Cast: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Written by: Phil Johnston
Genre: Comedy

Rating:
Video: ★★★★★
Audio: ★★★★★
Extras: ★★★★★1/2
Value: ★★★★★

Read more about Cedar Rapids (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★★★
Fox’s transfer is [not surprisingly] gorgeous. While this isn’t a film that boasts a great deal to show off your high definition television, all of the textures, color palates, and dynamic contrast is presented as close to, if not better, than the theater experience. This is especially important in a film like Cedar Rapids that sets a tone through its authentic visual motifs. The surface quality of the set design paints a great picture of a hotel in Iowa (so much so that the smell of chlorine almost seeps from the screen). This translates beautifully through the transfer, which is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio.

Presented in its 1.85:1 theatrical ratio.

Audio: ★★★★★
The English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio is stupendous. Cedar Rapids is a film with a lot of dialogue, but also one that fluctuates between scenes with loud music. No character is ever unintentionally drowned out by the background, and vice versa. The mix is consistent and dynamic throughout the whole film. Needless to say, there is not a single instance of hiss, pops, or dips. Top notch.

English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Extras: ★★★★★1/2
Fox has done all they can to provide this disc with unique and fun content. Presented here are a few production featurettes, additional footage, and a number of faux ads. Additionally, a Digital Copy is included, as well as a “Live Extras” section mirroring Universal’s BD Live system. There’s a load of features here, but it’s what isn’t included that’s a little disappointing. Namely, this is a film that is ripe for a cast and crew commentary. Overall, the features here favor entertainment over insight.

Digital Copy

Deleted Scenes (HD, 07:19)
Six deleted scenes that deliver a few more laughs and some irrelevant background information. The best addition is the “Cabin Extras”, which show more footage from the ending credits.

Gag Reel (HD, 04:17)
A typical (read hilarious) montage of line flubs and practical jokes.

Convention Connection (HD, 13:19)
Seven character highlights with interviews with the cast members talking about their roles.

Mike O’Malley – Urban Clogger (HD, 02:55)
A very brief featurette documenting actor Mike O’Malley’s experience learning how to clog for the talent show sequence of the film.

Tweaking in the USA (HD, 06:13)
This supplement gives insight into one of the darker sequences of the film, where Tim Lippe finds himself taking meth at a dingy party.

Wedding Belles – Crashing a Lesbian Wedding (HD 04:16)
A feature that focuses on the context and production design of the lesbian wedding scene.

Top Notch Commercial (HD, 01:16)
This is a left-field feature is a faux commercial for an insurance company, that ultimately ends up promoting the movie.

Fox Movie Channel presents Direct Effect with Miguel Arteta (SD, 06:37)
Director Miguel Arteta discusses his approach to filmmaking, story, and his experience with the amazing cast.

Fox Movie Channel presents WRiters Draft with Phil Johnston (SD, 06:48)
Scribe Phil Johnston talks about where he received the inspiration for writing Cedar Rapids, and his experience in seeing his first film come to fruition on the big screen.

Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Value: ★★★★★
Despite a painfully obnoxious new cover, Cedar Rapids on Blu-ray delivers almost everything fans of the film will want. The only glaring omission is the addition of an audio commentary, which, for an ensemble film with such great chemistry, is a bummer. Otherwise, Fox delivers an immaculate audio and visual presentation that will preserve the enjoyment of this film for many subsequent viewings.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Very unlikely. While Cedar Rapids has already found a dedicated audience, this 2-disc set provides about as much material as we’re ever going to get. And considering the great audio/visual of this disc, we won’t really need another one, will we?

Read more about Cedar Rapids (2011)

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