Goon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Goon," shot on the high-definition Red One camera system, boasts an impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode framed at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This visual treat exhibits a razor-sharp picture quality that could rival the edge of a freshly sharpened skate, paired with the pristine clarity of ice following a Zamboni's meticulous sweep. The film's detail is remarkable, showcasing textures ranging from the dense weave of hockey jerseys to the intricate patterns of facial hair and the layered, occasionally brittle appearance of ice with striking vibrancy. The color palette is bold and commanding, underscored by a deeply naturalistic tone achieved through a skilful mix of incandescent and fluorescent lighting, rendering skin tones with great consistency and blacks with profound depth.

Notably, the film maintains a superb level of detail across both close-up and wide shots, allowing textures in facial expressions and clothing to be visible with impressive clarity. Contrast is applied with a keen eye, ensuring vividness without tipping into over-processing, preserving the film's natural aesthetic. Despite its high fidelity, a few minor issues such as brief spikes in noise—likely inherent to the source—and occasional aliasing slightly mar an otherwise flawless presentation. Skin tones exhibit minor fluctuations and rare instances of banding emerge but do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Overall, 'Goon' on Blu-ray emerges as a visual masterpiece true to the filmmakers' intent, enriched by the Red One camera system's prowess. The presentation dodges major pitfalls like edge enhancement and digital noise reduction, ensuring nothing distracts from its genuinely cinematic experience. While there are infrequent technical imperfections, they are minimal and hardly undermine the encode’s effectiveness, allowing audiences to revel in the high-definition splendor that brings the gritty reality of hockey to life with unprecedented authenticity.

The audio presentation of "Goon" on Blu Ray, featuring a robust lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, punches above its weight, delivering an auditory experience as aggressive and unforgiving as the film's ice hockey theme. The track's main strength lies in its raw power, which is felt in the form of beefy punches, board-crashing sound effects, and an immersively heavy bass that adds depth to each scene. The crowd's eruption, alongside the detailed sounds of skates slicing the ice and the puck’s movements, create a vivid atmosphere that brings the viewer right into the rink. Although it's not the most subtly mixed track—with dialogue occasionally getting lost beneath the cacophony or sounding unnaturally deep for the context—the overall effect is one of being thrust into the relentless, physical world of hockey.

However, not everything is perfect in this auditory spectacle. During more chaotic scenes, particularly those filled with rapid gameplay, dialogue tends to dip slightly below the optimal listening level. This issue, while minor and not detracting significantly from understanding, suggests a missed opportunity for balancing the mix's dynamic range more finely. On the other hand, the surround channels are smartly utilized for enveloping ambient crowd noise and do well to enhance cross-channel effects, elevating the immersive experience of being amidst a live game audience.

Despite these slight imperfections, the audio track on "Goon's" Blu Ray succeeds in capturing the essence and brutality of hockey through its impactful sound design. From the visceral fights on the ice to the ambient sounds of an engaged crowd, all elements combine to create an audio experience as intense and straightforward as the sport itself. The optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles provided are a thoughtful addition, ensuring accessibility without compromising the visual integrity of the film.

The "Goon" Blu-ray extras provide an intriguing, albeit mixed, bag of content meant to enhance the viewing experience, though not without its flaws. Highlighted by a rich commentary track with Director Michael Dowse and Co-Writer/Actor Jay Baruchel, their palpable enthusiasm is both infectious and informative, offering deep dives into the film's creation despite occasionally veering into personal tangents that may distract. The original Power Play Mode promises an innovative, interactive way to engage with behind-the-scenes content, yet fails to deliver a seamless or user-friendly experience, marred by slow load times and convoluted navigation. Deleted scenes and outtakes offer additional laughs and insight into the film's production process, while specialized features like the "Fighting 101" and goalie audition tapes add unique, thematic depth. However, some extras like the Goon Hockey Cards and HDNet feature fall short in execution or relevance, underscoring a somewhat inconsistent approach to the extras' overall quality and coherence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Power Play Mode: Offers an interactive viewing experience with clickable behind-the-scenes content.
• Commentary with Director Michael Dowse and Co-Writer/Actor Jay Baruchel: Insightful track filled with humor and anecdotes.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of six scenes excluded from the final cut.
• Outtakes/Blooper Reel: Comic relief through on-set mishaps and flubs.
• Interview with Seann William Scott and Jay Baruchel: A comprehensive discussion on the film’s conception and characters.
• HDNet: A Look at Goon: A brief promo featuring film clips and interview excerpts.
• Goalie Audition: Jonathan Cherry’s humorous audition tape.
• Fighting 101: A short feature on fight choreography hosted by Baruchel.
• Goon Hockey Cards: Digital trading cards for major characters.
• Theatrical Greenband Trailer: A preview of the film suitable for all audiences.
• Theatrical Redband Trailer: An uncensored sneak peek of the film.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Previews of other releases from Magnolia.

In the landscape of hockey-themed comedies, "Goon" skates onto the scene with a bloody knuckle and a tender heart, daring to stand in the shadow of the iconic "Slap Shot." While not surpassing its predecessor, "Goon" wins over audiences with its blend of brutal violence, unexpected tenderness, and laugh-out-loud humor. At the center of this icy rink is Doug "The Thug" Glatt (Seann William Scott), a bouncer turned minor league hockey enforcer whose naivete and politeness are as formidable as his punches. His journey from an underachiever in a family of high achievers to a beloved protector on the ice carves a unique path through the world of sports comedy. Written by Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg, with direction by Michael Dowse, the film vouches for its Canadian roots and delivers a story that's as much about finding one's place in the world as it is about the thrills and spills of hockey.

"Goon" thrives on contrasts—its lead character is a powerhouse fighter with a heart of gold, navigating the rough-and-tumble world of minor league hockey while holding onto his own ideals of sportsmanship and loyalty. The dynamic between Doug and Ross "The Boss" Rhea (Liev Schreiber), offers more than just punches, hinting at a deeper commentary on the game's evolving nature and the role of enforcers within it. Meanwhile, the script masterfully balances crude humor and genuine character development, allowing Scott to deliver a performance that is both hilariously dense and poignantly reflective. Despite its rough edges and a tendency toward genre clichés, "Goon" distinguishes itself through well-crafted action sequences on ice and a genuine love for its characters, ensuring its place as a memorable underdog story with more heart than expected.

While some may criticize the film's lack of originality or occasional lapses in continuity, "Goon" unabashedly embraces its identity with a foul mouth and a spirited portrayal of hockey's less glamorous side. It's a celebration of the sport's enduring traditions, including the increasingly scrutinized art of the on-ice fight, capturing both the carnage and camaraderie unique to hockey. The film doesn't skirt around the brutal realities of Doug's role as an enforcer, nor does it shy away from showcasing the scars—both physical and emotional—that come with it. In doing so, "Goon" scores a slapshot straight into the hearts of hockey fans longing for a film that respects the game's history while delivering a fresh narrative, proving that even in a field dominated by legends, there's still room for new heroes.

Goon" secures its position as a memorable addition to the hockey movie genre, rightfully claiming the spot right after the iconic "Slap Shot" and surpassing "The Mighty Ducks" in the hearts of many fans. This film brilliantly marries the crass and violent elements of hockey with a touch of humor and tenderness, capturing a wide spectrum of emotions through its not-so-bright but incredibly endearing protagonist. The Blu-ray release by Magnolia enhances this experience, boasting an exceptional high definition image and lossless audio that breathe life into every scene. Complemented by a collection of special features, this release offers fans a few hours of engaging content beyond the movie itself, marking it as a commendable package for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

While "Goon" unabashedly revels in the sport's brutality, potentially catering to a fanbase more attuned to the fights than the finesse of hockey, it manages to strike a balance by also shining a light on the underlying beauty and talent within the game. This approach does justice to the more nuanced appreciation of hockey, showcasing moments of genuine enjoyment amidst its portrayal of on-ice violence. The Blu-ray release, although not groundbreaking, presents itself as a solid acquisition for collectors and fans. With extras that add value and an attractive first-week pricing, Magnolia's offering is an inviting proposition for those looking to dive deeper into the film's gritty yet heartfelt narrative.

In conclusion, Magnolia's Blu-ray release of "Goon" not only elevates the viewing experience with its technical proficiency but also enriches the overall appreciation of the film through its thoughtful inclusion of special features. Despite its focus on the sport's harsher aspects, the movie emerges as a compelling watch that balances brutality with depth, solidifying its status as a must-have for aficionados and skeptics of hockey culture alike. Whether for the film's engaging story or the quality of its home media presentation, this release stands as a worthwhile addition to any collection.