In the end what we’re left with is a clear case of style over substance; a rough draft of what could have been a much better film.
Nevertheless, by the time the end credits start to roll, you can´t help but feel that a great popcorn film got lost somewhere amidst everything. Even the mock interviews at the end feel uneven, filled with an assorted mix of characters arguing over the validity of the "saints" actions. Most of the interviews are cringe inducing, many are funny and by this point you know it´s an element, just like the film´s inconsistent nature, that the movie could have done with out.
Video
The film is presented in both a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, and 1.33:1 full screen. The transfer is good but far from perfect, a few scenes appear worn and somewhat dull. There still seems to be a bit of grain and dirt present but nothing that takes away from the viewing experience. The image is fairly crisp with colors coming through appropriately. The transfer is a moderate improvement over the previous DVD release of the film.
Audio
The audio is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, which is a really great mix. Dialogue is clear and comes through the center channel without any hitches. The action scenes make great use of the new mix, putting the surrounds to good use with sound effects, ambient noise and music; each coming through clearly and distinctly. English and Spanish subtitles are also available.
Extras
The DVD´s biggest disappointment comes in the extras department with a blatant case of double dipping. The DVD sports new packaging (a really cool looking metal case and double discs) and a new unrated cut of the film, but this new version of the film is exactly the same running time with no noticeable difference between the two versions. The only thing I can guess is that they used some of the bloodier takes of certain action scenes and cut back in some bits of dialogue.
Also, the new set is really the previous one disc version masquerading as a two disc presentation. The extras are almost all the same. The first disc contains the same audio with director Troy Duffy, and a new commentary with actor Billy Connolly, who discusses his thoughts about the movie´s thematic elements and his experiences working on the film.
Also making the transition from the first release to this one are seven deleted scenes, a small collection of outtakes, the film´s theatrical trailer and some filmographies. There is also a DVD-ROM supplement that gives you the film script. To say the least, there really isn´t much in the way of new extras to warrant the new release, and the features that are present are so-so at best, with the exception of Connolly´s commentary.
Film Value
While the film may be enjoyable on some levels, it´s evident that there are some great ideas and themes that never quite come to fruition. This may be due in part to the gratuitous nature of the film and its uneven handling of the material. Duffy shows promise and it would be interesting to see his further cinematic exploits, if and when they happen ("Overnight" wonderfully chronicles Duffy´s rise and fall in Hollywood). In the end what we´re left with is a clear case of style over substance; a rough draft of what could have been a much better film.
Video
The film is presented in both a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, and 1.33:1 full screen. The transfer is good but far from perfect, a few scenes appear worn and somewhat dull. There still seems to be a bit of grain and dirt present but nothing that takes away from the viewing experience. The image is fairly crisp with colors coming through appropriately. The transfer is a moderate improvement over the previous DVD release of the film.
Audio
The audio is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, which is a really great mix. Dialogue is clear and comes through the center channel without any hitches. The action scenes make great use of the new mix, putting the surrounds to good use with sound effects, ambient noise and music; each coming through clearly and distinctly. English and Spanish subtitles are also available.
Extras
The DVD´s biggest disappointment comes in the extras department with a blatant case of double dipping. The DVD sports new packaging (a really cool looking metal case and double discs) and a new unrated cut of the film, but this new version of the film is exactly the same running time with no noticeable difference between the two versions. The only thing I can guess is that they used some of the bloodier takes of certain action scenes and cut back in some bits of dialogue.
Also, the new set is really the previous one disc version masquerading as a two disc presentation. The extras are almost all the same. The first disc contains the same audio with director Troy Duffy, and a new commentary with actor Billy Connolly, who discusses his thoughts about the movie´s thematic elements and his experiences working on the film.
Also making the transition from the first release to this one are seven deleted scenes, a small collection of outtakes, the film´s theatrical trailer and some filmographies. There is also a DVD-ROM supplement that gives you the film script. To say the least, there really isn´t much in the way of new extras to warrant the new release, and the features that are present are so-so at best, with the exception of Connolly´s commentary.
Film Value
While the film may be enjoyable on some levels, it´s evident that there are some great ideas and themes that never quite come to fruition. This may be due in part to the gratuitous nature of the film and its uneven handling of the material. Duffy shows promise and it would be interesting to see his further cinematic exploits, if and when they happen ("Overnight" wonderfully chronicles Duffy´s rise and fall in Hollywood). In the end what we´re left with is a clear case of style over substance; a rough draft of what could have been a much better film.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]18923[/release]