Instructions Not Included Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films delivers "Instructions Not Included" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This presentation highlights vibrant and candy-colored visuals that are beautifully saturated, particularly in outdoor scenes bathed in a bright golden hue. Close-ups excel with strong contrast and revealing fine levels of detail, yet midrange and wider shots tend to appear somewhat soft and flat.

Notably, the exterior shots are exceptionally rendered, showcasing deep, inky black levels and natural skin tones. Colors remain vivid and engaging throughout, with primary hues popping impressively. Although minor motion blur is occasionally noticeable, no significant compression artifacts such as banding are present. Overall, this is a solid and visually pleasing high-definition transfer that brings the film's colorful aesthetics to life effectively.

Instructions Not Included features a perfectly serviceable lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in the original Spanish. The mix primarily focuses on a front-heavy distribution, leveraging the surrounds primarily for the score and occasional ambient environmental effects. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and well-balanced on the center channel, devoid of any pops, cracks, or hissing.

The sound effects and ambient noises do enter the rear channels, although sparingly, and predominantly enhance the front speakers. This emphasizes a clear, front-oriented audio experience that aligns well with the film’s narrative style. The musical score also integrates seamlessly into the mix without overwhelming dialogue clarity or presence.

Overall, while this isn’t an action-heavy sound mix, it is a commendable effort that provides a clean, well-defined auditory experience. It effectively supports the dialogue-driven nature of the film and adds appropriate atmospheric depth at crucial points.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Instructions Not Included" provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Highlighting Eugenio Derbez's involvement, the bilingual audio commentary stands out as a key feature, showcasing his informative and conversational style. Derbez alternates between English and Spanish, offering insights into his directorial approach, the narrative's development, and anecdotes about working with the cast. The commentary is engaging and largely free of pauses, making it a worthwhile addition for both English and Spanish-speaking viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Eugenio Derbez delivers an engaging bilingual commentary discussing the making of the movie and working with the cast.

"Instructions Not Included," headlined, co-written, and directed by Eugenio Derbez, is a Spanish-language film that has charmed audiences despite its narrative improbabilities and occasional tonal inconsistencies. The film opens with Derbez’s character, Valentin, a hedonistic playboy whose commitment to a carefree life is a reaction to his traumatic childhood experiences. These early scenes, filled with amusing and briskly paced montages, effectively set up Valentin’s whimsical persona. However, the arrival of an unknown progeny, dropped on his doorstep by an ex-flame, turns his world upside down. This transition from carefree bachelorhood to reluctant fatherhood offers plenty of humor and tenderness, as Valentin hilariously adapts to his new role.

Significantly, the film showcases Derbez's natural charm, likened to Roberto Benigni's in "Life Is Beautiful." This charm is most evident in the relationship between Valentin and his daughter, Maggie (Loreto Peralta). The film's middle section thrives on their endearing dynamics, drawing genuine laughs and warmth. However, it does succumb to formulaic storytelling when Derbez improbably secures a Hollywood stuntman job in a sequence deemed funny yet implausible.

The third act introduces unnecessary melodrama as Maggie's mother reappears, leading to a custody battle that feels derivative and disrupts the film's previously light-hearted flow. This sudden shift, compounded by additional twists more suited to a soap opera, muddles the narrative. Despite these flaws, the performances by Derbez and Peralta remain compellingly sincere. While some plotlines and underdeveloped elements mark the film as uneven, "Instructions Not Included" manages to entertain with its charm and humor, demonstrating that personal connections can anchor even the messiest stories.

"Instructions Not Included" is an engaging film that navigates a complex array of emotions and genres. While it presents a charming narrative centered on the endearing dynamic between Valentín, played by Eugenio Derbez, and his daughter Maggie, brought to life by Loreto Peralta's excellent performance, the film at times falters with its unpredictable tonal shifts. The juxtaposition of slapstick humor and heavy melodrama, especially in the third act, may feel jarring to some viewers. Nonetheless, Derbez's directorial approach and the genuine chemistry between the protagonists effectively capture moments of heartfelt sincerity.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release stands out with its commendable video and audio quality. The visual clarity and sound design are executed with precision, ensuring viewers can fully appreciate the movie's vibrant settings and emotive score. The sole supplementary feature, a comprehensive commentary track, adds excellent value, providing insightful context and behind-the-scenes details that fans will find enriching.

In conclusion, "Instructions Not Included" offers a blend of humor, emotion, and unexpected plot turns that may not resonate with everyone. Nevertheless, for those open to its distinctive storytelling style and those appreciating father-daughter narratives, this film brings enough charm and technical competence to earn a recommendation.