Was the first Boondock Saints ever out in theaters?

Yes, but it had a very limited release in the US, in part because the film is very violent and was released only a few months after the Columbine High School shooting. As this question seems to suggest, the movie didn't get any real public attention until it became a "Blockbuster Exclusive" DVD. read more

Boondock Saints is promoted at theCannes film festival, but all the major American distribution companies pass on the film. The film manages to receive a limited release in five cities, but performs poorly and is pulled after a week, and is released on DVD and VHS. read more

It was paired with a mini book that was featured on the official Boondock Saints website that told a mini-story that takes place before the strip club scene from the first film. These will eventually be released in one single graphic novel. 'The Boondock Saints: In Nomine Patris' was written with J.B. Love and published in November 2011. read more