Goon: Last of the Enforcers Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Goon: Last of the Enforcers" presents a video quality that is both colorful and detailed, with the bright blue Halifax Highlander jerseys and the vivid red blood on the ice standing out. Skin tones appear fairly full but do exhibit a minor pale push. Black levels possess an impressive depth, enhancing both shadow detail and black jerseys. However, the finer intricacies such as the mesh texture of hockey jerseys and skin textures are not as detailed as one would find in top-tier transfers. Uniform patches, names, and numbers, nonetheless, display a sufficient level of complexity. The overall image clarity remains adequate throughout the film.

In contrast, some reviewers noted that the film appears oddly pale on Blu-ray, with black levels seemingly washed out, which affects the overall depth and vibrancy of the image. While the primary colors of team logos provide occasional brightness, their effect is diminished by the graying imagery. Flesh tones appear flattened, and even the often-present blood looks weak. Despite these issues, close-ups do reveal high resolution and fine detail, providing a firmness to most images, excluding purposefully degraded scenes of a recurring sports show. Fuzzy edge enhancement and visible compression in those scenes give them a broadcast look. Although there is consistent but mild noise throughout the movie, it does not impact detail significantly. The encode by Momentum Pictures maintains a sufficient bitrate, ensuring the film reaches a satisfactory visual finish without significant digital artifacts.

The audio presentation of "Goon: Last of the Enforcers" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, presents a mixed experience. While the track offers suitable width and depth to music and crowd effects at hockey games, it tends to lack verve and command. It seems hesitant to fully engage with the audience, resulting in a somewhat tepid and uninspired presentation. Clarity of sound elements, including adequately attuned dialogue, is decent; prioritization remains effective, ensuring no element overshadows another.

It's in the immersive hockey sequences where the DTS-HD mix shows more promise. The soundfield is filled with active crowd noises and the sharp sounds of skates cutting ice, which nicely fills the front soundstage. Dialogue is sharply positioned from the center channel, seamlessly integrating locker room chatter and on-field team calls into the stereos. The audio experience truly peaks during the fight scenes, where punches and blood splatters dynamically extend into the rear channels, encapsulating the raw energy of hockey fights. Despite these highlights, the overall mix could benefit from a bolder approach to create a more engaging and authoritative auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "Goon: Last of the Enforcers" offers a modest yet informative selection of extras. The standout feature is a 15-minute behind-the-scenes documentary that delves into various aspects of the film, from character development and plot lines to the physical demands of playing hockey and choreographing fight scenes. The feature provides valuable insights into Jay Baruchel's directorial approach. Additionally, the audio commentary with Writer/Director Jay Baruchel and Co-Writer Jesse Chabot adds a layer of humor and depth, discussing the film's themes and their creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

Behind-the-Scenes: A feature that explores lead character, core story, additional characters, scene details, hockey gameplay, fight scene construction, and Jay Baruchel's direction.

Audio Commentary: Jay Baruchel and Jesse Chabot discuss the film with humor and creativity insights.

"Goon: Last of the Enforcers" brings back Seann William Scott as Doug Glatt, navigating his love for hockey while grappling with pending fatherhood. The sequel doesn't just immerse viewers in brutal on-ice combat but also delves into heartfelt, relatable themes. Writer/director Jay Baruchel and Co-Writer Jesse Chabot craft a narrative that balances over-the-top violence and genuine human struggles, even though the character arcs dance around predictability. Scott's portrayal injects humanity into Doug's internal conflict—should he focus solely on his family or return to the rink, especially when the Highlanders, now led by the less-competent Anders Cain (Wyatt Russell), fall into disarray?

The film’s ultraviolence serves both as an essential component and stark contrast to the growing awareness of lasting sports injuries within the narrative. Bloodflows copiously, each fight scene an exaggeration suited to the film’s ludicrous tone, reminiscent more of a skating gladiator match than a sports flick grounded in realism. Despite the spectacle, the movie doesn't shy away from the grim aspects of a goon's life—the toll on one's body, the looming threat of obsolescence, and the hard truths about professional sports' exploitative nature. The inclusion of former enforcer Ross Rhea (Liev Schreiber) as a tragic figure adds layers of empathy and authenticity, speaking volumes about a shifting sport leaving its past warriors behind.

The film achieves a unique blend, delivering both raucous humor and somber undertones. It's vulgar yet authentic, as natural in its coarse dialogue as it is in its critique of sports' harsher realities. Though some cast members, like T.J. Miller's sportscaster character, might feel exaggerated, they amplify the comedic and satirical elements. Ultimately, "Last of the Enforcers" captures a bittersweet essence—balancing absurd humor with poignant reflections on a brand of hockey and players becoming relics of an evolving game.

"Goon: Last of the Enforcers" is a visceral and heartfelt sequel that delves into the gritty, blood-streaked side of hockey while exploring the tender journey of its main character, Doug, a soon-to-be father forced to reconsider his career following an injury. The film successfully marries raw, unabashed physicality on the ice with genuine, touching moments off it. Doug’s internal struggle and his dedication to his role as an enforcer are portrayed compellingly. It's a narrative that doesn't surprise with massive twists but is delivered with sincerity and charm through solid performances and well-timed humor.

The Blu-ray release by Momentum Pictures does justice to the film’s robust visual presentation, capturing the kinetic energy and brutal intensity of the on-ice action in crisp detail. The video quality is commendable, rendering the high-speed impacts and rugged textures with clarity. The audio quality, though passable, lacks the immersive depth some might hope for in critical sound effects and dynamic range. Supplemental features are included but might come across as minimal for those seeking in-depth extras or extensive behind-the-scenes content.

Overall, "Goon: Last of the Enforcers" on Blu-ray delivers a viewing experience that matches the spirit of the film. While it might not offer the most extensive audio and extras package, the engaging story, potent visuals, and straightforward yet heartwarming depiction make this Blu-ray release a worthwhile addition for fans of sports comedies and hockey-genre aficionados alike. Recommended.