Disc Reviews

Leon 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Review

25th Jan 2014

Leon is a hitman, living in the United States, living a simple life – watering his plants, enjoying matinee shows at the cinema showing “oldies but goldies”, and going to work for the Italian mob without question.

Living in the same apartment block is Matilda, a 12 year old girl living among an abusive family whose life is turned inside-out when corrupt police (lead by a real powerhouse Gary Oldman) show up to wipe out the entire family after the father tries to rip them off. Thankfully for Matilda, Leon manages to save her life and takes her in under his wing. From here on both set about disrupting the others life at first, but an uncommon bond forms between the two and before you know it. Leon has found the care and attention he needs from another soul in this life to affect his own, and Matilda is soon showing signs of wanting to learn what he knows about the hitman business.

Yes Leon is back out on release again – this time in a nice shiny tin steelbook for its 20^th anniversary.

Leon has been released multiple times before – but this is probably the most complete edition so far. The release also includes both the almost perfect theatrical version, and the more controversial director’s cut that tries to imbue a hint of romance between the two leads. We’ll stick with the theatrical version as it instilled all the romance most would want to see between a grown man and a 12 year old girl.

The picture and sound quality are given a boost thanks to the Blu-ray standard definitions. The available extras include a couple of new interviews with star Jean Reno and composer Eric Serra. It is nice to have all the extra material, but Leon thankfully is a film that speaks volumes all by itself and remains Besson’s strongest film to date.