License to Wed

"License to Wed" is presented in a 1080p resolution with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a high-definition image that, while not groundbreaking, delivers a crisp and clean viewing experience. The video quality, shared across Blu-ray and HD DVD formats with a VC-1 encode, ensures that the film looks fresh off the theatrical screen. The print's impeccable condition is evident, with no visible imperfections such as nicks, blemishes, or dirt. Black levels are generally solid offering a slightly light yet pleasing appearance, contributing to the overall satisfactory viewing quality. Despite the image occasionally appearing slightly washed out and soft, and flesh tones leaning towards the reddish spectrum, these minor drawbacks do not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the movie.

The color palette of "License to Wed", while described by some as plain, is in fact bright and features moments of nice saturation particularly evident in set designs and costumes. The use of colors is thoughtful, from Sadie’s preference for green to the vivid stained glass in Reverend Frank’s church, adding layers to the visual storytelling. Detail in the image ranges from very good to exceptional, ensuring that textures and nuances in the picture are appreciable. Sharpness is consistent throughout, helping maintain a level of visual clarity that fans and new viewers alike will appreciate.

If there are criticisms to be noted, they would be the slightly dull contrast in the higher ends of the grayscale which could lead to a perceived flattening of depth, and the overall color reproduction which, though above average, might not impress those expecting more vivid vibrancy. Nonetheless, these are minor quibbles in what is overall a commendable high-definition presentation of the film. Whether you're revisiting or discovering "License to Wed," its Blu-ray presentation upholds a quality that, despite some room for improvement, can certainly be described as closer to heavenly in 1080p detail.

The audio presentation of "License to Wed" on Blu Ray comes equipped with both a Dobly Digital 5.1 track and a 4.6 Mbps uncompressed PCM track, the latter promising superior clarity and immersion for audiophiles. Regrettably, the film's soundtrack falls significantly short of leveraging these high-quality technical specs to deliver a memorable or engaging auditory experience. It's evident that the nature of the film doesn't particularly demand an aggressive or dynamic sound field; however, it is disappointing to note the underutilization of surround sound capabilities. The audio mix remains predominantly front-heavy, with minimal activity or atmospheric effects emanating from the rear channels. Instances of sound separation across the front soundstage are few and far between, mostly consolidating to the center channel, leading to a presentation that feels lackluster and uninspired.

Dialogue reproduction stands out as pitch-perfect, marking one of the few highlights within this audio track. Moreover, some instrumental scores in the early scenes offer a warm and pleasing acoustic presence, hinting at what could have been a more enriching auditory experience. Despite this, the overall mix tends more towards the characteristics of a stereo setup rather than exploiting the full potential of its uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track. Scenes that naturally lend themselves to immersive audio, such as those in expansive church settings or involving unique sound effects (like animatronic twins), are left wanting as opportunities for creative soundscaping go unexploited.

In conclusion, while "License to Wed" boasts impressive technical audio specifications and flawless dialogue clarity, the execution results in a soundtrack that feels overwhelmingly pedestrian and forgettable. This lack of imaginative use of the surround sound capabilities diminishes the potential for an audio presentation that complements the high-definition visuals, relegating it to a serviceable but ultimately unremarkable experience.

The extras provided with the Blu Ray of “License to Wed” are minimal and somewhat lacking in substance, echoing sentiments about the main feature itself. The highlight is undoubtedly the commentary track by director Ken Kwapis, who discusses the deleted scenes with insightful depth, making even the included 12-15 minutes of cut content (in standard 480p) more compelling than the full film for some viewers. An interesting piece was the basketball sequence, suggesting Kwapis’ commentary could have elevated the entire viewing experience if it were feature-length. The remainder of the extras feel underwhelming, notably the "Ask Choir Boy" section, which offers viewers a chance to receive advice from the film’s cheeky character in an interactive game that falls flat humorwise, featuring only twelve operational selections out of sixteen and lacking in genuine amusement. The omission of a theatrical trailer or any substantial behind-the-scenes content solidifies the extras as an afterthought rather than a standout feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary: Ken Kwapis provides insightful commentary on selected deleted scenes.
• Ask Choir Boy: An interactive game where Choir Boy answers relationship questions, featuring twelve operational shorts.

"License to Wed," despite being anchored by the charismatic presences of John Krasinski and Mandy Moore, and the comic prowess of Robin Williams, manages to underwhelm both as a comedy and as a narrative exploring the nuances of premarital counseling. The film delves into the lives of an engaged couple, Sadie and Ben, who find themselves subjected to an accelerated and unorthodox pre-marital course by Reverend Frank, played with gusto but lacking subtlety by Williams. The course's absurd tasks, aimed at testing the couple's endurance rather than enriching their understanding of marriage, distort rather than mirror real-life challenges, leaving the storyline teetering between farce and discomfort without ever striking a meaningful chord.

Markedly, the film's attempt to blend slapstick humor with moments of heartfelt sincerity stumbles, yielding a mix that neither captivates nor amuses to its fullest potential. The inclusion of outlandish scenarios, such as navigating a vehicle blindfolded or dealing with bizarre robotic babies, veers into the realms of the grotesque rather than the insightful, overshadowing any genuine attempt at satire. This juxtaposition highlights a crucial misstep in the movie's execution: it conflates edginess with effectiveness, mistaking the mere presence of unconventional challenges for comedic or narrative depth.

Technically, the production values offer little reprieve from the overarching issues plaguing the film. Even with decent performances from both lead and supporting actors, including a notably underutilized Christine Taylor and a grating Josh Flitter as the Choir Boy, the movie's script and direction surrender to clichés and overused gags that render potentially fresh moments stale. Robin Williams, despite his proven comedic genius, appears constrained by a script that favors shock value over subtlety, contributing to a performance that feels more disheartening than delightful. Ultimately, "License to Wed" misses a significant opportunity to explore the comedic potentials of pre-wedding jitters and matrimonial preparedness, leaving viewers with a forgettable mishmash of missed opportunities.

"License to Wed" brings to the table a concept ripe for comedic gold but unfortunately falls short in execution, making it a lackluster addition to both the rom-com genre and one's Blu-ray collection. Despite the opportunity to inject genuine humor into the pre-wedding counseling experience, the film opts instead for exaggerated scenarios that fail to resonate with those looking for an honest and mildly humorous take on the subject matter. On the technical side, the Blu-ray release doesn't fare much better. It comes equipped with a video quality that barely meets expectations for high-definition and an audio experience that doesn't make the leap from adequate to impressive. Coupled with a sparse selection of supplemental features, this release struggles to justify its place on the shelf.

Viewers hoping for standout performances will also find themselves disappointed, as even Robin Williams delivers a role that might be considered one of his least memorable. The film's pacing does it no favors, feeling much longer than its actual runtime, further exacerbating the viewer's sense of dissatisfaction. The Blu-ray does offer a solid video transfer which might appeal to those who value visual over content quality, and the audio is passable if not noteworthy. However, these technical achievements are small consolation.

In conclusion, "License to Wed" as a Blu-ray release fails to capitalize on its comedic potential, marred by a substandard narrative and lackluster performances. Despite modest achievements in video and audio quality, these do not suffice to lift the overall package from mediocrity. It's a title best left for those with undiscriminating taste or die-hard fans of the film's cast. For the majority seeking quality entertainment and a worthwhile addition to their collection, this is one to skip.