Scott Hicks may be one of the most over-rated directors of the past generation. While his films have never been as abysmal as M. Night Shyamalan's post-"Sixth Sense" films have been, they never deserved the heaps of praise they've received either. "SHINE?" Are there many films more dull?  And, how about "Hearts in Atlantis?" Way to make a Steven King Novel-to-screen adaptation painfully slow, instead of painfully tense. "Snow Falling on Cedars" was actually better than the rest, and even that one was still pretty slow. So, at least, "THE BOYS ARE BACK," while flawed, isn't ever dull.  Based on the memoir of New Zealand sportswriter, Simon Carr and his experience in overcoming the death of his wife, while raising two boys on his own, "THE BOYS ARE BACK," features some great performances, particularly from Clive Owen in the lead. Everyone is good, but Owen actually gives a sensational "Oscar-worthy" performance in a better-than-average film. Hicks is more heavy-handed than ever here, and the visits from the deceased wife, offer nothing new, and worse, become annoying, quickly.  While this device worked magically in "TO GILLIAN ON HER 37th BIRTHDAY," there was no justifiable reason to utilize it here.

"THE BOYS ARE BACK" attempts to handle a number of themes at once, when it should've been streamlined. While not a parent, it's still not hard to know what bad parenting is, and judging from the earlier part of the film, even with Owen's character dealing with great loss, his style of parenting, is infuriating. Owen makes the film work, ultimately, in the end, but the way the script is written, leaves the viewer wanting to smack sense into him, rather than praise him.

The correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact, with 16:9 enhancement.  Colors are solid, though seldom vibrant. Contrast is impressive, maintaining an impressive depth to scenes, even when heavily shadowed. Film grain is present, but it's never intrusive and provides a pleasant, natural quality to the image.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is heavy on the center channel. While some minor ambient effects pop up on occasion, this is a very subtle mix. Not awful, but in no way remarkable.

Supplements include: "BOYS ARE BACK: A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY," a slideshow with options for music only, or music and commentary with Hicks.  The commentary from Hicks, actually provides more insight into the filmmaking process, and is less dull than a feature-length commentary would've been.

A short featurette, offers a meeting with the actual Simon Carr, his two sons, and the actors playing the sons on film.