Sleepers is one of those dramas that delves into a dark subject and while the performances are all well done, and all in all recommend watching, it doesn’t quite have a lasting impact.
Sleepers
(1996)
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense/Thriller
Warner Bros. | R – 147 min. – $24.99 | April 21, 2026
Date Published: 07/12/2026 | Author: The Movieman
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Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3¾/5 |
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Plot synopsis: Four teenage friends from Hell’s Kitchen end up being sent to reform school after almost killing a man. There they are brutalized by the guards. John (RON ELDARD) and Tommy (BILLY CRUDUP) grow up to be hit men who recognize their abuser (KEVIN BACON) years later and kill him. Their trial is prosecuted by another member of their gang, who is now the assistant DA (BRAD PITT). Quick Hit Review: Sleepers is a moving drama that tackles a difficult subject of sexual abuse but it’s not quite as heavy compared with a movie like Mystic River, which I found far more engrossing and tragic in comparison. That being said, the performances from all involved were great, and features from then somewhat unknowns like Billy Crudup, Jonathan Tucker and Wendell Pierce. The direction under Barry Levinson was workmanlike with no shot or scene really standing out but still it’s nice to look at and his, with production designer Kristi Zea (The Silence of the Lambs, Goodfellas), looked great. I don’t think Sleepers ranks all that high amongst dramas but it’s still a well made film that is not easy to watch. The performances were all well done, headlined by Kevin Bacon playing a truly evil character plus accolades to Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman (who doesn’t make an appearance late) and Brad Pitt. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2/5 |
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This release comes with a matted slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The only features included are two new interviews with Barry Levinson: The Making of Sleepers: A Conversation with Barry Levinson and Sleepers: The Art of Casting with Barry Levinson |
VIDEO – 4½/5 |
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Warner Bros. releases Sleepers onto 4K where it’s presented with a 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and a 2160p high-definition transfer. Presumably this was taken from the master and no work was done to do a remaster. Still, it’s a good looking picture and I have to assume it’s an upgrade over the 2011 Blu-ray. Detail is relatively sharp and black levels were stark without appearing crushed and there is some color but considering the subject, this was not going to be a bright and cheery looking picture. |
AUDIO – 4¼/5 |
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The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is perfectly fine especially for a drama with few scenes that would show off a whole lot of depth, though the prison scenes did do a good job utilizing the rear channels. That said, I’m guessing this is the same codec as the original Blu-ray. |
OVERALL — 3¾/5 |
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Sleepers is one of those dramas that delves into a dark subject and while the performances are all well done, and all in all recommend watching, it doesn’t quite have a lasting impact. The 4K Ultra HD has a respectable transfer, and offers two new interviews, I’m mixed on this unless you can get it in the $10 range. |