Russo Rating: 6/10

The high-octane thriller has never looked better

The Boondock Saints is an interesting phenomenon. Released in only five theaters, the 6 million dollar action film barely had a chance to recoup its budget. On DVD, the actioner became a phenomenon.

The reason for the project’s initial stumbling was twofold. First, the MPAA gave the picture a hard time in the wake of the Columbine shootings. The similarities between the incident and the picture, in which two vigilantes clothed in black delve out their own, violent brand of justice, struck too close to home with the MPAA, scaring the picture’s independent distributor.

Secondly, and more notoriously, the director of the picture, Troy Duffy wound up being blacklisted and penniless. Caught on film by the amazing and cautionary documentary, Overnight, Duffy’s rise to Hollywood fame, fingered by Harvey Weinstein as the next big thing, was spoiled when his maniacal ego and temper foiled everything. The director’s self inflicted tragedy will leave even the most ardent of Boondock Saints fans in stupefied awe.

Now, the cult phenomenon hopes to continue its success on BluRay. Sadly, or gladly for those who can’t stand Duffy, consumers should know that not a cent of any home video sale will ever reach the director, high definition included.

The high-octane thriller has never looked better then it has on BluRay. While the special features are all ports from the previously released DVD, the BluRay set includes both the theatrical and unrated cuts of the Irish vigilante opus.

Granted the film, which was shot on super 35mm film stock, will only look so good, and BluRay does bring out the best the action flick has to offer. The difference though is not entirely drastic from DVD, and an upgrade might want to be given some consideration if your budget is tight, especially without a rebate offer.

However, fans of the film are ravenous, and will ignore this recommendation either way. Those who weren’t blown away from the Troy Duffy’s blatant Tarantino-esque action and dialogue will be happy to know that even in BluRay, the black listed director still won’t earn a penny.