vibrancy. Scenes are rendered with sharpness and depth, offering an immersive viewing experience. Despite some minor flaws in the audio department, which lacks the punch one might expect for a film steeped in musical themes, the overall technical execution is solid. These elements together make it a visually appealing choice for home entertainment, even if the audio leaves something to be desired.

In addition to its other virtues, "Killing Bono" holds special significance as the final film of the esteemed Irish actor Pete Postlethwaite. Despite his battle with cancer, Postlethwaite delivered a remarkable performance as Karl, the McCormick brothers' flamboyantly unconventional landlord. His portrayal brings an authentic and spirited essence to the character, encapsulating an entire bohemian culture with ease. His profound impact on the film and his unforgettable presence render "Killing Bono" a memorable watch that captures his impressive range and talent. Highly recommended.