Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		2.5

Big Bully Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 5, 2020

Mill Creek has released Director Steve Miner's (Friday the 13th Part II) 1996 film 'Big Bully' to Blu-ray. The film is currently only available as part of a two film bundle with 'Wrongfully Accused.'

Young David Leary (Justin Jon Ross), who dreams of becoming a well-known writer outside of hometown of Hastings, Minnesota, is incessantly bullied and tormented by the meaner, and bigger (literally), Roscoe Bigger (Michael Zwiene), also known as “Fang.” When David's father informs him that he’s been transferred out to the West coast, David is beyond thrilled. He begins packing his bags almost immediately, giddy at the prospects of leaving Roscoe behind forever. Some years later, David (Rick Moranis), now a father himself, has become a published, but not exactly famous, author. He and his son Ben (Blake Bashoff) are moving back to Minnesota after David’s wife left him. He’s now teaching creative writing back at the school he attended as a child, at the site of his torment. Amongst his fellow faculty is Victoria Phillips (Julianne Phillips), his childhood crush, and none other than Roscoe himself, teaching shop and metalwork in the basement, which understandably brings back a flood of bad memories and raises David’s heartrate to dangerous levels. It’s a while before Roscoe, now shy and quiet and socially awkward, realizes David is actually his old target, now a grown man. Complicating matters is that David’s son Ben is himself a bully, and his target is none other than Roscoe’s little boy Kirby (Cody McMains). While Ben is busy with Kirby, Roscoe finds himself reinvigorated with David back in town. Bully-mania!

Big Bully Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

There should be no bullying Big Bully for its Blu-ray release. Mill Creek's 1080p presentation is quite handsome, holding fast to a steady, rather fine grain structure that transmits the picture's filmic roots quite effectively. Details are clear and sharp, ranging from faces and clothes to location details inside the school and around David's and Roscoe's homes. It's pleasantly filmic in practically every scene. Colors are handled well, too. The palette is not exceedingly vibrant by any measure, but viewers will find pleasantly saturated clothes as well as location elements in the key sets. Expect to find the errant pop and speckle and other little signs of wear, not to mention a hint edge enhancement, but overall the image is in very good condition. Fans should be well pleased.

Big Bully Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack offers a well-rounded listening experience. Musical engagement is wide with nicely detailed notes and a quality supportive depth, not to mention a pleasing surround integration. Atmospherics around school -- din in hallways, a fire alarm bell, various sounds inside a dance midway through the film -- prove satisfyingly filling and well positioned. Dialogue presentation never misses a beat.

Big Bully Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

No supplemental content is included.

Big Bully Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Big Bully may not be the smartest movie ever made, but it's an agreeable little escape with a fun premise, good performances, and enough energy to keep the audience interested for 90 minutes. Mill Creek's featureless Blu-ray delivers a quality A/V experience. Recommended.