The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 24, 2023

1994’s “The Killing of Bobby Greene” plays like an adaptation of a YA novel. It deals with the rising violence of a teenager fearing he has no future, turning to crime to solve his problems while pulling his friends into a dangerous scheme. Writer/director/actor Mick McCleery hopes to put some real dramatic energy into the shot-on-video endeavor, but he only gets through the first act. There’s something of a story to enjoy with early scenes in the feature, which explore a plot of revenge with a mild degree of interesting turns, but “The Killing of Bobby Greene” eventually runs out of steam, finding McCleery battling to find his way to a feature-length run time as dramatic repetition sets in, hurting a picture that hopes to deliver a snowballing sense of paranoia and threat.

A high school student with a troubled life, Ray (Mick McCleery) hasn’t been the same since his father was taken from him by the police, with John (Howard Segal) in deep trouble with shady financial dealings connected to Robert (Barney Greene), his boss. When John commits suicide in prison, Ray is shattered, trying to take his mind off his troubles by spending time with his girlfriend, Kelly (Kim Haist), and his pal Dan (Joshua Batt), who’s dating Christy (Felicia Freedman), with the foursome enjoying time swimming at the local quarry. Discovering a hidden cave during their usual beer- soaked antics, Ray is inspired to take his frustrations to the next level. Instead of simply resenting Robert’s son, and his classmate, Bobby (Chris Gullo), Ray elects to do something severe, masterminding a kidnapping plot to take the teen and keep him hidden in the cave, helping to emotionally destroy Robert. However, things go south when Bobby’s piano teacher, Mr. Peters (Sidney Bater), gets involved, and the target eventually dies in the process, putting Ray on the defense as he tries to justify his anger and control Kelly, Dan, and Christy, who are ready to talk to Detective Dean (Rob Taylor) about the crime.

The quarry is the main hang-out spot for Ray and the gang, with the young man enjoying a game where he tosses a can of beer into the water, challenging himself and Dan to jump in and find it. Winner enjoys a warm can of brew soaked in quarry juice. This test of skill helps Ray discover a cave, giving him a taste of adventure and solitude, but also triggering a plan to do something with the hiding spot, and this involves a nice, juicy slice of revenge. Robert is the man who put pressure on John, sending law enforcement after him, which drove the sad dad to killing himself in prison, putting a stain on Ray he fears will never scrub off. The opening act of “The Killing of Bobby Greene” establishes this simmering rage, with Ray targeting fellow high schooler Bobby, trying to make the educational experience as uncomfortable as possible for the innocent teen. You may be wondering, “Why doesn’t Ray just murder Robert?” It’s a good question, and one that’s not fully addressed by McCleery, who’d rather have Ray organize a kidnapping plot with semi-unwilling people, with plans to drive Robert to insanity as he searches for his son, who’s been kept in the quarry cave.

Complications come for Ray, who manages to assault Mr. Peters in the process of claiming Bobby, gifting the witness a head injury, leaving the loose end struggling to recall what happened when the cops find him. “The Killing of Bobby Greene” offers a reasonable sense of escalation during its first act, setting up Ray’s impatience with the situation and his mad dash to protect his interests. Of course, with a title like “The Killing of Bobby Greene,” there’s no ambiguity when it comes to the kidnappee’s fate, but instead of putting pressure on the felons to scramble and figure out a new plan of survival, McCleery quickly lets the air out of the effort, leaving the rest of the film to tepid scenes of confrontation and the reveal of relationship secrets. All this material doesn’t add suspense, it merely helps to extend the run time

The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "The Killing of Bobby Greene" remains similar to many shot-on-video releases, delivering a basic sense of frame information. Detail reaches about as far as possible here, offering a look at character appearances and interiors, which mostly explore domestic areas with limited decoration. Exteriors aren't deep, but a general appreciation for quarry experiences and neighborhood tours is present. Colors are acceptable, preserving decent primaries and skin tones. Greenery is adequate. Delineation is passable. Source does have several points of damage and pronounced age at times.

The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "The Killing of Bobby Greene" doesn't make use of original sound, offering pronounced dialogue re-recording. Clarity isn't an issue, with voices loud. Scoring retain instrumentation and dramatic support. Soundtrack selections are equally balanced. Some wear and tear is noticeable at times.

The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary on "The Killing of Bobby Greene" features writer/director/actor Mick McCleery.

• "Crooks" (104:12, SD) is a 1989 feature from writer/director/actor Mick McCleery.

• Commentary on "Crooks" features writer/director/actor Mick McCleery.

• "Crooks: 2023 Cut" (88:27, SD) is a reworked version of the feature.

• "Unlimited Vision" (37:55, HD) is an interview with Mick McCleery, who's joined "in conversation" with filmmaker Kevin J. Lindenmuth. McCleery explores his initial interest in moviemaking, drawn to the visual power of storytelling, gradually setting out to make his own endeavors. Eventually making his way to Temple University, McCleery finally graduated from short films to feature-length direction, using VHS technology to do so. Talk does turn to "The Killing of Bobby Greene," examining casting, themes, and technical challenges. Locations are highlighted, including work at a quarry, which required a major production presence to use. Reflection on the picture is shared, with McCleery recognizing issues, but he's also proud of the work. Musical achievements are celebrated. The distribution story of "The Killing of Bobby Greene" is also provided.

• "One by One Film & Video: 1982-1992" (87:30, SD) is a documentary.

• Short Films (SD & HD) include: 1984's "Cyborg" (9:48), 1988's "Out All Night" (25:48), 1988's "Boys Will Be Boys" (15:52), 1991's "Limited Vision" (34:19), and 2019's "Pick-Up" (6:48). All shorts can be viewed with or without commentary from director Mick McCleery.

• "Making of a Vision" (24:16, SD) explores the creation of the short film, "Limited Vision."

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Killing of Bobby Greene Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Detective Dean is on the case in "The Killing of Bobby Greene," though law enforcement isn't a major player in this cover-up game. The tale is more invested in Ray's mistakes and messes, trying to maintain control over Mr. Peters and deal with his friends, who aren't ready to go along with a weird plan of vengeance. "The Killing of Bobby Greene" grows slow and silly, and McCleery's position as a first-time filmmaker is evident in the frustrating pacing of the movie, which opens with a mild bang, and ends half-asleep, unable to make the right kind of noise with potentially wicked material.