Waiting... Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Waiting..." on fully updated first-generation players, such as the Sony BDP-S1 and Panasonic BD10, highlights a challenging start, with reports of considerable loading times reaching up to 10 minutes and playback interruptions. Interestingly, more contemporary consoles like the PS3 seem to navigate these playback issues with more ease, suggesting a compatibility consideration for potential buyers. The video is delivered in a TV-friendly widescreen ratio of 1.78:1, utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec at 1080p resolution, offering a notable improvement over its DVD predecessor that suffered from noticeable artifacts.

This release showcases an admirable effort in visual quality, especially given the film's modest budget. The image is crisp, with natural colors and well-balanced skin tones that enhance the warmth of the restaurant setting and the contrasting cooler tones of the kitchen scenes. However, despite these strengths, there are instances of softening and macro blocking in background images attributed to compression algorithms, an unexpected issue considering the 50GB disc capacity. Close-up details are generally clear, yet occasional artifacting and noise in faces and flat-colored backgrounds like kitchen walls slightly mar the otherwise polished presentation.

Shadow details and black levels receive commendable treatment, ensuring that darker scenes retain their depth without losing detail. The digital cleaning process cited by director Rob McKittrick has effectively addressed print damage and noise issues prevalent in earlier releases. While the image occasionally suffers from a lack of sharpness and unwelcome video noise, particularly in dimly lit areas or during fast-moving sequences, these minor imperfections do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Overall, the Blu-ray of "Waiting..." represents a significant aesthetic upgrade from previous versions, making it a worthwhile acquisition for fans despite the highlighted technical shortcomings.

The Blu-ray release of "Waiting..." boasts an ambitious 7.1 uncompressed PCM soundtrack that, while seemingly over-engineered for a film primarily anchored in dialogue and subtle soundscapes, delivers an impeccably clear and well-balanced audio experience. Operating at 48 kHz with a bit rate of 6.1 Mbps, the audio quality is undeniably superior, ensuring that every line of dialogue is distinct and full-bodied, from the nuanced tones of the characters to the ambient buzz of the restaurant setting. Fans will appreciate the effort to present the film’s audio with such high fidelity, capturing the essence of its theatrical presentation. The PCM mix's clarity and dynamic range are particularly evident, with voices carrying a richness and warmth that is less pronounced in the Dolby Digital EX 5.1 surround mix also included.

However, the choice to deploy a 7.1 surround setup arguably exceeds the necessities of "Waiting...'s" sound design. The film's soundscape doesn’t fully utilize the expansive potential of the 7.1 channels, often relegating the rear channels to subtle ambient noises that, while adding depth, rarely engage in a substantial or immersive way. Lower frequencies are notably understated, and while this does not detract from the quality of dialogue or high-frequency clarity, it does suggest that the audio may not fully satisfy those seeking a more robust bass response or an enveloping surround sound experience. The soundtrack's quality shines through alternative music selections within the film, demonstrating exceptional reproduction that exceeds common digital formats.

Critically, it must be noted that despite these extensive capabilities, "Waiting...'s" cinematic texture is such that it seldom demands or fully appreciates the breadth of a 7.1 surround configuration. The rich and meticulously crafted audio is somewhat underutilized, functioning more as a testament to technical capability rather than a necessity dictated by the film's audiovisual narrative. While this technical overreach does not detract from the overall quality of the audio presentation—indeed, it might be seen as a luxurious addition—it serves as a reminder that the most advanced audio options may not always align with the requirements or intentions of the content they accompany.

The Blu-ray release of "Waiting..." includes a varied range of extras which results in an uneven experience across the board. The standout feature is "The Works," an 85-minute making-of documentary labeled as an interactive video commentary. It provides an in-depth look into the film's production and is enhanced with an interactive element that allows viewers to access further in-depth interviews by clicking on a hot dog symbol. However, the expanded Telestrator audio commentary, while unique, might wear thin for some with its overreliance on sarcasm. The Blu-ray exclusives, such as the introduction by Rob McKittrick and Java-based disc navigation options, offer some novelty but the set is bogged down by repetitive content across several features that delve into similar topics without much new insight. This inconsistency is further exacerbated by technical issues on some players, limiting access to pop-up menus and hindering navigation fluidity. While there are gems within, a discerning viewer must navigate through a significant amount of filler to uncover them.

Extras included in this disc:

Expanded Telestrator Commentary: Audio commentary with unique video features.

The Works Documentary: In-depth making-of documentary with interactive elements.

That Little Extra: A shorter promotional behind-the-scenes featurette.

Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final film.

Alternate Takes: Clips showcasing various ad-libs by the actors.

Outtakes: Compilation of bloopers and mishaps during filming.

Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

Blu-ray Exclusive Commentary: A special audio commentary track featuring select cast and crew.

Introduction by Rob McKittrick: Director's overview on the benefits of Blu-ray technology.

Java-based Disc Navigation: Customizable menu options exclusive to Blu-ray.

"Waiting..." positions itself within the crowded landscape of 'gross-out' comedies that burgeoned in the late 90s and early 2000s, drawing inevitable comparisons to films like "American Pie" and "There's Something About Mary." However, unlike its more successful predecessors, "Waiting..." falters in balancing vulgarity with genuine comedic appeal. The film, plagued by an excessive reliance on crude humor and an onslaught of crass language, quickly becomes more wearisome than amusing. This isn’t to say the film is without merit; it boasts a commendable picture quality and an impressive audio soundtrack on its Blu-ray presentation, likely to satisfy fans of the genre looking for technical enhancements to their viewing experience.

At its core, "Waiting..." attempts a satirical take on the life of service workers, centered around Dean (played by Justin Long) and his colleagues at Shenaniganz restaurant. Despite the potential for a compelling narrative akin to cult favorites like "Clerks," it struggles to find its footing, offering instead a series of predictable jokes and half-baked plotlines that feel neither original nor particularly engaging. The ensemble cast, including Ryan Reynolds and Anna Faris, while talented, is given little material that transcends beyond caricature or serves to elevate the film’s largely uninspired script.

Technical aspects aside, "Waiting..." embodies the pitfalls of indie comedies trying too hard to mimic the success formula of bigger hits without injecting any new creativity or flair into the mix. The Unrated and Raw cut featured on the Blu-ray adds negligible content, doing little to enhance the overall narrative or comedy. Ultimately, the movie stumbles as a forgettable entry in the gross-out genre, overshadowed by films that managed to blend humor with heart—or in this case, humor with taste—in a far more compelling fashion.

The Blu-ray release of "Waiting..." has generated a mixed range of reactions, with responses swinging dramatically from highly critical to appreciatively positive. The film itself, often compared to similar genre pieces like 'Van Wilder,' divides opinion sharply; it seems that its value is very much in the eye of the beholder. While some viewers might find themselves regretting the time spent watching the film, dismissing both its comedic content and technical presentation, others argue that for fans of this type of humor, the Blu-ray offers a significant enhancement over previous versions. This includes an impressive upgrade in video quality and a robust uncompressed 7.1 audio track that are notable improvements worthy of mention.

On the technical side of the Blu-ray release, it's clear that considerable effort has been made to elevate the viewing experience. The excellence of the video and audio quality cannot be understated, providing a vivid and immersive experience that far surpasses standard definitions. Moreover, the Blu-ray is packed with extras that, though potentially overwhelming or viewed as "pointless" by some, will be a treasure trove for aficionados of the film who seek a deeper or extended engagement with its content.

In conclusion, the value of the "Waiting..." Blu-ray release appears to be contingent upon the viewer's initial affection for the film. For enthusiasts of this comedy and its particular brand of humor, the Blu-ray offers a compelling upgrade with superior audiovisual quality and an extensive array of extras that enrich the overall experience. However, for those not already inclined to enjoy "Waiting...," neither the technological enhancements nor the additional content are likely to sway their opinion favorably. Thus, the decision to purchase should be closely aligned with one's personal taste and existing appreciation for the film.