The Boondock Saints Blu-ray Review
Score: 48
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Despite engaging parts, The Boondock Saints' incoherent narrative and low-budget limit its appeal; still, a must for fans in HD.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 40
Expectation vs. reality hits hard for The Boondock Saints on Blu-ray, where its AVC Mpeg-4, 1080p, 2.40:1 presentation highlights the film's rough visuals and inconsistencies, from varied black levels to inconsistent details, signaling a cautious upgrade from DVD.
Audio: 60
The Boondock Saints' 5.1 DTS-HD audio track impresses with dynamic action, clearer Irish brogues despite occasional mumbles, and effective surround sound and bass; a notable upgrade over DVD versions.
Extra: 36
This Boondock Saints Blu-ray includes commentaries, deleted scenes, outtakes, screenplay, and trailer. Fans may find contents lacking despite highlight commentaries; one's entertaining while the other's tedious. Extras' quality is disappointing, though the screenplay offers a unique perk.
Movie: 56
The Boondock Saints, a cult mash-up film blending humor, violence, and attempts at insight, puzzles many but entertains its devoted audience despite critical and box-office failure.
Video: 40
The Boondock Saints Blu-ray presentation can be a mixed bag for enthusiasts eager to witness this cult classic in the best possible video quality. While the transition to 1080p AVC Mpeg-4 encoding promises an upgrade from its DVD counterpart, aficionados should temper their expectations. The transfer, preserving the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, unfortunately, brings to light the movie's inherent visual flaws and the limitations imposed by its modest production budget. Viewers are likely to notice a prevalent inconsistency across the board - from a print that appears battered and worn to the utilization of low-grade film stock that detracts significantly from almost every scene.
The video quality is a paradox of sorts; it showcases a spectrum of black levels that oscillate between deep and crushingly dark, while colors swing from being strikingly vivid to unexpectedly muted. Detail presentation is similarly erratic, with most of the film displaying commendable sharpness that occasionally gives way to scenes marred by a lackluster softness. These inconsistencies suggest that while The Boondock Saints does benefit visually from the Blu-ray format, especially when compared to its DVD release, the enhancements are not as pronounced as one might hope for a film of its cult status.
It is clear from this analysis that while The Boondock Saints on Blu-ray does offer an improvement over previous versions, the quality of the video presentation may not meet the high expectations of all viewers. The upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray, though beneficial, is not without its faults, characterized by an inconsistent visual fidelity that fluctuates throughout the film. Patrons aiming for a significant leap in visual quality are advised to approach this release with a level of caution, keeping in mind the outlined limitations and variances.
Audio: 60
The audio presentation of "The Boondock Saints" on Blu-ray is notably impressive, especially with its 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that splendidly encapsulates the dynamism of this action-packed movie. This upgrade from its original sound mix showcases an elevated level of engagement, markedly improving upon the film's auditory experience. While some minor issues with clarity regarding the characters' thick Irish accents persist—likely a mixture of the original recording limitations and the inherent challenges of such distinctive dialects—the lossless encoding has certainly enhanced intelligibility.
The surround sound field is utilized effectively, employing directional effects and discreet ambient sounds that considerably enrich the viewer’s immersion. The bass performance stands out, providing a robust foundation that elevates the action scenes to new heights. This substantial improvement in audio quality over past DVD editions cannot be overstated, offering an enriched experience that will undoubtedly satisfy dedicated fans of "The Boondock Saints".
Overall, the Blu-ray edition’s audio treatment is a testament to the potential of home cinema to bring movies to life in ways previously confined to the theater. Despite the slight hiccups with dialect clarity, the sonic presentation—from its well-balanced mix to the nuanced use of the surround spectrum—makes this version highly recommended for aficionados seeking to experience "The Boondock Saints" in its most compelling auditory form yet.
Extras: 36
The Blu-ray extra presentation for "The Boondock Saints" provides an intriguing yet mixed bag of supplemental features that might leave fans wanting more. The dual commentary tracks offer contrasting experiences; actor Billy Connolly brings a certain levity and insight while director Troy Duffy's commentary may test the patience of viewers, given his self-aggrandizing tone. Regrettably, the quality of the deleted scenes and outtakes is subpar, undermining what could have been a fascinating glimpse into the film’s production process. However, the inclusion of the complete screenplay is a noteworthy addition, offering fans and aspiring filmmakers alike a valuable resource to dissect and appreciate the craft behind the movie. This set of extras, despite its shortcomings, provides some worthy elements for enthusiasts of the film.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary with Director Troy Duffy: Insight into the director's vision and execution.
- Audio Commentary with Actor Billy Connolly: A personal perspective on the making of the film.
- Deleted Scenes: Extra footage not included in the final cut.
- Outtakes: Behind-the-scenes bloopers and slip-ups.
- Complete The Boondock Saints Screenplay: The full script available for enthusiasts and scholars.
- Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer promoting the film.
Movie: 56
The Boondock Saints," in its Blu-ray presentation, is a movie that embodies a paradox of cinema, intertwining elements that invite both admiration and critique. On the surface, it appears as an audacious blend of styles and genres, attempting to marry the quirks and gory charm of "Pulp Fiction" with the stark religious fervor seen in "The Passion of the Christ," alongside nods to classics like "The Departed" and "Bonnie and Clyde." This film, undeniably ambitious, sets itself apart by steering into a wildly unconventional narrative path, presenting its protagonists, Connor and Murphy McManus, as divine vigilantes on a blood-soaked quest to purge Boston’s criminal underbelly. Their journey, punctuated by a series of increasingly violent encounters with the city’s mobsters, is as much about their personal crusade as it is an exploration of morality set against an urban backdrop.
However, "The Boondock Saints" often falters in its execution. The action sequences and snappy dialogue, though initially engaging, soon lose their luster due to overindulgence. There's a sense that the film revels too much in its own chaos, sacrificing narrative coherence for spectacle. This is further complicated by the depiction of FBI Agent Paul Smecker, played with verve by Willem Dafoe. The character’s portrayal leans unnecessarily into stereotypes for shock value, which undermines the more serious undertones of the twins’ vigilante justice. Despite Dafoe's compelling performance, this misstep highlights a broader issue with the film's tone, which teeters precariously between earnestness and insensitivity.
Ultimately, "The Boondock Saints" stands as a cinematic enigma. It's a film rich with potential, offering a unique story told through compelling characters and frenetic action. Yet, it's marred by inconsistencies and a reluctance to fully explore its themes with the seriousness they deserve. As this Blu-ray edition brings both theatrical and extended cuts to fans and new viewers alike, its divisive nature remains: a testament to a film that simultaneously captures and alienates its audience, leaving them to discern their own meaning amidst its chaotic vision.
Total: 48
Upon reviewing the Blu-ray presentation of "The Boondock Saints," it's clear that this cult classic continues to stir mixed feelings, with its fervent appeal resting in its spirited performances and unique storyline. The film, characterized by its unusual plot and idiosyncratic characters, maintains a mystique that can leave even the most avid cinephiles puzzled over its ultimate message. This dichotomy extends to the technical aspects of its Blu-ray release. The transition to high definition highlights the limitations imposed by its modest budget, notably in the video quality that, despite efforts, reveals the film's financial constraints. Conversely, the audio component is commendably executed, providing a surround sound experience that enhances the viewing experience.
The supplemental features offered in this Blu-ray edition seem to have missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the enigmatic world of "The Boondock Saints." Fans might find the extras lacking, craving more behind-the-scenes insights and commentary that could elucidate the film's more perplexing elements. This aspect is particularly disappointing given the richness of the movie's narrative and character dynamics, which merit further exploration. Nonetheless, for devotees of the film, this release represents the optimal version available, making it a must-have for their collection.
In conclusion, while the Blu-ray rendition of "The Boondock Saints" may leave something to be desired in terms of video quality and special features, it remains the definitive edition for enthusiasts. The improved audio experience partially compensates for the visual shortcomings, ensuring that fans can enjoy the movie's dynamic soundtrack and dialogue to the fullest. It is a recommendable acquisition for those dedicated followers who seek to experience the film in the highest quality currently available, despite acknowledging its inherent limitations.
Blu-ray.com review by Ben WilliamsRead review here
Video: 60
Detail also lacks consistency; it's exceptionally rendered throughout most of the film, while occasionally devolving into non- existent softness....
Audio: 80
Thankfully, lossless encoding has helped to make the main characters' Irish brogues a bit more intelligible, though the thick accents still occasionally come across as mumbled and rushed....
Extras: 40
Budding screenwriters now have the opportunity to pour over every intricate detail of the film's script in a form that is suitable for autographs and edits....
Movie: 60
It's a strange amalgamation of a film that attempts to be funny, violent and insightful, all at the same time, while never quite succeeding....
Total: 60
Unfortunately, these positive elements just never quite gel into a coherent narrative, and I always manage to part ways with The Boondock Saints asking myself what the point of the movie was....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
This is the first high-def release for the film, and unfortunately it's not all that impressive....
Audio: 80
I loved the almost constant barrage either gunfire, loud score and songs, and sustained ambiance....
Extras: 40
Quality is poor here, with all the excised material in very raw form, complete with time code....
Movie: 60
It's a film that is not as interesting as 'Overnight,' and whatever its considerable entertainment value, feels more like a cautionary tale that should be shown at every film school in the world....
Total: 60
I hoped for more of an upgrade here over the standard DVD, but fans of 'Boondock Saints' should give this Blu-ray a look....
Director: Troy Duffy
Actors: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus
PlotIn Boston, two Irish-American brothers, Connor and Murphy McManus, find themselves in a self-defense situation which results in the death of two Russian mobsters. This incident sparks a religiously fueled epiphany in them, driving the conviction that they have been chosen by God to eradicate evil men from the world. The brothers decide to embrace this calling fervently, setting out to rid the city of criminals in a vigilante mission. Their actions are both violent and methodical, adhering to a moral code that justifies their killings as a divine mandate. With each act, they leave behind a signature prayer, becoming folk heroes in the public eye, even as their methods raise serious ethical questions.
As the brothers continue their crusade, they attract the attention of an eccentric and highly skilled FBI agent, who is both appalled by the vigilantes’ disregard for the law and intrigued by their effectiveness. The agent embarks on a meticulous quest to track them down, delving into a murky world where the line between good and evil blurs. The brothers, meanwhile, expand their mission, targeting the city’s underworld with increasing boldness. Their journey brings them face-to-face with Boston’s most powerful crime figures, setting the stage for a conflict that has profound implications for their mission, their lives, and the fabric of the city itself.
Writers: Troy Duffy
Release Date: 21 Jan 2000
Runtime: 108 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Canada
Language: English, Spanish, Papiamento, Russian, Latin