That Awkward Moment Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "That Awkward Moment" achieves a commendable level of quality overall, adhering to Sony's usual standards. The 1080p transfer excels in delivering clean lines, crisp detail, and natural colors. The textural integrity is well-maintained, with ample saturation that brings out the vivid textures efficiently. Shadow delineation is notable, showing good visibility in darker scenes without crushing blacks, which adds depth to the frame. Despite some inconsistencies, the video rarely looks soft or dull, managing to stay reasonably sharp throughout.

However, the transfer is not entirely free of faults. There are instances where the image lacks the vibrancy and sharpness seen in higher-quality releases. Some scenes seem flat and lifeless, especially in broader outdoor and indoor city shots where finer details and skin textures occasionally fall short. The colors, while natural, could benefit from more vibrance, especially in darker scenes where they fail to offer substantial contrast against shadowed backdrops. Black levels, though generally solid, sometimes appear washed out, detracting from an otherwise decent presentation.

In summation, while "That Awkward Moment" may not be a visual showstopper, it provides a strongly consistent video experience within its genre's typical constraints. The subtle strengths in detail and coloring ensure that the standard Blu-ray offering stands up well for a romantic comedy, even if it doesn’t push boundaries or showcase the highest possible production values.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "That Awkward Moment" features a serviceable, yet unremarkable, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This mix is evidently designed to cater to the requirements of a romantic comedy, heavily centered up front. Dialogue is crystal clear and seamlessly carried from the center channel, ensuring intelligibility throughout. While there are moments where ambient sounds from party scenes or New York's bustling streets make use of the rear channels, these instances are sparse, and the soundtrack doesn't capitalize on immersive audio opportunities.

Despite some shortcomings, the audio does bring a fair musical presence to the film's initiation with an enjoyable 80s-inspired beat. However, these musical elements lack the energy expected in scenes with heightened engagement, such as in clubs. The city ambiance is incorporated in a passably immersive manner but falls short of capturing realistic dynamics. Overall, while the track presents a low-energy, low-need affair that wouldn't push a sound system's capabilities to its limits, it still delivers the film's basic auditory requirements efficiently and without errors.

For this genre, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix performs adequately, creating as varied a listening environment as possible with its given material. Though far from exemplary, it does not fail in clarity or functionality, offering consistent pans and directionality without noticeable discrepancies. This standard audio mix may not elevate the movie to new levels of auditory experience but provides a clear and balanced presentation that suffices for its intended purpose.

The Blu Ray extras for "That Awkward Moment" offer an engaging behind-the-scenes look while remaining concise and focused on key elements. The "Moment of Truth" featurette gives an insightful 9-minute exploration into the story, casting choices, and ad-libbed dialogues, providing both a technical and thematic perspective. The "Threesome: More Awkward Moments" feature captures candid, humorous couch discussions with Jordan, Efron, and Teller. The character profiles highlight the main characters—Jason, Mikey, Daniel, and Ellie—through brief interviews and film clips. Additionally, the extended gag reel delivers extended laughs spread across a compact 3 minutes. Notably, the disc also comes with an Ultraviolet Digital Copy for extended viewing options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Moment of Truth: Behind the Scenes: Cast and crew discuss core story elements, casting, ad-libs, and thematic undertones.
• Threesome: More Awkward Moments: Candid discussions featuring Jordan, Efron, and Teller.
• Character Profiles: Cast interviews and clips featuring Jason, Mikey, Daniel, and Ellie.
• Extended Gag Reel: Extended bloopers and outtakes.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy

In "That Awkward Moment," Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan navigate the complex terrain of modern relationships. The film centers on Jason (Efron), who vows to remain single with his friends, Mikey (Jordan) and Daniel (Teller), after Mikey's marriage falls apart. Their pact quickly unravels as they encounter romantic entanglements, including Jason's unexpected connection with Ellie (Imogen Poots). The premise offers a promising twist on the standard romantic comedy by presenting the narrative from the male perspective.

However, writer/director Tom Gormican fails to deliver a coherent story. The movie stumbles under a script laden with clichés, forced humor, and an overall lack of genuine emotion. Despite the unique angle, it falls into predictable narrative arcs and overused tropes, which detract from its potential originality. The attempt at blending raunchy humor with heartfelt drama doesn't quite gel, resulting in a disjointed experience that neither fully commits to its comedic aspirations nor its serious undertones. The crude jokes and sexual escapades lack charm and disrupt the integral chemistry necessary for engaging the audience in the characters' journeys.

Performance-wise, the film suffers from mismatches and lackluster chemistry among its cast. Zac Efron struggles to balance the comedic and dramatic elements, failing to bring depth to his character. Michael B. Jordan’s talents seem wasted on a two-dimensional role that doesn't capitalize on his capabilities shown in other performances like "Fruitvale Station." Miles Teller occasionally shines with his natural comedic timing but is undermined by a script that doesn't give him much to work with. Even supporting actors like Imogen Poots, who shows potential as Ellie, can't elevate the material beyond its scripted boundaries. Ultimately, "That Awkward Moment" is marred by poor pacing and uninspired storytelling, making for an awkward, rather than memorable, viewing experience.

"That Awkward Moment," released on Blu-ray, has had a challenging reception in the 2014 film lineup. The movie features clichéd scenarios, a poorly structured plot, and lacks the spark needed between its leading actors and their female counterparts. From the onset, the film's juvenile tone and lack of engaging material become apparent, ultimately making the characters unlikable despite being portrayed by a talented cast.

When assessing the Blu-ray quality, the results are mixed. The picture quality is somewhat soft and flat, lacking the depth and vibrancy expected from modern releases. The audio, while serviceable, remains largely lifeless, failing to deliver a robust home theater experience. A handful of throwaway extras accompany the disc but bring little value to the overall package. Despite a decent Blu-ray presentation, it doesn't elevate the film to a point where it would warrant a purchase.

In conclusion, "That Awkward Moment" struggles to find its footing both as a film and in its Blu-ray release. Its mediocrity in narrative drive and technical presentation makes it difficult to recommend. If curiosity prevails, it might be worth a rental provided there are no other more compelling options available. Otherwise, it's advisable to skip this one entirely.