- Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1
- Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4
- Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
- Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
- Subtitles Color:
- Region: A (Region-Locked)
- Rating: R
- Run Time: 91 Mins.
- Discs: 1 (1 x Blu-ray)
- Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
- Blu-ray Release Date: May 29th, 2012
- List Price: $29.98
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Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]
Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures
(All TheaterByte screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG at 100% quality setting and are meant as a general representation of the content. They do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)
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The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Goon tells the story of Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott), your everyday guy. He dreams of a more rewarding job and of gaining his parents’ respect. When an opportunity arises after an on-ice fight, Doug is noticed by the head coach of the Halifax Highlanders, a local team. He calls Doug asking him to try out for the team’s enforcer position (aka fighter). Doug’s goal is to, by any means, protect Xavier Laflamme (Marc-Andre Grondin) from any physical contact. Turns out Laflamme just isn’t the same ever since taking a nasty hit from Doug’s idol, Ross “The Boss” Rhea (Liev Schreiber). What results is a funny, charming ‘rise from nothing to something’ sports film.
Akin to that of numerous other ‘feel-good’ sport films (I could probably name a dozen or so), Goon is carried by a like able lead character in Doug. Doug is that charming, bumbling goof that we all know. He clearly understands he isn’t the smartest, nor the best at what he does; however, he still gives it his all in whatever he tackles. That single aspect is what makes Goon enjoyable. Scott captures the pure essence of this kind of character. Sure, some will fault Goon for following all the cliches that accompany this genre of film (the big game, the family not believing in him, etc). My rule is that as long as the character is enjoyable (Sean Astin in the great Rudy is a prime example), this will never be a negative in this genre.
Video Quality
[Rating:4/5]
The film’s 1:78:1 framed, AVC/MPEG-4 encoded, is generally solid throughout. Originally captured in HD on the Red One MX at 4.5K resolution, Goon‘s color palette features mostly brighter colors. Whites and blues tend to dominate thanks in part to the hockey action, although when darker moments do occur, detail is still as rock solid. Facial closeups result in accurate flesh tones and contrast levels, while textures on the uniforms are excellent. There is a bit of video noise, but I suppose one can fault that on the original source. All in all, this is a fine effort from Magnolia.
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
The film arrives with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which is quite good. Dialogue is mostly well reproduced throughout. There are occasional moments where Doug’s speech can be a bit hard to understand, which results in a volume change. This may just be how Scott speaks, as I’ve noticed this issue in other films he has starred in. Outside of this, the track excels. Punches during the numerous fights, ring throughout the room. LFE is deep at times, giving us solid bass. Atmosphere, especially during the hockey moments, is excellent creating that ‘you’re there’ feel. All in all, minus that dialogue bit, this is a solid effort from Magnolia.
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]
The provided supplements are shown in SD:
- Power Play Mode – This is an interactive option that plays throughout the film. Occasionally an icon appears on screen and clicking the icon, gives viewers access to interviews, on set info, and outtakes.
- Deleted Scenes – Running 9:19 in length, we’re given 6 deleted scenes, most of which were presumably cut to trim down the time.
- Outtakes/Bloopers – 5:36 of some pretty funny bloopers.
- Goalie Audition – Jonathan Cherry’s audition tape (5:20) is shown.
- Fighting 101 – Here, in 3:48, Pat Houlihan teaches us the art of fighting.
- HDNet: A Look at Goon – At 4:54 in length, this is your run-of-the-mill making of.
- Goon Hockey Cards – A few fake trading cards for the players.
- Interview with Seann William Scott and Jay Baruchel – Running 29:34, this is a rather interesting interview with Scott and Baruchel where they discuss different aspects of the film including original concepts.
- Commentary with Director Michael Dowse and Co-Writer/Actor Jay Baruchel
- Trailers – A few trailers are shown.
The Definitive Word
Overall:
[Rating:3.5/5]
Films like this are made too often, but that doesn’t ever stop them from being enjoyable. Such is the case with Goon, carried by Seann William Scott. Magnolia, as seems to becoming the norm for them, has delivered with another solid Blu-ray. Recommended for those who enjoy this genre, or those who just want an all around enjoyable movie.
Additional Screen Captures
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Purchase Goon on Blu-ray Combo Pack at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com
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[amazon-product]B0079ZWUNY[/amazon-product]
[amazon-product]B007CUQA7S[/amazon-product]
[amazon-product]B007IWSXH0[/amazon-product]
Purchase Goon on Blu-ray Combo Pack at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com
Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]
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