The Butcher Boy

Directed by Neil Jordan
Ireland / USA 1997

Set in an Irish town in the early '60s, Jordan's film of Patrick McCabe's novel centres on troubled teen Francie Brady (Owens), a lippy lad who withdraws from family strife - dad (Rea) is almost permanently drunk, mum (O'Sullivan) sliding towards insanity - into fantasies inspired by comics, sci-fi movies and TV shows, and into blood brother pacts with best pal Joe (Boyle). His renown as an ill-mannered hothead, however, is such that he's denied access to his friend. Moreover, after a spell in a church-run remand home, he returns to find his family in tatters. This consistently surprising, even shocking work moves from sly social comedy to something more darkly disturbing as Francie's sense of control begins to crumble. Though the movie sometimes looks as if the authentic Irish wit, colour and blarney has been filtered through the sensibility of a Buñuel or Polanski, Jordan never allows the surreal/expressionist aspects to dominate.

Excerpt from TimeOut Film Guide located HERE.

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Theatrical Release: 13 July, 1997 - Galway Film Fleadh

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DVD Review: Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC
Runtime	1:50:04
Video	1.78:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.97 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Commentary by: director/co-screenwriter Neil Jordan • Deleted scenes • Theatrical trailer DVD Release Date: February 13th, 2007 Keep Case Chapters: 42

Comments:

This appears to be a very true image without any digital manipulations. It is dark with muted colors and detail is quite strong. Progressive, anamorphic with a largely untested 5.1 sound track. This DVD image and audio have no pointed flaws. It looks to be faithfully rendered transferred on a dual-layered DVD coded for regions 1,2,3,and 4 in the NTSC standard. Optional English subtitles are offered.

Neil Jordan's commentary is quite laid-back and informative. There are frequent short gaps where he often lets the narration of the film or dialogue take over. He talks of his input on the screenplay with Patrick McCabe, the performances and some art direction details. It is worth listening to if you enjoyed the film. There are 4 deleted scenes (non-anamorphic) lasting just over 3 minutes that don't reflect too much upon the understanding of the film. A theatrical trailer (2:21) is included.

The film is quite a unique balance of humor and pathos - heart-breaking drama while observing the amusing side of life. Fond Irish remembrances make for another facet of a very enjoyable viewing experience.

Gary W. Tooze

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