Another example as to why the 2010 Academy Awards Ceremony was a complete travesty, is the mere fact that "BROTHERS" didn't receive nominations for its three main actors, screenplay, music, and most importantly, its director!  To have taken an already powerful Danish film, "BRODER," and retooled it for an American Audience, without diminishing its power and actually making it stand well as its own powerful variation of the original source material, is a feat in and of itself. But, to actually offer a film that expands and even improves upon the original!?! Just to be able to succeed in creating the kind of environment wherein not one, but "two" child actors give unforgettable performances ranking up with any other "best" supporting nominees of the past, should've been enough reason for Director  Jim Sheridan to have been nominated for his work here. It's just that good! In fact, everything about "BROTHERS" is "just that good!"  Beloved son, husband and father, Sam Cahill is about to embark on his 4th tour of duty in Afghanistan during the current war. Sam is also brother to the wayward Tommy, just released from prison on a bank robbery conviction at the film's opening. The Cahill family patriarch(brilliantly played by Sam Shepard)doesn't hide his disdain for Tommy nor his favoritism for Sam, particularly at the first family dinner, marking one son's return and the other's forthcoming departure. When Sam's helicopter is shot down by rebels and he and another survivor are taken prisoner, it's presumed the entire crew had been killed. Tommy takes it upon himself in attempting his best to make up the loss filled by everyone left behind.

There are just so many great things about this film, and not enough bandwidth to do it justice! "BROTHERS" is easily one of the best films of 2009, or any year! DON'T MISS IT!

LIONSGATE FILMS has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  While colors are never particularly vibrant, by the director's intent, they never feel washed out, only natural. Detail is always impressive and the image never falls flat. Blacks are deep enough to retain the depth of a scene, regardless of lighting. "BROTHERS" stands out as a fine example of what a great looking transfer can do for a great film!

LIONSGATE FILMS has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix.  While intentionally not an aggressive mix, Sheridan uses subtle effects to help draw the audience into the drama, without resorting to heavy-handed tools, eg. bombastic moments. While the downing of the helicopter and some select scenes do employ an array of surround, bass and discrete effects, Sheridan uses discrete, surround, music and dialogue channels with the skill of a master, as is evidenced in the unforgettable confrontation scene with police near the film's conclusion. "BROTHERS" demonstrates a lossy mix can be magnificent, without ever being overpowering.

Two fantastic featurettes(1080p)along with a good(not great)commentary, featuring Sheridan, are offered.