Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie Review

One of Cate Blanchett's career best performances in a compelling based-on-a-true-story thriller

Veronica Guerin is an edge-of-your-seat thriller which dramatizes a true-story inspired by the work of investigative journalist Guerin. The film explores the dark drug-world of Ireland during the mid 1990's and the dangers it impacted on society. The film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Remember the Titans).

Veronica Guerin (Cate Blanchett) is an acclaimed reporter recognized for her remarkable journalism and hard-hitting writing. After recognizing a lack of care and interest in other journalists covering the drug dealing underworld of Ireland she decides to make it her own mission to bring to light the truth behind the severe corruption and laundering.

Going out to drug-houses and communities, Guerin witnesses firsthand the damage which is being done to the youth of the country as kids fall into mass drug addiction, poverty, and despair. Writing for the Sunday Independent, Guerin doesn't cut corners or tackle the topic of the drug trade mildly. She's a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman who won't stop until the truth is published.

As the story unfolds, Guerin comes face-to-face with the ruthless millionaire drug-dealer John Gilligan (Gerard McSorley) who becomes determined to squash Guerin's story as well as any connections she might make to him. Risking her life and the safety of her family, Guerin stops at nothing to try and bring down the rich drug lords who are bringing addiction to the nation.

"Got any more of those... Blu-ray releases? I want the good stuff."

Cate Blanchett steals the show with a powerhouse performance. This is an Oscar-worthy performance from the great actress. Blanchett is impeccable here and elevates all other aspects of the filmmaking. There is a clear level of nuance behind her performance in this film and she manages to convey both sides of this complex character: the mother and the wife who wants to be a part of the family and the journalist who values the pursuit of her work above all else.

Featuring a compelling visual aesthetic with cinematography by Brendan Galvin (Flight of the Phoenix, Behind Enemy Lines), Veronica Guerin is a film which excels in part because of it's cinematic beauty. The film features photography filmed directly on-location in Ireland. This gives the film a level of authenticity which is felt throughout the entire production.

Another stellar aspect of the film is the haunting music score composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (The Meg, The Martian). The music manages to convey both the dark dramatic undertones of these characters and the drug-world while also conveying the light side of Guerin's spirit as a character. Featuring instrumentation which reflects the style of Irish music, the entire work is appropriate in conveying the emotion of the story.

Drawing from the true story, the screenplay was written by Carol Doyle (Washington Square) and Mary Agnes Donoghue (White Oleander). The script is particularly strong for how well it paints a picture of the title character: Veronica Guerin. Rather than relying simply on a by-the-numbers narrative on the drug scene in Ireland the script balances the journalistic aspect of the story with the character-drama. Ultimately, Veronica Guerin feels like a character-exploration more than anything else. This is why the filmmaking is so impressive.

Joel Schumacher (The Phantom of the Opera, Phone Booth) capably directs with a creative ambition which seems rare for his career. While he's made a fair share of decent Hollywood films his creative track record is also decidedly mixed (with Batman & Robin at the opposite end of the spectrum when compared to efforts like this endeavor). Pushing aside his big-budget Hollywood fare for a change of pace, Veronica Guerin is a more intimate film which feels personal to the filmmaker. This may be the best film Schumacher has made in his career as a director. Veronica Guerin is cinematic magic of the highest order.

Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Veronica Guerin arrives on Blu-ray for the first time from distributor Kino Lorber. The release features an impressive 1080p high definition MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation. The video preserves a fine, naturally filmic image. This is a great transfer and encode of the film. The image looks crisp and is a clear quality boost for this visually stunning film. The transfer is free from egregious issues like DNR and edge enhancement. Viewers are treated to a beautiful print that presents the 35mm source footage in a faithful way. The film utilizes colors in a creative way during some of the film's most interesting scenes and these strong hues (such as the blue of the nightclub) stand out in a vibrant way.

Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio on this release is presented in two options: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. These are excellent lossless audio sound options which help provide viewers with a invigorating sound stage. However, in comparing the two the surround sound option is clearly a superior choice with better bass reproduction. The film utilizes great sound effects throughout the action oriented scenes as well. The score composed by Harry Gregson-Williams stands out as a particularly impressive aspect of the audio presentation and makes use of the surround sound design for an enveloping soundstage. English SDH subtitles are provided for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with director Joel Schumacher

Audio Commentary with writers Carol Doyle and Mary Agnes Donoghue

Public Mask, Private Fears: The Making of Veronica Guerin (SD, 13 min.) is a rather engaging behind-the-scenes featurette despite its relatively brief length. There are some great insights on the filmmaking process and what it was like to adapt this true-story for the big-screen.

A Conversation with Producer Jerry Bruckheimer (SD, 20 min. 35 sec.) is a fairly in-depth interview about Bruckheimer's involvement in the process of making Veronica Guerin.

Deleted Scene: Veronica Guerin speaks at the committee to protect journalists (SD, 2 min. 25 sec.) features a recreation of actual footage spotlighting a speech given by Guerin.

The real Veronica Guerin speaks at the committee to protect journalists (SD, 3 min. 39 sec.) is footage of the actual event when inspired the deleted scene included on this release. Having watched both the deleted sequence and the real press footage it's easy to see why the scene was cut from the film and it's also understandable why the producers decided it could not fit inside og the film's narrative.

Producers Photo Diary with Jerry Bruckheimer (SD, 6 min. 50 sec.) is a great video compilation of photographs taken by the producer and featuring commentary about the production of the film.

Trailer (SD, 1 min. 8 sec.) for Veronica Guerin

Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases: The Interpreter, Deceived, Hidden Agenda, and The Rich Man's Wife.

Veronica Guerin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Featuring an impeccable lead-performance by the brilliant actress Cate Blanchett in the title-role, Veronica Guerin is a gem which never received quite the level of recognition it truly deserved. The filmmaking is first-rate and this is the best effort ever put on celluloid from director Joel Schumacher. Featuring a terrific presentation and a collection of entertaining bonus features, the Blu-ray release is worth a purchase.