Cast: Khomotso Manyaka, Keaobaka Makanyane and Lerato Mvelase
Directed by: Oliver Schmitz
Written by: Dennis Foon
Genre: Drama
Rating:
Video: 1/2
Audio:
Extras:
Value: 1/2
Review:
Video: 1/2
Shot in high definition, Life, Above All is perfectly suited for high def treatment. The picture quality here has great fidelity, showing the textures of the homes, the dustiness of the streets, and highlights the saturated color tones. The color palate ranges from a drained sepia to sometimes very vivid colors, all which are depicted with great care. The blacks are pitch, and the whites are gorgeous, resulting in a very admirable high definition presentation.
Presented in 1080p widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
Audio: 1/2
For the most part, Life, Above All is a quiet picture. Even still, a lot can still be admired about the audio track whether it’s the clarity of dialogue, the nuanced sound effects, or the ever-present ambient noises that help create a naturalistic atmosphere. The audio track is well mixed and consistent.
5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Extras:
There isn’t much here outside of a small making-of featurette, which discusses more the importance of the film than the making of it. The inclusion of a DVD version is an unexpected bonus for those with multiple viewing devices.
Making Of Life, Above All (SD, 14:09)
This making-of feature revolves mostly around the production, and the how-and-why the filmmakers fought to make this film. On-set interviews with the producers, writer, and director paint a portrait of the importance of the movie.
Theatrical Trailer (HD)
BD Live Enabled
DVD Copy
Value: 1/2
This is of a class of foreign and international films that unfortunately aren’t given too much attention in the special features department, and because they are of a niche demographic, they tend to be priced higher than they maybe should be. Because of this, consumers have to be aware of what they are getting for their money: a beautiful presentation of a respectable film, without much else to justify its price. If the film itself is all that is important to you, then you will be very pleased with Sony’s offering.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
Simply: no.
Cast: Brit Marling, William Mapother
Directed by: Mike Cahill
Written by: Mike Cahill and Brit Marling
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction
Rating:
Video: 1/2
Audio:
Extras:
Value:
Read more about Another Earth (2011)
Review:
Video: 1/2
Often times when a film is shot on certain types of digital formats, a high definition presentation highlights the flaws in compression, lack of fidelity, or a myriad of other plagues. And then there are some digital films that really demonstrate the clarity of high definition more than any other format. Luckily, Another Earth belongs to this latter category as Fox delivers stunning picture quality from a film that by its nature is muted and somber. Aside from a number of instances where director Mike Cahill intentionally uses grainy effects, the picture is as clear and crisp as can be. The digital format lends itself to more verité sensibilities, so the flawless image really helps to immerse us deeper into the story.
Presented in 1080p widescreen 1.85:1 format.
Another Earth (2011) | Brit Marling
Audio:
This is a really quiet film driven mainly by the haunting score by Fall On Your Sword. Even so, Fox has taken care to present us with a very well mixed audio track that captures every ounce of sullenness. There are a few moments of intensity that, when compared to the rest of the film, demonstrate how wonderfully nuanced the aural experience is. The audio track is bold and full. It’s volume is boisterous without being distorted, the quiet moments are captured without an ounce of hiss. Overall, this is a very strong presentation
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
(English, French, and Spanish audio tracks can be found on the DVD.)
Extras:
Most of the features here are very short, but even still provide a great amount of perspective. The absence of an audio commentary is a bit disconcerting, but the insight packed into these small featurettes helps curb that fault. The addition of the DVD and digital copy surely increases this release’s value.
“The First Time I Saw Jupiter” by Fall On Your Sword Music Video (HD, 03:19)
Self-explanatory, it’s a little strange that this is a type of song that would receive a music video considering it feels very much like a film score. Even still, it’s an interesting conceptual video that’s worth a watch.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 09:20)
These scenes are quite compelling as they provide a view into how to shape a story and performance. The scenes that were omitted provide additional character story that just isn’t essential, but stands as a great example of different directions the film could have explored.
Fox Movie Channel Presents: Direct Effect Mike Cahill (SD, 04:17)
This short featurette has director Mike Cahill discussing his approach to directing, co-writing, and editing Another Earth.
Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Brit Marling (SD, 04:22)
Star Brit Marling talks a bit about being a co-writer and approaching her character in the film.
Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with William Mapother (SD, 04:22)
Ethan William Mapother explains what attracted him to the project and how he took on the role of the grieving widower.
The Science Behind Another Earth (HD, 02:39)
A discussion with director Mike Cahill, actress Brit Marling, and Dr. RIchard Berendzen, Astrophysicist as they wax philosophical about the possibility of another Earth in the universe.
Creating Another Earth (HD, 02:29)
A discussion with Mike Cahill and Brit Marling as they talk mainly about getting the film off the ground through a real grassroots style.
Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Digital Copy
DVD Version
Value:
For your money, there’s few other beloved indie films that will get Blu-ray treatment such as this. Not only does it have incredible audio and visual, but it has a decent amount of insight within a small amount of features. The addition of the DVD and digital copy kind of make this the quintessential version of the film and will certainly give you a big bang for your buck. (Get it?)
Will There Be A Double Dip?
Another Earth is certainly a film that is poised to earn a cult following as it already has garnered many endearing fans during its theatrical release. I can’t imagine, however, that there will be a superior version of this film released on any format any time soon. In fact, outside of a theatrical re-release and the addition of an audio commentary track, I can see no reason for Fox to double-dip this title. Buy happily.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Written by: Christopher Hampton
Genre: Drama
At the beginning of the 20th century theories behind mental illness and psychological disorders were in a drastic state of evolution. Sigmund Freud’s (Mortensen) pioneering philosophy on sexual psychoanalysis gave birth Carl Jung’s (Fassbender) implementation of “talk therapy” with his patients. However, Jung’s thinking that he can help patients come to terms with their disorder – an idea he developed while helping the afflicted Sabina Spielrein (Knightley) – clashes with Freud’s stubborn beliefs. Over the course of a decade, Jung and Freud (and Spielrein) develop a friendship as well as a rivalry while developing the new state of psychological therapy.
A Dangerous Method is a film about presenting an argument. At one point Freud mentions that “in 100 years, they’ll still be looking for holes in our arguments,” which sets up the intentions of the film: present the century old argument and spark a debate in audiences. Whether or not it succeeds in its intentions might be a better debate, though.
Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, and Viggo Mortensen put in tremendous performances as the psychoanalysts, but instead of working with rich characterizations of the famous doctors, they rather are forced to present their sides of the argument – or simply put, they talk… a lot. Audience members interested in psychology might find this movie incredibly compelling as it strives to present unbiased representations of both Freud and Jung.
A Dangerous Mothod (2011) | Viggo Mortensen
The biggest question that has to be asked though is whether or not A Dangerous Method is really necessary as a film? I am inclined to say that due to its argumentative nature, pushing what little story there is forward through dialogue, that it would have existed much more successfully in the theater. Even David Cronenberg, who has built a career on fascinating cinematic experiences, doesn’t make great use of the medium to tell the story.
In the end, some viewers are going to really buy into the discussion of the different methods developed by the three analysts, but they might find the conversations hard to find as other viewers will be bored out of their minds. There is something to be said about not allowing the technique of filmmaking intrude on the argument presented, and another thing to be said about its lack of justification. A Dangerous Method, like the discussion it presents, exists somewhere in the ambivalent middle ground.
Various Countries. 99 minutes. Rated R.
Cast: Kermit the Frog, Walter, Jason Segel, Amy Adams
Directed by: James Bobin
Written by: Jason Segel
Genre: Comedy, Musical
As I sat in the dimly lit theater waiting for the seats to fill up, months of anticipation was bubbling up inside of me. I had been excited to see these characters again, laugh at them, and really enjoy myself for a little bit. But then the credits started rolling… and I realized how misplaced my thoughts were. It hadn’t been months of anticipation, it’s been decades. I wasn’t excited to laugh and enjoy the fuzzy characters, I was yearning to reminisce with very old friends. And I realized that The Muppets isn’t just another reboot to a beloved and forgotten series… it is oh so much more.
My jubilation for this film is forcing me to make a very simple statement up front: The Muppets is the most important film to be released this year, (or perhaps in years).
It has been thirty years since The Muppet Show went off of the air and out of our homes, but not our hearts. Sporadically over the decades, the gang has found their way onto the big screen in The Muppet Movie, The Muppets Take Manhattan (which was this writer’s first ever moviegoing experience as a child), Muppets in Space, and renditions of classic stories like A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island. In their extended and varied career, their humor has only gotten better with age.
The plot of this adventure follow Gary (Segel), Mary (Adams) and Walter as they venture from Smalltown, USA to Los Angeles in order to see the Muppet Studios. Upon arriving, they are distraught at seeing the place in shambles, and even more overcome by stumbling upon an evil oil man’s (Chris Cooper) to demolish the studios to drill for oil. The only way the guys can save the studio is to raise ten million dollars through an old fashioned telethon, only… over the last thirty years, the Muppet gang has gone their separate ways and need to be reunited in order to pull the show together.
The Cast of The Muppets (2011)
Due to the valiant efforts of Jason Segel and his crew, they have single-handedly re-awoken Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzy, and company once again (and hopefully for all). I only half joke when I say that Segel should be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication and love in bringing back something that we’ve all been missing during the Muppet’s dormant period. Something pure. Something integral to finding happiness in this insane world of ours.
The Muppets represents the purest form of entertainment. The zany humor doesn’t strive to cater to a specific demographic, save for audience members looking to get their money’s worth. But it is the unabashed sentiments that the Muppets stood for, and stand for, that set these guys apart from any other brand of entertainment. There are no subversive politics here, no wink-wink-nudge-nudges to adults believing they are at a children’s film; just the simple belief that we all feel like outsides sometimes, and that we all have a place to laugh with the Muppets. It’s simple: they’re our family – mine, yours, his, hers, theirs, ours.
As the film modestly hints at, in the last thirty years since the end of The Muppet Show, our society (via entertainment) has become a depressing and cynical place with the popularity of reality shows, nihilistic films, and morbid televised politics. And of course with the inception of social media, celebrity and civilian opinions alike are pumped into our brains faster than we can even process them. These, of course, are my didactic thoughts, not the film’s, and I do not wish to shove an agenda down your throat. My point is only that it seems we’ve forgotten how to have a good time and the answer lies in Gonzo’s misguided stunts, and Fozzie’s outdated jokes, and Miss Piggy’s diva karate chops, and in Mahna Mahna.
The Muppets doesn’t set out to change the world, but it has the potential to, or at least it has right attitude to make a positive impact. And at the risk of alienating some readers, if you have an aversion to seeing this film, pawning it off as childish fodder, you need to recheck your priorities. It contains the closest thing to the elation of pure happiness any movie has presented since Capra’s heyday. And while that might just be this writer’s opinion, if I can choose to shove one thought at people, it would be to check your disenchantment at the door and force yourself to go see this movie.
Lastly, I want to extend a personal ‘thank you‘ to Mr. Segel, whose commitment to our friends has rekindled in me a connection to the joy of being a child and the joy of being an adult.
USA. 98 minutes. Rated PG.
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Brie Larson, Robin Wright
Directed by: Oren Moverman
Written by: James Elroy, Oren Moverman
Genre: Drama
Dave “Date Rape” Brown is a street cop for the Los Angeles Police Department. He has suffered past transgressions that have garnered him a questionable reputation – namely an incident involving the murder an “alleged” serial date rapist. There are more than a few people who wouldn’t mind having Brown eliminated from the department, and when a news camera captures a brutal beating at the hands of Brown on tape, the descent of his world begins.
Let’s start with the good news: Woody Harrelson is out-stand-ing in this role, his most intimidating and psychologically intense since Natural Born Killers. His brave performance reveals terrifying depth and transformation. He, and the rest of the cast for that matter, drive the film to its many extremes. Oren Moverman’s talent obviously lies in extracting tremendously powerful performances from his actors, as they match and often exceed those of his excellent 2009 debut The Messenger.
The bad news? The actors are completely undermined by almost incomprehensible visual direction due to extremely experimental camerawork. As paradoxical as this statement sounds, in Rampart’s worst moments, it feels like what Jean-Luc Godard’s take would be on Training Day. Dizzying three hundred and sixty degree pans with choppy editing, and seldom an establishing shot, it’s apparent that Moverman’s intentions are to immerse us in the mental state of Dave’s mental state, but it’s not a pleasant place to be. The Woody Harrelson character is immediately unlikeable – which is fine, there are many unlikeable protagonists – but forcing us to endure the psychosis also forces us to lose all empathy.
Rampart (2011) | Woody Harrelson and Ice Cube
Like the camerawork, the script also lacks a fixed position as it alternates between numerous scandals, backstory, character obsessions, and family drama. What will certainly be labeled a “character study” is just an excuse for unfocused storytelling. What we’re left with is a character who comes unraveled, but with no emotional connection to anything. He loses everything, but learns nothing. We invest a whole lot to understand, and we leave with nothing.
These are harsh words, I realize. Moverman’s film, (produced with The Messenger star Ben Foster) is more misguided than anything. It seems too wrapped up in trying to differentiate itself that it forgets to be entertaining.
USA. 109 minutes. Rated R.
Cast: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson
Directed by: Will Gluck
Written by: Keith Merryman, Will Gluck, David A. Newman
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating:
Video: 1/2
Audio:
Extras: 1/2
Value: 1/2
Read more about Friends with Benefits (2011)
Review:
Video: 1/2
Simply put, the video quality here is perfectly adequate. It is not showy, and isn’t as tactile as it could be, but it’s impeccably clean and has a beautiful range of color. The blacks are deep and inky, the whites are vibrant and unscathed. Viewers won’t be disappointed by the beautiful widescreen presentation, but won’t be impressing their friends with it.
Presented in 1080p 2.35:1.
Friends with Benefits (2011) | Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake
Audio:
Sony presents us with two English audio tracks: a beautiful 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, and 5.1 Dolby Digital (if you’re into that sort of thing). The mix here is rather strong focusing on clarity of dialogue, however the transition into the many pop songs that fill out the film should be commended as well as it blends very well without audio peaks or uneven mixtures. This isn’t a movie that boasts a complex soundtrack, but Sony plays to its benefits (heh) to provide us with a very decent aural experience.
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras: 1/2
These are pretty typical and all-too-brief features, though the inclusion of the audio commentary increases the value of this disc. Otherwise, the supplements are a little on the skimpy side, but (as I mention with movies of this type) the special features aren’t entirely critical to the release’s enjoyment. What is provided here is completely sufficient and appreciated, but remains scant.
Audio Commentary with Will Gluck, Justin Timberlake, and Mila Kunis
An entertaining and mostly anecdotal track that demonstrates the genuine chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis. Director Will Gluck gives us the inside scoop on some of the technical aspects and locations, which rounds out a very standard commentary.
Pop-up Trivia Track
This mode is relatively standard as far as trivia tracks go, however it is quite sparse, and is undermined by the fact that viewers are unable to listen to the audio commentary while watching the trivia track (something I enjoy doing), and if you are a PS3 user, you won’t be able to watch it in 1.5 speed.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 08:49)
There are plenty of deleted scenes here that will surprise and please viewers. Optional commentary with Will Gluck is available and delightfully informative.
Outtakes (HD, 06:40)
A typical goof montage.
On Set with Friends With Benefits (HD, 05:39)
A pretty standard on-set featurette that intertwines interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
In A Flash: Choreographing A Flashmob (HD, 05:48)
A scene-specific featurette which focuses on the Flashmob sequences.
Value: 1/2
Fans of the film won’t be disappointed with Sony’s audio or visual presentation, and that is what is most important when considering replay value. The special features is just icing, and while they are scant, there is little left to be desired.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
While a lot of classic rom-coms have seen numerous home video renditions, Friends with Benefits likely won’t garner a large enough retrospective following to justify further releases. Purchase with peace of mind.
Cast: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short
Directed by: John Landis
Written by: Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, Randy Newman
Genre: Comedy, Western
Rating:
Video: 1/2
Audio: 1/2
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Video: 1/2
It’s a bit difficult to rate the video presentation here because on the one hand, it’s leaps and bounds above the abysmal excuse for a transfer that found its way to the singular DVD release a million years ago; but on the other hand, it’s not the best a film has ever seen on Blu-ray. The picture is really inconsistent, sometimes looking pristine and other times looking suspect of immense filtering. Though there doesn’t seem to be any trace of DNR or edge-enhancement, something seems to be amiss here and it’s hard to put my finger on it. The colors range from vibrant to slightly muted – sometimes looking stunning and other times quite flat. Luckily the backs are deep, which make the good shots look great – the Amigo’s uniforms really pop against the desert backgrounds. It’s problematic, for sure, but it still remains a decent representation of a film that has really fallen by the wayside in previous home video renditions.
Presented in 1080p 1.85:1 widescreen format.
Audio: 1/2
Much like the video, Warner’s audio presentation is pretty varied. Dialogue is presented with the utmost clarity, and Elmer Bernstein’s grandiose score (a parody of his own music) is loud and clear, but the sound effects don’t quite inhabit the 5.1 channels as great as they could. While overall it’s a decent package, it refrains from really feeling as immersive as it could be.
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French 2.0 DTS
Spanish DTS Mono
Extras:
It’s a little disappointing that after decades of building a cult following that Warner Brothers wasn’t able to put together more comprehensive features.
Cast Interview (SD, 05:39)
This short interview shows the three actors out of their element, and it’s hard to determine if they are hamming it up for the camera or if it’s a glance at their actual personalities.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 19:05)
The duration of these deleted scenes is a little deceiving. What is presented here is an alternate opening, and random bits and pieces that had been cut from the film – mostly an abandoned subplot involving a rival studio actor (Fran Dresher). The opening involves a lot of the final footage so that the alternate cut plays out in context. This is all pieced together with inter-titles from John Landis.
Booklet with 25th Anniversary Interview
Empire Magazine published an interview with Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, and John Landis in June 2011, which is presented here in all of its comedic glory.
Value: 1/2
This is really a mixed bag. Fans of the Amigos certainly will want more special features than are provided here – a commentary would have gone a long way – and the inconsistencies with the audio and visual presentations of the film leave a lot to be desired. Whether or not this is negligence on Warner’s part or whether it’s just working with what they had available might be up for debate. But when it boils down to it, ¡Three Amigos! is finally on Blu-ray, and that is reason enough to celebrate. ¡Viva los Amigos!
Will There Be A Double-Dip?
It took this long to get a half-way decent version on home video… I’ll venture, with confidence, to say no.
Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Written by: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Matt King (Clooney) and his family are the fortunate heirs to one of the last areas of undeveloped Hawaiian land. All of Hawaii has their eyes on his family’s decision over whether or not to sell the land. That would be bad enough, be his wife has also just fallen into a coma after a boating accident, a coma that Matt learns is fatal. To top it off, his youngest daughter, Alex (Woodley), divulges that only a few months earlier, she caught her mother cheating on Matt with another man. The Kings thus set forth to cope with their wife/mother’s impending death, as well as confronting the man who made Matt into a cuckold.
It has been a very long wait since Alexander Payne has graced us with a film from his cannon of every-man characters; seven years in fact, since 2004’s Sideways. That time off (spent in development hell on another project) seems to only have made Payne’s intuition sharper. It should be noted that this is the first feature-length venture that Payne has embarked upon without writing partner Jim Taylor (who only acts as a producer here). The absence can be felt only in slight differences in humor, but where Taylor’s contributions are missed, a more delicate tone is substituted. Alexander Payne is the master of balancing comedy and drama as demonstrated flawlessly in About Schmidt and Sideways, but not so deftly as he exemplifies in The Descendants. The fine line separating the faces of comedy and tragedy is expertly blurred, and often within the same scene. In a way, Payne skewers broad comedies by demonstrating that even over-the-top actions need to have consequences if the story is going to work. And it’s this play between broad strokes of comedy and the resulting nuanced drama that gives the film its compelling tension.
The Descendants (2011) | George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, and Amara Miller
George Clooney shows us a side of himself that we’ve never quite seen to this point. At times he appears like one of his hapless characters from a Coen Brothers’ film, but that caricature is always reeled in before it goes too far and asks Clooney to deliver a very complex and restrained performance. The balance is astonishingly involved. It also bears mentioning that Clooney has always played well with others onscreen, finding a lot of inspiration in his co-stars. Newcomer Shailene Woodley proves to be an unlikely and formidable partner in this film, as she, too, is required to play a myriad of emotions simultaneously.
In classic Payne fashion, his balance of story, character, and attention to tone keep this film light in spite of its heavy themes. It’s often hilarious and heart wrenching, but never overbearing. The Descendants is a penultimate example of a rare type of film that satisfies every aspect of the emotional gamut.
USA. 115 minutes. Rated R.
Cast: Nora Gregor, Roland Toutain, Jean Renoir
Directed by: Jean Renoir
Written by: Jean Renoir
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Video:
Upon first examination, The Rules of the Game seems often time soft, and displays a number of flaws in the print. It’s certainly not the most gorgeous transfer ever presented, however upon closer inspection, it’s apparent that great care has gone into putting forth the quintessential version of the film. Compare, if you care to, the footage found in some of the special features, which has not undergone the rigorous restoration process, and you will find an image quality that is bloated, dark, soft, and almost without detail. With that in mind, it’s quite astounding the amount of precision that has been squeezed out of the print. The result is a picture that has a gorgeous contrast that retains inherent film grain while eliminating most of the debris.
Audio:
Criterion presents an uncompressed monaural soundtrack that, while faithful, shows that sound wasn’t at its technical peak during the making of this film. Often times dialogue is soft, and an inherent hiss underscores the entire film. For the most part, though, it’s as clean as can be. The most dynamic aspects of this audio track can be found in the infamous hunting scene, and at the peak of the chaos in the party scene. When considering the presentation of the original audio track, Criterion’s efforts are commendable, and thus leads to the best possible presentation.
Extras:
Goodness! There is more supplements here than one could possibly imagine. Between the commentary track, interviews, and analysis pieces, as well as the immense booklet included in the case, anyone who dedicates themselves to watch them all will walk away from The Rules of the Game an expert on the subject. Brilliant!
Audio Commentary
Written by Renoir biographer Alexander Sesonske, and read by Peter Bogdanovich. This is an old commentary that was originally found on the LaserDisc. It’s an incredibly informative and revealing commentary, delivered with the elegance that only Bogdanovich could achieve.
Renior Introduction (HD, 06:31)
Director Jean Renoir introduces this, the 1959 reconstruction of his 1939 masterpiece, discussing briefly his feelings on its initial reception and his content with its rebirth.
Playing by Different Rules
Version Comparison (HD, 13:06)
Short Version Ending (HD, 08:32)
This incredibly exposing feature shows a side by side comparison, with commentary by film historian Chris Faulkner, the different endings of The Rules of the Game: the 1959 reconstruction, and the altered 1939 “short version”.
Scene Analysis
“Public and Private” (HD, 05:30)
“Corridor” (HD, 02:41)
Film historian Chris Faulkner provides commentary on two scenes from the film revolving around Renoir’s technical prowess as a storytelling tool.
Jean Renoir, Le Patron (HD, 31:13)
This highly enlightening feature is the second part of a three-part television series where Renoir speaks candidly about the making of The Rules of the Game.
Jean Renoir (HD, 01:00:01)
The first part of a two-part BBC documentary, this covers Renoir’s early life, emergence as a filmmaker, and through to the making and reception of The Rules of the Game.
Production History
Chris Faulkner (HD, 08:18)
Olivier Cuchod (HD, 27:39)
Gaborit and Durand (HD, 10:04)
These three features sum up the creation of the film, from inception to reception to reconstruction. The scope of these three visual pieces provides a birds eye view of the long history of The Rules of the Game.
Interviews
Max Douy (HD, 09:04)
Mila Parély (HD, 16:16)
Alain Renoir (HD, 18:18)
These interviews with production designer Douy, actress Parély, and Renoir’s son, are reflections on Jean Renoir and the time making The Rules of the Game.
Booklet Insert
With writings by Alexander Sesonske, Jean Renoir, François Truffaut, Bertrand Tavernier, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Paul Schrader, Alain Resnais, Amy TaubinLuc Sante, Robin Wood, Noah Baumbach, Kent Jones, Kenneth Bowser, Wim Wenders, J. Hoberman, Peter Cowie, Cameron Crowe, and Robert Altman. (Whew!)
Value:
Criterion continues their brilliant efforts to give the quintessential films the attention they deserve. The picture and sound are not perfect, but considering the eighty year history of The Rules of the Game, the least of which it surviving World War II, it’s astounding what is able to be presented here. To top it off, the special features are as comprehensive as any film has received. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value for your hard earned money.
Worth The Upgrade?
Those looking to upgrade to the Blu-ray version of The Rules of the Game will want to take into consideration that the new video presentation boasts higher fidelity and a larger range of contrast. The picture is richer, for sure, but marginally. All of the previous special features can be found here as well. It is nice, though, to have everything on a single disc.
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz Ansari, Danny McBride, Nick Swardson
Directed by: Ruben Fleisher
Written by: Michael Diliberti
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Value: 1/2
Read more about 30 Minutes or Less (2011)
Review:
Video:
Sony delivers us a more than adequate, but not extravagant video transfer that is rich in texture, but low on contrast. It should be noted that this was shot on film stock, not digitally, so the washed and grainy look to some of the scenes (which adds a kinetic touch, if you ask me) is due to the format, not poor handling on Sony’s part. It is a very clean transfer void of any kind of debris or damage to the print, and faithful to the in-the-theater experience. Anyone interested in owning 30 Minutes or Less won’t be disappointed.
Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC / 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
30 Minutes or Less (2011) | Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari
Audio:
Sony’s is a strong presentation, showing off a careful audio mix of loud action sequences, music, and quieter dialogue scenes. There are no hisses or pops or dropouts or any other unwanted elements, which provide an immersive aural experience that compliments its visual counterpart.
English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio
French DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio
Extras:
These extras are fairly run-of-the-mill, entertaining, but light. Fans of the film might find interest in seeing how the actors approach their characters, but there’s not much in terms of filmmaking revelations – though I’m not sure anyone is seeking out 30 Minutes or Less to learn how to make movies. The features here match the film: wistful, fun, and unobtrusive.
Picture-in-Picture Commentary with Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Danny McBride, and Ruben Fleisher
Blu-ray Exclusive
While the addition of a commentary track elevates any home video release, the choice to have this as a PIP track is a bit perplexing. Unsure the thought process that went into thinking it’s any more interesting to watch the actors watching themselves and commenting on the film, but I digress. As an audio commentary, this is pretty standard. Director Ruben Fleischer keeps the momentum by adding his comments on each scene, and the rest is lighthearted banter between the comedic actors.
“The Perfect Crime: Action and Comedy in 30 Minutes or Less” (HD, 10:58)
Blu-ray Exclusive
This is more or less a typical production featurette that gives some insight into the filmmaking process through interviews with cast and crew and behind-the-scenes footage.
“Blowing Up with the Cast & Crew of 30 Minutes or Less” (HD, 14:08)
Another stock featurette that features more interviews with the cast and filmmakers. A light and entertaining watch.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 11:40)
The delete scenes here are actually quite interesting to note because it shows some additional information that was omitted from the set-up of the film, as well as two different tags to the resolution of the film that shed some light on its otherwise abrupt ending.
Outtakes (HD, 06:14)
Like the “Line-O-Rama” features found on the releases of most Apatow movies, this feature highlights the tremendous improvisational talents of the 30 Minutes or Less cast, showing alternate takes and lines to the lines that made it into the final cut of the film.
BD Live Access
Value: 1/2
Anyone looking to own 30 Minutes or Less could do a lot worse in terms of a Blu-ray release. It’s not all that extensive, but Sony does their best in bringing the theater experience to home video with a faithful audio mix and video transfer. The special features are on the bland side, but I’m not sure there is anything here that isn’t to be expected or desired. If you’re interested in the film and find it for a decent price, you more than likely won’t be disappointed.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
This isn’t the cash cow that other recent R-rated comedies have been, so I can’t imagine that there will be another version of this film appearing on store shelves.
