Sleepers 4K UHD Review
“Sleepers” has a lot to say.
Based on the novel of the same name by Lorenzo Carcaterra (which may or may not be based on real events), “Sleepers” is set in two different time periods. The start of the film takes place in 1966 in Hell’s Kitchen and revolves around 4 kids (John, Michael, Tommy and Lorenzo) who are the best of friends. A local Priest (Father Bobby) looks out for them, but the kids fall into trouble. Not only do they start working for a gangster named King Benny, but they pull a prank which ends up putting a man in the hospital. To pay for their crime, the 4 are sent to a juvenile detention center where their lives become ruined by 4 guards who abuse, torture, and rape them. The story jumps ahead to 1981 where John, Michael, Tommy and Lorenzo are now adults. John and Tommy have turned to a life of crime while Michael has become an assistant DA and Lorenzo works at a newspaper. John and Tommy encounter one of the guards from the past and shoot him dead. The two seem bound for prison, but a plan is concocted by Michael and Lorenzo to expose the truths about the guards and to essentially rig the trial with the aid of a few past friends.
Writer/director Barry Levinson is no stranger to coming-of-age stories having helmed films like “Diner” and “Liberty Heights.” 1996’s “Sleepers” is partially a coming-of-age film about 4 friends, but Levinson dips into much darker territory here as the film morphs into a crime drama/legal drama about mistakes, trauma, justice, morality, and ethics. It’s a haunting story about the decisions we make, the past informing the present, and the moments that define our lives (for better or for worse). The first half of the film is challenging to watch, but effective in what it sets out to do. The second half is a little less impactful as the elaborate trial aspect feels like a rush job. It’s pulled off a little too easily and conveniently for the sake of the story. Still, there’s no denying the fact that Levinson has created a well crafted film with deep characterization and a lot of themes that are explored in depth.
“Sleepers” boasts one heck of a cast as it features Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt, Jason Patric, Billy Crudup, Brad Renfro, Minnie Driver, Bruno Kirby and Ron Eldard. For the most part it feels like a true ensemble piece, but there are noteworthy performances here. Kevin Bacon gives a positively stomach churning performance as the monstrous guard Sean. Robert De Niro gives a very understated and compelling performance as Father Bobby.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Expect a pristine new 4K transfer that boasts sharper colors and image quality.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the sounds of The Beach Boys to the score by John Williams, this 5.1 track delivers.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* 2 new short featurettes titled “The Making Of Sleepers: A Conversation With Barry Levinson” and “Sleepers: The Art Of Casting With Barry Levinson.”
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