The Saint Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Saint" offers a 1080p transfer that can best be described as serviceable, with certain limitations that hold it back from excellence. Opening sequences are particularly underwhelming due to a meshy and filtered appearance that lacks high-definition clarity. While there is a slight improvement post-titles, the overall softness persists, especially in medium and long shots where crispness and natural rendering are absent. The transfer does excel, however, during close-up scenes, delivering tightly defined essential details. The grain is notably sharp yet pleasing, providing a film-like texture without overwhelming the image. Colors are found to be on the drab side, delivering a flat palette that covers the basics adequately but lacks vibrancy and depth.

The film's 2.39:1 AVC HD presentation comes across as an adequate upgrade from its DVD predecessor but falls short of potential due to limited care from the studio. While improved contrast contributes slightly better depth to the imagery, minor edge enhancement remains visible in select scenes, detracting from overall image quality. The color spectrum shows minimal enhancement with somewhat more pop compared to earlier formats, but this boost is marginal at best. The general lack of extensive clean-up is evident through persistent mild-to-moderate speckles, indicative of the print's age. Compression artifacts are thankfully rare, allowing viewers to focus on finer details amid largely unobtrusive visual noise. Without doubt, a more comprehensive remastering effort could have significantly elevated the viewing experience, aligning it with Paramount's top-tier Blu-ray catalog offerings.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "The Saint" features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which supersedes the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix of the DVD by delivering a richer auditory experience. Despite this technical enhancement, the audio track does not reach a level of greatness. At reference volume, it initially presents as slightly muted, struggling to project high energy and crisp clarity. However, the track is adequately serviceable, with solid front side spacing and effective utilization of rear channels for music and ambient sounds, ensuring a balanced stage engagement throughout the film.

The soundtrack successfully encapsulates myriad ambient sounds, both internal and external, crafting intriguing soundscapes even though they may not feel entirely lifelike. Dialogue remains consistently clear and centrally located, presenting no significant disruptions. Although the track isn't particularly remarkable, it efficiently reproduces the film’s sound design within its limitations, providing an immersive experience without achieving perfection.

A noted strength is in its ambitious mix, particularly in how surrounds are actively employed to enhance the listening experience. Graeme Revell’s re-imagined score is a standout element, weaving into the fabric of this sound mix alongside action sequences like gunfire and car chases that are proficiently delivered. While not groundbreaking, the Blu-ray's sound is a solid enhancement over its predecessor, offering a dynamic auditory journey that should overall satisfy the audience.

This Blu-ray edition of "The Saint" offers a focused yet succinct selection of extras that delve into the film's creation. The standout feature is the filmmaker audio commentary by director Phillip Noyce. While not newly recorded for this release, the commentary goes beyond basic production details, offering insights into the adaptation process and Noyce's experiences working with actors Elisabeth Shue and Val Kilmer. Additionally, a noteworthy revelation in the commentary is Noyce's discussion of a director’s cut with an alternate ending—a version unseen in U.S. releases, adding valuable context for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the set does not include a slipcover or any digital copies, presenting a minimalistic package for collectors seeking comprehensive content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Phillip Noyce provides in-depth insights on the film and adaptation process.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A brief look at the film's original promotional material.

"The Saint," directed by Phillip Noyce, adapts Leslie Charteris' iconic character, Simon Templar, into a 1997 cinematic venture with Val Kilmer embodying the master of disguises. Despite its potential as a franchise catalyst, the film, though moderately profitable at the box office grossing $60 million domestically, faded into relative obscurity. The narrative unfolds around Templar, a world-class thief contemplating retirement upon hitting a $50 million milestone. His final mission involves stealing a cold fusion formula from Dr. Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue), at the behest of the political and financially motivated Russian tycoon Ivan Tretiak (Rade Serbedzija). The film navigates through a quasi-romantic escapade between Emma and Simon while being packed with medium-paced action sequences.

Kilmer’s performance as Simon Templar stands as the film's pivotal strength, despite the gyrating critical reception and a Razzie nomination. Kilmer deftly navigates an array of disguises, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition from one persona to another with subtle shifts in physicality and emotive expression. His portrayal maintains audience engagement, rendering him the film's linchpin above the convoluted plot and slow-paced middle narrative, which lacks structural coherence and energy. Elisabeth Shue plays a competent role alongside, yet often being overshadowed by Kilmer’s versatile renderings.

The Saint's potential remains underexplored, with Jonathan Hensleigh’s screenplay and Noyce’s pacing decisions muddling what could have been a crisp, high-stakes thriller. While rich in premise and nostalgic elements derived from its multifaceted historical origins—ranging from books to television—the film falls short in capitalizing on these aspects, restraining it from achieving greater cinematic impact akin to contemporaries like "Mission: Impossible." Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of espionage tales with charming protagonists and elaborate disguises, "The Saint" offers a glimpse of engaging action drama coupled with Kilmer's intriguing transformations.

"The Saint" Blu-ray release garners mixed reviews, reflecting the film's inherent complexity and the shortcomings of its home media presentation. Directing by Phillip Noyce, the film attempts a dense narrative and suffers from repetitive character arcs and an overly convoluted plot, despite Val Kilmer's charismatic performance. The stylistic intentions seem mismatched with execution, leaving the viewer with an unbalanced cinematic experience. Paramount's Blu-ray fails to enhance these elements, offering only average video and audio presentation without any significant improvement from earlier versions. Fans may find the release underwhelming due to the limited supplemental content, which includes only one audio commentary track.

Despite its flaws, "The Saint" holds nostalgic value for long-time viewers. Kilmer's performance and the chemistry with Elisabeth Shue are often noted as highlights that maintain the film's enduring appeal among its core audience. While predictability is a critique, it simultaneously serves as part of its charm, showcasing Kilmer's range and style. However, the Blu-ray does little to celebrate or elevate these aspects, lacking significant restoration or new features that could have revitalized interest.

In conclusion, "The Saint" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag that doesn't fully capitalize on its potential due to mediocre technical enhancements and sparse additional content. It remains a piece appreciated for its nostalgia but requires a more dedicated restoration effort to truly captivate beyond its existing fanbase. Future releases by another studio may indeed breathe new life into this cult classic, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves. As it stands, this edition can still offer moderate entertainment but may leave collectors yearning for a more comprehensive package.