• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Video Codec: AVC MPEG-4
• Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
• Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
• Subtitles Color: White
• Region: A (B? C?)
  
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 112 Mins
• Discs: 2 (1 x Blu-ray + 1 x DVD)
• Digital Copies: None
• Studio: Entertainment One
  
• Blu-ray Release Date: April 2, 2013
• List Price: $29.98

Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]

Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures

(The below TheaterByte screen captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray Discs and losslessly compressed in the PNG format. There should be no loss of picture quality with this format. All screen captures should be regarded only as an approximation of the full capabilities of the Blu-ray format.)

The Film

[Rating:4/5]

The Sweeney tells the story of Jack Regan (Ray Winstone), a member of London’s elite crime fighting force known as The Sweeney Flying Squad. Once known as one of the best due to his old school, bare knuckle methods of catching criminals, Jack finds himself called back into action after finding out a long-time adversary, Francis Allen (Paul Anderson), has been working with mastermind leader Makin Trebolt (Kevin Michaels.) It’s now up to Regan to bring these men down, even if means defying his boss, Frank Haskins (Damian Lewis.)

What makes a film like The Sweeney work, is the rather smooth pace, as well as the solid action pieces (some of which are highlighted in the features found on this disc.) The whole ‘defying your boss for the better good/finding out someone you thought was good, was actually working for the bad guys’ aren’t really new plot devices. But, The Sweeney still is quite enjoyable. Ray Winstone, in particular, turns in yet another veteran performance. He’s calm, cool and collected when need to be, yet can also turn up the meter when action is called for. He actually reminded me of Jack Bauer a bit (who, on a side note, I’m personally excited to see return Summer ’14.) It’s during the aforementioned action pieces, that Winstone delivers (despite his age.) Simply put, if you enjoy action films, especially with British tones, give this one a look.

Video Quality

[Rating:4.5/5]

The Sweeney hits Blu-ray with a 2.40:1 framed, AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer. Shot using the Arri Alexa Camera, detail is one of the strongest aspects of this transfer. The film’s color palette looks as it was downgraded a bit in post production, mostly to capture the icy blues of the London locale. Contrast levels are accurate, and are quite strong. Facial closeups result in accurate flesh tones, as well as fine detail. There is slight notice of artifacts in some of the wider exterior moments, but nothing that becomes overly abundant. All in all, I found this transfer to be excellent.

Audio Quality

[Rating:5/5]

Audio-wise, the film’s included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is one worth listening to. Dialogue is well reproduced via the center channel. Atmosphere, with this being an action film, is excellent. Whether it be bullets zipping by our ears from left rear to right rear, or the different little discrete effects, this audio mix places us right in the middle of the fray. LFE is deep at times, but overly immersive adding in a nice low-end instead of booming bass. All in all, this mix is demo worthy for fans of the film.

Supplemental Materials

[Rating:3/5]

All included features are presented in High Definition:

• Behind-the-Scenes – This runs 25:49 and serves as a behind-the-scenes look into the film via cast interviews and set visits.
• Preparing The Sweeney  – Running 15:05, this details the rather long period spent making the film.
• Shooting in Trafalgar Square – A 15:18 look into one of the bigger moments in the film.
• The New Regan and Carter – A quick 4:19 series of interviews with Ray Winstone, Nick Love, and Ben Drew.
• On The Shooting Range – A 4:32 look into some of the actors on the shooting range, learning to fire weapons.
• Top Gear and the Caravan Park – An 8:34 look into the film’s car chase sequence.
• Animated Storyboards: Trafalgar Square and The Caravan Park – A 2:26 and 1:57 storyboard look into these scenes.
• Audio Commentary with Diector Nick Love and Producers Allan Niblo, James Richardson and Rupert Preston
• DVD – A DVD of the film has been included on a separate disc.

The Definitive Word

Overall:

[Rating:4/5]

With a few solid action moments, as well as a veteran performance by Ray Winstone, Entertainment One’s The Sweeney comes highly recommended for action fans, as well as British lovers alike.

Additional Screen Captures

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BestBuy.com:

Purchase The Sweeney on Blu-ray Combo Pack at CD Universe

Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com

Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:3/5]