DVD Corner

The Saint 4K UHD SteelBook Review

Val Kilmer carries “The Saint.”  

1997’s “The Saint” is a feature film adaptation of the book series of the same name by Leslie Charteris. The most popular version of “The Saint,” however, was the British TV series starring Roger Moore of James Bond fame (who also has an audio cameo at the end of the film). There’s no denying that “The Saint” feels like Paramount attempting to make another franchise in the vein of “Mission: Impossible” (the first entry of which came out in 1996). As we know, no sequels were ever made even though the film did decent business at the box office. 

Anyway, the Jonathan Hensleigh and Wesley Strick scripted story revolves around Simon Templar- an orphan turned rich thief who dons numerous disguises on his missions. Simon’s first mission in this adventure involves stealing a microchip from Russian oil magnate Ivan, but is later hired by Ivan to steal a cold fusion formula from an electrochemist (Dr. Emma Russell). The power and money hungry Ivan hopes to dominate the heating and oil market which is currently in crisis in Russia. Things become quite complicated for Simon when he is being pursued by Scotland Yard, falls in love with Emma, and discovers that he and Emma are being targeted for death by Ivan.

“The Saint” should have been the perfect franchise vehicle for Val Kilmer as it allowed the actor to have a fun and mysterious role as Simon Templar, the globe-trotting thief whose aliases are all Saints. Seeing the late great Kilmer have a blast with various accents and disguises is easily the best part of the movie. To say he elevates the project is a massive understatement. Unfortunately, he’s the only thing this movie has going for it.

From a critical standpoint, director Phillip Noyce’s “The Saint” is a bland cookie cutter 90’s blockbuster. This could and should have been a slick, stylish, and thrilling start of an enduring franchise, but the film never takes off due to its poor pacing, drawn out conflict, cliched villains, and a miscast Elisabeth Shue. Even when Kilmer livens up the proceedings, the movie sadly lets him down. It’s worth a watch for Kilmer alone, but it all feels like a big missed opportunity.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? It’s not the showiest 4K transfer, but it’s still a respectable upgrade that boasts higher quality picture quality.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? Expect a satisfactory audio track.

Extras include a Digital copy, Blu-ray copy, commentary by director Phillip Noyce (on the Blu-ray) and the original theatrical trailer (also on the Blu-ray).

August 19, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, Steelbook, The Saint 4K UHD SteelBook Review, The Saint Movie, Val Kilmer