The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Blu-Ray release of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the cinematic 2.40:1 format that does justice to the film's striking visual palette. Captured on 35mm using various Arricam cameras, the presentation showcases an exquisite level of detail in both the vast landscapes and intimate close-ups, with a color grading that enhances the narrative's emotional and thematic tones without overshadowing the natural beauty of the filming locations. Despite a predominant blue tint and the occasional softness in CGI elements, the visual clarity remains uncompromised, presenting a balanced contrast that gracefully shifts from the dimly lit interiors of Walter's workplace to the vibrant and stormy exteriors of his real and imagined adventures. The film maintains its filmlike aesthetic, complemented by a subtle grain that reinforces its cinematic texture without detracting from the high-definition experience.

The video quality further impresses with its deep blacks, sharp images, and vivid colors that stand out without appearing oversaturated, ensuring that every frame captures the viewer's attention. Skin tones are natural and consistent across various lighting conditions, enhancing the visual storytelling with a authentic and immersive viewing experience. This Blu-Ray transfer excels in displaying the fine details and epic scope of the film, making it an ideal showcase for the capabilities of widescreen HDTVs.

Moreover, technical imperfections such as banding, aliasing, or compression artifacts are notably absent, affirming the transfer's reference-quality status. The seamless integration of visual elements solidifies "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" as not only a narrative journey but also a feast for the eyes, promising to be a prized addition to any home theater collection for both its aesthetic and technical merits.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track wonderfully complements the film's narrative, offering a surprisingly immersive experience that blends well with the visual presentation. The audio quality is impeccably high, boasting an expansive dynamic range that captures everything from the subtle clicks of Walter’s keyboard to the intense LFE during explosive daydream scenes and the detailed ambient sounds in quieter moments. The track's fidelity is unparalleled, with every sound effect and musical cue crisply rendered, allowing for an enveloping audio experience whether in the midst of action-packed sequences or during the film’s more introspective moments. The mix skilfully utilizes its spatial capabilities to enhance Theodore Shapiro’s score along with natural and environmental sounds, creating a richly textured auditory landscape.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track excels not only in its dynamic breadth but also in its detailed directionality and balance, especially evident during sequences like Walter’s adventures in Iceland. The precise placement of sounds, such as a plane flying into a volcano, enriches the viewing experience by adding layers of depth that are both engaging and fun. Additionally, this Blu-ray does not neglect those in need of language options. It offers an impressive range of audio tracks including 5.1 Dolby Digital in multiple languages and a 5.1 English Descriptive Audio track, accommodating an international audience. The subtitled offerings are equally extensive, ensuring accessibility for various language speakers.

This commitment to audio excellence and accessibility makes "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Blu-ray a reference-quality release, demonstrating an understanding of both technical achievement and audience inclusivity. The auditory presentation effectively mirrors the film's thematic scope—from introspective silences to the boisterous clamor of Walter's imaginative escapes—thereby enhancing the overall cinematic experience in a manner that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that both cinephiles and casual viewers will find enriching. Featuring a blend of deleted, alternate, and extended scenes, viewers can delve deeper into the film’s narrative choices. The “Behind the Scenes” segment is notably informative, offering insights into the production process, the historical context of the story, and the thoughtful consideration behind the film’s visual and musical aesthetics. The inclusion of technical details, such as the high-definition (1080p) resolution of most features, ensures a high-quality viewing experience. Particularly engaging are the segments discussing the incorporation of 'Life' magazine into the film's premise, the creation of the movie's score, and the logistical intricacies of filming skateboarding sequences in Iceland. Extras like the music video “Stay Alive” by José González and a gallery of reference photography add layers to the film's creative process, making this collection a must-watch for enthusiasts wanting to appreciate the meticulous craft behind "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: Various scenes not included in the final cut.

Extended Scenes: Longer versions of scenes from the film.

Alternate Scenes: Different takes on scenes included in the movie.

The History of Walter Mitty: A short feature on the origins of the story.

The Look of Life: Insights into the film's conceptualization around 'Life' magazine.

That's a Shark!: A closer look at the Iceland adventure sequence.

The Music of Walter Mitty: Behind-the-scenes on creating the film’s score.

Icelandic Adventure: Focuses on filming non-water sequences in Iceland.

Nordic Casting: A look at the casting for Icelandic characters.

Titles of Walter Mitty: Discussing title design with Kyle Cooper.

Skateboarding Through Iceland: A behind-the-scenes look at skateboarding scenes.

Ted-Walter Fight: An in-depth look at choreographing a fight scene.

Pre-Viz: Early version visualizations of key scenes.

Gallery: Reference Photography: A collection of photos used for visual reference.

Music Video: Stay Alive by Jose Gonzales: Exclusive music video.

Theatrical Trailer: The official movie trailer.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," a Blu Ray presentation that delves deep into the imaginative reaches of its protagonist's mind, emerges as an unmistakable departure from James Thurber’s 1939 short story, yet it carves its own distinct path through Ben Stiller's visionary direction. Initially, viewers are introduced to Walter Mitty's penchant for daydreaming, a subtle nod to Thurber’s vignettes where Mitty fantasizes about being anything from a bomber pilot to a renowned surgeon. However, unlike the whimsy and satire of the Thurber classic and the 1947 Danny Kaye film adaptation, Stiller's rendition transports Mitty from the confines of his imagination into a real-world adventure that is both a visual spectacle and a narrative divergence from the original tale. This adaptation significantly shifts away from the source material by assigning Walter a tangible quest that leads him on a global journey, seeking a missing photo negative for the final print edition of Life Magazine—a narrative choice that positions this version more as an original entity than a direct adaptation.

Notably, the film employs Life Magazine’s transition from print to digital as a clever plot device to propel Walter into action, moving beyond his daydreams into actual worldly explorations. This shift not only serves as a metaphor for change and adaptation but also provides a visually stunning backdrop against which Walter’s internal transformation unfolds. Steve Conrad’s screenplay makes a bold choice by quickly leaving behind Walter’s imaginary escapades in favor of this larger storytelling canvas. This move, while divisive for purists of the Thurber original, lends a contemporary edge to the story, reimagining Walter Mitty’s character arc in a manner that explores themes of self-discovery, courage, and the pursuit of the extraordinary in ordinary life.

Through Stiller’s lens, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" transcends its literary origins, presenting a visually arresting tale that is less about escaping reality and more about confronting it head-on. The cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh is commendable, adding layers of beauty to Walter’s journey from the mundane to the magnificent. While some may argue that the film strays too far from Thurber's satirical tone and concise storytelling, it's undeniable that Stiller’s "Walter Mitty" exists as a cinematic entity of its own—one that captures the essence of adventure and personal growth amidst life’s unpredictability. Whether viewed as an homage or an adaptation, the movie invites audiences into Walter's evolving world, offering a blend of humor, heart, and a visually immersive experience that resonates beyond its departure from the original narrative.

While "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" deviates from the version many remember from their childhood, Ben Stiller's adaptation brings its own merits to the forefront, offering an engaging blend of heart and visual spectacle that challenges traditional expectations. The film may tread too obviously at times, and its adherence to the original material occasionally hampers its comedic potential, yet it never fails to captivate. Stiller's direction is commendable, injecting an epic quality into a fundamentally personal narrative. The performances elevate the film further, ensuring its place as a technically polished cinematic endeavor.

Critically, the movie thrives not as a comedy, but as a poignant exploration of life's quieter moments. Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity and earnestness, underpinned by Stiller's unexpectedly nuanced performance and directorial finesse. Despite a substantial budget, "Walter Mitty" impresses with its restraint and depth, offering beautifully composed shots and a well-paced story. This unexpected departure from Stiller’s comedic roots adds a layer of intrigue and charm, making it a standout in his filmography.

In conclusion, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" distinguishes itself with its heartfelt storytelling and stellar technical presentation. While it may diverge from the cherished memories of its title character and occasionally struggle with its identity between source material loyalty and comedic aspirations, the film ultimately succeeds as a tribute to the imagination and spirit of adventure. It is a recommended watch for those seeking a cinematic experience that combines visual grandeur with intimate human emotion, thereby securing its recommendation status for a varied audience.