Skarsgård stars as “Boy” who vows revenge after his family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen), the deranged matriarch of a corrupt post-apocalyptic dynasty that left the boy orphaned, deaf and voiceless. Driven by his inner voice, one which he co-opted from his favorite childhood video game, Boy trains with a mysterious shaman (Ruhian) to become an instrument of death and is set loose on the eve of the annual culling of dissidents. Bedlam ensues as Boy commits bloody martial arts mayhem, inciting a wrath of carnage and blood-letting. As he tries to get his bearings in this delirious realm, Boy soon falls in with a desperate resistance group, all the while bickering with the apparent ghost of his rebellious little sister.

For in-depth thoughts on Boy Kills World, please see my colleague Gaius Bolling’s review from its theatrical release here.

Video Quality

Boy Kills World makes a good impression with its 2160p/SDR presentation in 2.39:1 on this 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc. One of the most controversial aspects of this release will be the very atypical decision to release the film on 4K UHD Blu-Ray without High Dynamic Range. It is not an absolute requirement for the format, but a brand-new movie rarely lacks HDR. That being said, the color palette still gets a slight boost in nuance with the film presented in its native 4K. Hues look more natural to their intended appearance of this stylized world.

This presentation boasts impressive black levels that are incredibly deep and detailed with digital noise avoided on screen. There are plenty of shots of shadowy spaces that show no signs of crush. Highlights likewise hold firm with no evidence of blooming. This transfer shows a stellar amount of detail in even the most minute aspects of the production design and costumes. Skin tones look very natural throughout and show a notable amount of facial detail. The uptick in accuracy and clarity is apparent in the dazzling colors, the textures of the outfits, and the crispness of the debris. This is not an average 4K UHD presentation, but it succeeds in what it is attempting.

Audio Quality

This disc comes equipped with an incredibly dynamic Dolby Atmos presentation that fully submerges you in this world. The score and soundtrack bring a ferocious energy that amplifies the stakes. The low end is engaged particularly well with a knockout experience throughout. The sound design of this film is Elements of this track that are truly enveloping thanks to the utilization of the height channels. Sounds are accurately rendered with pinpoint directionality from the more chaotic scenes to the few moments of calm. The distinct narration is presented clearly without ever being overshadowed by any of the competing sonic elements. The mix here is exceptional with nice engagement of all the channels, which makes this track a spectacular treat for fans of the film. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Total Bedlam – Making Boy Kills World: A great 17-minute documentary in which the filmmakers and performers discuss the genesis of the film, the stylistic influences, the casting and character arcs, the epic action sequences, and more.
Winter Wonderland: A 37-second look at the television show that commits mass murder.
F*cked Up Fairytale: A 37-second montage of some of the wildest moments from the film.
Martial Arts: A 39-second look at the action choreography of the film.
Bill Skarsgard Training: A minute-and-a-half-long look at the performance from Skarsgard and the intense transformation for this role.
Bill and Yayan: A minute-long look at the relationship between Boy and Shaman.
Theatrical Trailers: This disc provides Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:32) and Theatrical Trailer #2 (2:15).

Final Thoughts

Boy Kills World could rightfully be accused of being style over substance, but it taps into a vein of lunacy that is incredibly fun for those looking for an over-the-top violent revenge tale. Some questionable choices are made, yet the film earns points for the creativity on display. Bill Skarsgård is impressive even with the limitations in play, and the rest of the ensemble adds a lot to the story. If you are looking for some mindless fun, this hits the spot. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray that sports a solid A/V presentation and an array of special features. If you like violent, zany action films, give this one a chance. Recommended

Boy Kills World is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.