The Nice Guys Blu-ray Review

The high-definition 1080p presentation of "The Nice Guys" impresses with its distinctive visual style, leveraging a reserved chromatic palette that incorporates sepia tones and muted primary colors. There are sequences with bolder use of color, enhancing the deeper saturation, especially noticeable in the neon glow of 1970s celebration scenes. Warner Bros.'s AVC-encoded Blu-ray ensures a consistently sharp, detailed image with no signs of compression or artifacts. Contrast and brightness are well-balanced, though there are minor variations in shadow delineation. Blacks are deep and punchy, while the clarity and definition during low-light scenes remain exemplary with no discernible crushing.

Shot using both Alexa and Red digital cameras under the expert guidance of Philippe Rousselot, the cinematography alternates between rich palettes and deep blacks associated with neo-noir, and brilliant, vibrant colors reflective of Los Angeles in the 70s. Fine details are vividly captured, from the intricate textures in close-ups to the excellent depth in wide-angle daytime shots. The film's bitrate averages at 27.65 Mbps, indicative of a higher-than-usual quality standard for Warner's theatrical releases. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio is well-utilized, ensuring smooth movement and clear differentiation between background and foreground layers.

Overall, the video presentation is technically stellar. The clarity is consistent whether in bright Los Angeles sunlight or dimly lit night scenes. Detailed fine textures, especially on facial features and period-specific sets and costumes, contribute to the film's immersion into the 70s era. Subtle refinements in flesh tones maintain lifelike representations, despite an occasional slight blandness. This Blu-ray release ensures that viewers can appreciate every crag, wrinkle, and carefully crafted detail with no notable noise or artifacts to detract from the visual experience.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "The Nice Guys" is an exemplary presentation that pairs robust dynamics with crisp high frequencies, avoiding any strident or edgy distortions. Dialogue is consistently clear, with a natural, room-penetrating depth emanating through the center channel, ensuring that every word, even amidst rapid-fire exchanges and mumbles, is readily discernible. The front soundstage delivers excellent separation and articulated detail, while the soundtrack brings period-specific hits to life. The overall presentation effectively utilizes the entire surround platform, incorporating both directional and ambient sounds to create an immersive auditory experience.

The audio mix shines especially during action scenes, where bullets whiz by and cars careen through chaotic landscapes with precise, panning effects. The bass extension may not reach subterranean levels but provides tight and punchy support to augment the film's dynamic range. Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel offers impactful depth during gunfights, car chases, and music-driven sequences, enriching the auditory experience. Additionally, the juxtaposition of quieter, dialogue-heavy scenes with these action sequences ensures that the surround work remains balanced and engaging, reinforcing the atmospheric quality throughout the film.

The combination of David Buckley and John Ottman's score with period hits like The Bee Gees' "Jive Talkin'" and America's "Horse with No Name" adds to the nostalgic texture while maintaining seamless integration within the audio presentation. This thoughtful mix not only supports the narrative but enhances the overall cinematic experience, making "The Nice Guys" a standout example of how a dialogue-centric comedy can harness the power of a full surround sound setup to tell its story effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Nice Guys" are notably sparse, limiting themselves to two brief featurettes and standard promotional materials. These supplements, while presented in HD, merely scratch the surface, providing superficial insights without delving deeply into the filmmaking process. "Always Bet on Black" highlights writer/director Shane Black through cast and crew interviews but feels overly self-congratulatory. "Worst. Detectives. Ever." offers a cursory glance at the film's development and characters but lacks substantial content due to its short duration. The absence of a commentary track or more extensive behind-the-scenes material is a glaring oversight given Shane Black's storied career.

Extras included in this disc:

• Always Bet on Black: Focuses on Shane Black with insights from cast and crew.
• Worst. Detectives. Ever.: Making The Nice Guys: Traces the film's development and main characters.
• Trailers: Includes trailers for various Warner Bros. movies.
• Bonus DVD
• Digital HD Copy

Shane Black’s "The Nice Guys" captures the essence of 1970s Los Angeles with a delightful mismatched pairing of Ryan Gosling’s Holland March and Russell Crowe’s Jackson Healy. The film follows their improbable collaboration to unravel the mystery behind a missing girl and the suspicious death of a porn star, leading them into a web of conspiracy and chaos. Black’s talent for crafting offbeat buddy dynamics is on full display, reminiscent of his work in "Lethal Weapon" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Healy, a jaded enforcer with a good heart, and March, a dysfunctional private eye with a knack for self-destruction, bring both humor and humanity to their roles.

The movie excels in its period piece authenticity. Set in 1977, it immerses viewers in the era of killer bee warnings, gas rationing lines, and smog-filled streets. This vivid backdrop complements the characters’ antics, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with polyester fashion and disco tunes. Crowe and Gosling’s performances—Crowe’s stoic heaviness juxtaposed with Gosling’s manic energy—ensure that even the most outlandish scenarios feel grounded and relatable. March's daughter Holly (Angourie Rice) adds an additional layer of charm, often acting as the moral compass in their zany escapades.

Technically, "The Nice Guys" is a triumph of witty scripting and polished direction. Black and co-writer Anthony Bagarozzi’s script balances sharp dialogue with absurdly escalating situations, making the comedy feel both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. The interplay between physical comedy and clever wordplay is spot-on, highlighted by memorable sequences such as Gosling’s bathroom mishap - a comedic showcase akin to classic physical gags. Despite some underutilized supporting roles, the core structure thrives on the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling, delivering a laugh-packed narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. In an era dominated by formulaic comedies, "The Nice Guys" stands out as a refreshingly original entry into the genre.

"The Nice Guys" offers a delightful and entertaining detective comedy, masterfully combining a clever script with the adept performances of veteran actors. The Blu-ray release ensures that viewers experience this film in top-quality audio and video presentations. The immersive audiovisual fidelity is commendable, showcasing the film’s 1970s Los Angeles setting with crystal-clear imagery and dynamic sound, which together heighten the viewing experience.

However, despite the commendable technical presentation, the Blu-ray release falls short in its special features. The disc includes minimal extras, missing an opportunity to delve further into intriguing aspects such as production design, costume creation, and the music performances that enrich the film's atmosphere. These additional materials would have provided a deeper appreciation for the creative efforts behind the movie's success.

In conclusion, while "The Nice Guys" may have deserved a more comprehensive in-theater performance and a richer array of supplemental content, this Blu-ray edition still delivers where it counts most: the film itself. The entertaining narrative and high production value make this Blu-ray a worthwhile addition to any collection. Highly recommended for both existing fans and new viewers looking for a quality home viewing experience.