Why Did I Get Married Too? Blu-ray Review

"Why Did I Get Married Too?" boasts a commendable presentation on Blu-ray with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film truly shines during the scenes set in the Bahamas, where the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. The deep teal tones of the water exhibit exquisite detail, capturing the sunlight's glint on individual waves magnificently. The ecru sands are rendered with such clarity that one can discern individual grains even in midrange shots. Depth of field is well-executed, particularly around the resort areas, and several aerial shots used effectively by Perry add a visually stunning layer to the setting.

However, once the narrative shifts back stateside, the video's quality takes a noticeable dip. Interior scenes are predominantly dark, likely for narrative purposes, but this choice results in less-than-optimal contrast where dark hair and backgrounds merge into a murky blend. While the grain maintains a natural appearance, highly saturated colors become less impressive amidst shadow-heavy sequences. Black levels, while generally acceptable, fail to save certain scenes from appearing blurry and unfocused, especially during moments draped in shadow. Thus, while the tropical segments display fine detail, excellent color vibrancy, and natural skin tones remarkably well, the indoor stateside settings considerably lag behind in visual fidelity.

Overall, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" delivers an average visual presentation that peaks during its outdoor tropical scenes but struggles indoors, making it a mixed bag in terms of video quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Why Did I Get Married Too?" presents a predominantly dialogue-focused soundtrack that is clear, crisp, and well prioritized throughout the film. While Perry's films typically rely heavily on dialogue, this mix ensures that every word is rendered with excellent fidelity and dynamic range. However, the immersive moments are infrequent. Subtle ambient sounds, such as waves in the tropical scenes and fireworks interrupting a solemn announcement, provide welcome flashes of surround sound activity, adding depth to an otherwise front-and-center audio presentation.

Surprisingly, the mix predominantly utilizes the surround channels for source music sequences, injecting the occasional low-frequency effects (LFE) that are effectively balanced. Despite these few immersive highlights, the overall experience remains dialogue-heavy, which some may find lacking in excitement. Although the audio quality is of high standard, the mix could benefit from more frequent use of surround sound to create a more engaging listening experience. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, and Spanish, accommodating diverse audience needs.

The Blu-ray extras for "Why Did I Get Married Too?" leave much to be desired. With only two main featurettes, the content feels quite sparse. "Girl Talk: The Women of 'Married'" and "Male Bonding: The Men of 'Married'" provide basic behind-the-scenes looks at the cast, but fail to delve deeply into Tyler Perry's creative process. Additionally, Janet Jackson's music video for "Nothing" is included, but it lacks memorable impact. The "Couples Character Guide Trivia Track" aims to provide context for viewers unfamiliar with the first film, but it offers minimal insight, instead offering basic plot points. Overall, these extras do not significantly enhance the viewer's understanding or enjoyment of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Girl Talk: The Women of 'Married': An EPK-style featurette about the female cast members.
• Male Bonding: The Men of 'Married': Similar to the female featurette, focusing on the male cast.
• Janet Jackson Nothing Music Video: A forgettable ballad by Janet Jackson.
• Couples Character Guide Trivia Track: Provides brief, often unhelpful context about the characters and timeline.

Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?" attempts to revisit the dynamics and complexities introduced in its predecessor, but falls short due to an overreliance on clichés and uneven storytelling. While Perry’s ambition is clear, portraying the intricacies of middle-class Black American life, the film stumbles with a meandering plot and lackluster character development. Set against the visually stunning backdrop of the Bahamas, the film shifts uncomfortably between slapstick comedy and heightened melodrama, failing to balance either effectively. The initial appeal of seeing the ensemble cast in a picturesque setting soon wears thin, as repetitive arguments and pop-psychology-driven dialogue dominate the narrative, detracting from any genuine emotional resonance.

The film's structure makes several key missteps. Perry haphazardly reintroduces the core group of couples, bypassing crucial contextual backstories which makes it difficult for new viewers to grasp their relationships. Notably, the subplot involving Janet Jackson's character, Patricia, grappling with past trauma is erratically developed, culminating in emotionally charged scenes that feel unearned. The juxtaposition of idyllic scenery with heavy-handed drama further highlights this imbalance. Even seasoned actors like Louis Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson, brought in for cameo roles, seem underutilized and appear shoehorned into the narrative without meaningful integration.

From a technical perspective, Perry demonstrates mastery over his cast with standout performances, particularly from Jill Scott who brings depth to her role as Sheila. However, this is undermined by the film's overall inconsistent tonality and direction. Moments of compelling drama are overshadowed by disjointed narrative choices and an overuse of cell phone privacy as a central thematic concern. What begins as an exploration into couple dynamics devolves into a series of histrionic confrontations, leaving the audience mired in melodrama rather than offering insightful commentary on relationships. Despite its beautiful cinematography, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" ultimately succeeds more as an unintended travelogue than a cohesive filmic experience.

Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?" returns audiences to the lives of four couples, but even diehard fans might question the necessity of this sequel. The film delves deeper into melodramatic and often clichéd plotlines that detract from what could have been more incisive emotional portraits. While the first movie had its charm, this sequel leans too heavily on exaggerated drama and stereotypical character developments. Perry, a creative powerhouse behind numerous successful projects, seems to misstep here, delivering a narrative that feels forced and less engaging than his other works.

The Blu-ray release brings only adequate audio and video quality, with a 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The visuals of the beautiful Bahamas setting are vivid, but the overall presentation lacks the polish expected from a high-definition format. Extras included are minimal and fail to add significant value, leaving aficionados wanting more in terms of behind-the-scenes content and in-depth interviews. For those who enjoyed the original film and are invested in the characters' journeys, the Blu-ray may still be a worthy rental. However, it's unlikely to impress anyone looking for substantial bonus material or superior technical execution.

In conclusion, while Tyler Perry's legion of fans might find some redeeming qualities in this sequel, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" falls short of its predecessor's charm and emotional depth. The Blu-ray release does little to enhance the film's appeal, making it a lukewarm recommendation at best. Those curious might want to opt for a rental, primarily to enjoy the film's scenic backdrop rather than its content.