John Michael McDonagh’s debut feature The Guard was one of Holy Moly’s favourite films of 2009, and it was certainly the funniest. But like his brother Martin’s under-the-radar, violent comedy masterwork In Bruges, there’s every chance you’ve not seen The Guard yet. But now you can, as it’s out on DVD and Blu Ray with a big bag full of extras.

When we reviewed The Guard back in August we suggested it might be every bit as good as In Bruges. But it doesn’t quite reward repeated viewings, in the same way. Although that’s chiefly because it’s a far simpler, more immediate story, rather than any flaw in the film.

Brendan Gleeson plays Sergeant Boyle with an almost zen-like approach to not giving a fuck, whilst keeping a careful balance between being loveable and obnoxious as he callously gropes the balls of a freshly shot corpse, insults everyone he works with, takes drugs stolen from car crash victims and treats himself to hookers.

His unlikely and reluctant investigative partner Wendell Everett is never sure if he’s dealing with an idiot or a genius, a situation that gives veteran US actor Don Cheadle every opportunity to run the gamut of incredulous facial expressions.

There’s not a weak link in the cast, but special mention must go to Fionnula Flanagan as Boyle’s dying mother (adding a sentimental but never mawkish layer to the story) and first timer Michael Og Lane as the impish and ever-present small boy Eugene.

The Blu Ray transfer won’t blow you away, but we certainly noticed the deliberate use of greens and blues in several scenes – giving the film a stylistic touch we’d previously missed. But the extras are worth the purchase price, with both extended and deleted scenes (one of which suggests a potential relationship between Boyle and the recently widowed Gabriela), bloopers (mostly Gleeson laughing at everything), and a charming behind-the-scenes doc which makes The Guard look like an unusually relaxed and happy shoot. Plus there’s a short film from 2000, The Second Death, featuring much of the same cast plus Aiden Gillen.

Don’t wait till it’s £3 in Fopp. Buy The Guard as a vote for more films of this beautifully sweary, casually violent and satisfyingly funny quality from the other talented McDonagh brother.

“I’m Irish, sir. Racism is part of my culture”.