Role Models

"Role Models" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition transfer that generally pleases but won't dazzle the home theater enthusiast. Presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the image clarity is commendable with a noticeable emphasis on clean presentation over grainy, filmic textures. Detail stands out, especially in varied environments from urban settings to lush RPG forests. While colors are robust and well-saturated, contributing to a vivid portrayal of the film's diverse settings, some viewers might find the contrast slightly over-amped. This gives scenes a brighter, more glossy appearance than one might expect from traditional film, veering away from naturalistic hues in favor of a somewhat digitally enhanced look. Nonetheless, the transfer manages to deliver solid black levels, essential for the movie’s night sequences, though they occasionally veer towards navy in more dimly lit scenes.

Technical specifics reveal that Universal employed a 1080p AVC MPEG-4 encode, ensuring nearly flawless rendition without noticeable compression issues such as edge enhancement or noise. This, combined with almost no grain, suggests a digital polish that while subtracts slightly from the cinematic quality, ensures an undeniably smooth and consistent visual experience across the board. There’s a slight critique to be had regarding facial details and textures which can appear a bit soft, hinting at the potential use of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). This might detract for some purists seeking a more authentic grain structure but contributes to the film's unique, albeit somewhat digital appearance.

Overall, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Role Models" stands as a capable yet slightly unremarkable entry in the high-definition space. It’s clear that effort was made to cater to fans of crisp, clean visuals over a gritty, film-like aesthetic. While it won’t challenge the upper echelons of reference-quality releases, it provides an enjoyable viewing experience fitting for this comedic venture, ensuring that it's accessible without being region-locked and should play nicely on PlayStation 3 and standalone players alike.

The "Role Models" Blu-ray audio presentation showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is both a testament to Universal's commitment to quality and a reflection of the inherent limitations of the source material. The dialogue, a critical component of this comedy, is rendered with clarity and precision, anchoring the experience firmly in the center channel without a hint of distortion or compression. This ensures that the film's humor is delivered as intended, a crucial factor for a genre that relies heavily on verbal interplay. However, the soundstage's dynamics feel underexploited, with ambient effects and surround activity taking a back seat, resulting in an audio experience that, while clear and competent, lacks a certain depth and immersion one might hope for from such a high-definition audio track.

Despite its clear and undistorted dialogue, the track’s overall execution seems to miss opportunities to elevate the movie's comedic and atmospheric moments. The effects, when present, like the growl of the boys' Minotaur truck or the medieval battle scenes, momentarily enrich the soundscape but are few and far between. Music tracks, which could have been a redeeming feature, provide some engagement yet often don't extend much beyond the front soundstage. This limited utilization of the surround channels leaves a slightly flat audio experience that, although technically sound, feels like a missed opportunity to fully immerse the viewer in the movie’s environments.

In summary, "Role Models" on Blu-ray delivers an audio experience that is crisp, clean, and faithful to the dialogue-driven nature of the film, courtesy of its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Yet, it falls short of being truly immersive or memorable, sticking closely to the basics without fully leveraging the capabilities of its format. While it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the movie, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of what we've come to expect from high-definition audio presentations, offering a solid but somewhat underwhelming auditory companion to the visual experience.

The "Role Models" Blu-ray extras section provides an impressive range of content that extends the enjoyment beyond the main feature. The disc hosts a substantial volume of forty-one deleted scenes, offering hilarious alternatives and additions that could rival the laughs found in the theatrical cut. An accompanying gag reel, albeit a bit underwhelming, adds to the behind-the-scenes fun. The directorial insight comes exclusively via a feature-length commentary by co-writer/director David Wain, whose technical focus might have benefited from the levity co-stars like Paul Rudd could offer. "On the Set of Role Models", "Game On: Creating a Role Playing World", and "In Character and Off Script" provide in-depth looks into the film's making, its quirky embrace of LARPing, and character deep-dives, respectively. Technical features like the U-Control interface, while not perfected, offer an innovative way to engage with Picture-in-Picture interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Overall, the extras package is a commendable effort to satiate fans and cinephiles with a penchant for additional content, despite occasional lapses in entertainment value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-length commentary with Director / Writer David Wain: Insightful but lacks actor participation.
• Deleted Scenes
• Alternate Takes
• Bloopers: A collection of gag reels and fluffs.
• On the Set of Role Models: A no-holds-barred making-of featurette.
• Game On: Creating a Role Playing World: Delves into the LARPing world explored in the movie.
• In Character and Off Script: Character-specific vignettes for deeper insights.
• BD-Live My Scenes
• BD-Live Documentaries
• BD-Live Ye Old Crest Maker
• Picture-in-Picture Cast and Crew Interviews: Interactive interviews via Picture-in-Picture.

"Role Models," though often dismissed in the shadow of its more celebrated Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen-inspired counterparts, emerges as a delightful surprise amidst a saturated marketplace of comedy films. The film, featuring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott in unconventional mentor roles, navigates a familiar path with an inventive flair, leveraging the charisma of its leads against a backdrop of comedic yet poignant scenarios. While not groundbreaking, the movie maintains a brisk pace, delivering consistent laughs and a handful of genuinely tender moments that elevate it above mere slapstick humor. However, it's not without its shortcomings. The Blu-ray presentation of "Role Models" is adequate but doesn't dazzle, offering acceptable video and audio quality but failing to enhance the viewing experience with a compelling array of extras, aside from amusing additional footage.

The storyline cleverly intertwines the lives of two starkly different protagonists – Wheeler, the life-loving salesman, played by Seann William Scott, and Danny, his cynically inclined counterpart portrayed by Paul Rudd – with themes of redemption and friendship. Despite this promising setup, the film occasionally succumbs to lowbrow jokes and missed opportunities for deeper character development. The inclusion of live-action role-playing elements adds a unique angle, though the execution is inconsistent, occasionally feeling underexplored and overshadowed by less imaginative comedic devices.

Critics and audiences alike have noted that while "Role Models" contributes meaningfully to its genre with several standout moments and commendable performances, particularly from Rudd and Scott, it ultimately leaves viewers wanting more. The film's reliance on formulaic plot progression at times undermines its creative premise. Nevertheless, for those seeking an uncomplicated mix of humor and heart, "Role Models" offers enough charm to warrant a viewing. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of comedies that manage to blend frivolity with a hint of substance, even if it doesn't reach the heights of its genre's best.

"Role Models" stands as a divisive yet intriguing film in the comedy genre, landing with a unique flair that diverges significantly from conventional comedic cinema. The film opts for a raw and unapologetic portrayal of youth, steering clear of the often-trodden path of amplifying cuteness, instead electing to spotlight its young characters in a rather brusque manner. This approach, though it may not catapult "Role Models" to the pinnacle of comedic success akin to "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," indeed sets it apart from less savory counterparts like "Daddy Day Care," offering a fresh perspective within the realm of comedy films. The Universal Blu-ray release of "Role Models" is commended for maintaining the high standards typically associated with the studio's outputs, featuring commendable picture and audio quality that surpasses its DVD counterpart, alongside a collection of supplementary content principally focusing on deleted comedy scenes, thereby adding value for aficionados of the film's humor.

Polarized opinions on "Role Models" underscore its peculiar position within comedic storytelling, with criticisms centered on its sparse humor relative to other classics in the genre. Notwithstanding, the film has found a niche audience, particularly among fans resonating with its distinct comedic tone calibrating well with geek culture and humorous references endemic to that community. The Blu-ray edition notably enhances the viewing experience through improved audiovisual quality and an array of bonus features that arguably present a compelling case for purchase over rent, especially for enthusiasts who hold the movie in high esteem.

In conclusion, despite divergent viewer experiences, "Role Models" solidifies its standing as a unique entry in modern comedies, enriched by a well-executed Blu-ray release. While the film might not universally appeal to all comedy seekers, its distinctive take coupled with superior Blu-ray features warrants consideration from those engaged by its unorthodox charm. Whether as a quirky addition to a comedy collection or a cautious venture through rental, "Role Models" on Blu-ray epitomizes a nuanced melding of entertainment quality and supplemental richness deserving of attention.