Admission

Admission" graces Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that's as comforting and appealing as the storyline it unfurls. Universal Studios has meticulously curated a visual experience that though may not scream with the pyrotechnics of more action-packed blockbusters, stands out in its genre for its clarity, and balanced saturation, presenting a soothing palette that aligns well with its romantic comedy heart. The color grading leans towards a desaturated yet rosy selection, enhancing the film's aesthetic without veering into artificiality. Skintones appear natural, and the primary colors, though subtly dialed back, still manage to offer satisfaction. There's a filmic texture maintained across the board, ensuring a visual continuity that’s both authentic and engaging.

Viewers will appreciate the commendable level of detail captured in every frame—from the tangible textures of clothing to the minute expressions playing across characters' faces, showcasing fine details such as freckles and smile lines with pronounced clarity. Even in lower light conditions, where shadows could potentially muddle the visuals, blacks are rendered deeply, preserving the integrity of night scenes without noticeable banding or loss of detail. This attention ensures that every scene is presented with a lifelike vibrancy and depth.

In short, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Admission" accomplishes what it sets out to do; offer a consistently pleasing visual journey through its story. While it may not be leveraged as the quintessential demo material in a home theater showcase, due to its understated approach and absence of visually intensive sequences, it nonetheless commands respect for its technical proficiency. The absence of severe artifacting, digital noise, or edge enhancement problems speaks to the care taken in its transfer. Overall, it's a solid execution that complements the film's narrative and stylistic choices perfectly.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Admission" delivers a competent audio experience that, while not groundbreaking, provides a fitting soundscape for this genre of film. Characterized by its dialogue-driven narrative, the mix excels in clarity and precision. The dialogue, pivotal for a romantic dramedy, is crisply rendered, predominantly anchored in the center channel but skillfully distributed across the soundscape when off-screen conversations occur. This ensures an immersive experience that complements the on-screen action without overwhelming it. The soundstage is deliberately front-heavy, reflecting the film’s intimate, conversational nature, yet it remains vibrant through subtle ambience conveyed through the rear speakers.

The mix's dynamics and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) are moderate, underscoring the film's more understated audio requirements. Scenes set in natural settings, like John's school in the woods, benefit from ambient sounds such as birds chirping and leaves rustling, lightly involving the rear channels and enhancing the atmospheric realism. The soundfield is designed to be airy and effortless, creating an environment that is both believable and engaging without drawing undue attention to itself. This reserved approach ensures that the film's audio complements rather than competes with the narrative and visual elements.

Overall, Universal’s audio presentation for "Admission" on Blu-ray strikes a balance between functionality and finesse. The mix may not push boundaries or exhibit the aggressive dynamics of a blockbuster action film, but its strength lies in its subtlety and nuance. Clear, focused dialogue and effective ambient sound placement make for a solidly reliable track that serves the film well. The professional handling of out-of-frame dialogue and the careful crafting of the soundscape reflect a well-considered audio strategy that aligns seamlessly with the film’s tone and aesthetic.

The extra presentation on the Blu-Ray of "Admission" features a limited selection of content, notably led by "Early Admission," a 12-minute featurette that attempts to delve into the making of the film but ultimately falls short of providing any substantial insights. Starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, it operates more as an extended promotional piece rather than an informative behind-the-scenes look into the film's production or the nuances of its storyline. Accompanied by three deleted scenes, the extras fail to add significant value or depth to the movie experience, lacking in both content and revelation. These components come across as more obligatory than enriching, leaving viewers yearning for a more in-depth exploration of the film's creation and themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Early Admission: A brief look behind the scenes featuring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd.
• Deleted Scenes: Three cut segments from the film, offering little in terms of narrative enhancement.

Admission" struggles under the weight of its own ambitions, attempting to merge the quirky charm of indie films with mainstream romantic dramedy elements but ends up delivering a scattered and inconsistent narrative. The film, starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, is set against the backdrop of the prestigious Princeton University's admissions process. Fey portrays Portia Nathan, a dedicated admissions officer whose life takes a dramatic turn after encountering John Pressman, played by Rudd, the head of an unconventional school. This setup promises a concoction of heartfelt moments and comedic relief but unfortunately falls prey to a convoluted plot and erratic shifts in tone.

While Fey and Rudd bring their A-game, imbuing their characters with charm and relatable flaws, the script doesn't provide a sturdy platform for their talents to truly resonate. The story ambitiously threads together various subplots – including a potential mother-son reunion, workplace politics, and romantic entanglements – yet fails to fully explore or satisfactorily resolve many of them. This abundance of narrative directions leaves the movie feeling overstuffed and undercooked, squandering moments of genuine humor and insight on abrupt thematic detours and an overreliance on clichés.

Moreover, "Admission" suffers from an identity crisis, oscillating uncomfortably between attempting to critique the college admissions process and indulging in slapstick humor, all while flirting with deeper themes of acceptance and personal growth. Despite fleeting instances of synergy between its lead actors and periodic glimmers of a more coherent film, "Admission" ultimately amounts to a disjointed experience. These brief flashes of potential highlight what could have been, had the movie committed to a more focused narrative path and allowed its capable cast to navigate a script that matched their talents.

Admission," despite featuring the charismatic duo of Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, finds itself lost in a sea of unfulfilled potential and tonal inconsistencies. The narrative stumbles through humor and drama without fully committing to either, leaving viewers with a sense of unmet expectations. The script does not leverage its talented cast to their fullest, opting instead for fleeting moments of comedy that fail to compensate for the story's overall lack of depth. This transcribes into a viewing experience that, while peppered with promising performances, ultimately feels disjointed and unsatisfying.

On the technical side, Universal's Blu-ray presentation offers some solace. The audio and visual quality are commendably executed, providing a clear and engaging viewing experience that stands as one of the few highlights of this release. However, the Blu-ray falls short in terms of additional content, offering a meager selection that does little to enrich the overall package. For enthusiasts hoping for a deeper dive into the making of the film or more substantial bonus features, this aspect will likely disappoint.

In conclusion, "Admission" occupies a middling position both as a film and in its Blu-ray release. While Fey and Rudd deliver performances that showcase their usual charm, the movie's erratic pacing and an under-cooked script prevent it from being a must-watch. The Blu-ray complements the film with high-quality audiovisuals but is let down by a sparse array of extras. Those curious may find it worth a rental, but it's hard to recommend for repeated viewings or as a staple addition to one's collection.