Semi-Pro Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Semi-Pro" offers a distinctly 1970s visual aesthetic, embracing the grainy textures and dense, glittering colors that define the era. The Super 35 photography, presented in 1080p VC-1 video with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, effectively utilizes high bit rates to deliver a visually authentic experience. This is particularly evident during basketball game scenes that appear to mimic the look of Kodacolor ASA 400 negative film with effective grain and retro color palettes, enhancing the authentic feel of the period. Close-ups reveal intricate facial details, and the wide Scope framing perfectly captures the dynamic horizontal movements of basketball action.

However, viewers should temper their expectations when it comes to overall clarity and dimensionality. While the transfer excels at presenting fine object details like Ferrell’s curls and the textural grit of fabrics, it falters in maintaining consistent clarity, especially in scenes dominated by hazy lighting and soft focus. These elements have a tendency to blur foreground and background details into a single layer, reducing the perceived depth of the image.

Overall, "Semi-Pro" on Blu-ray provides an engaging visual experience that successfully transports viewers to the 1970s through its use of carefully rendered period-appropriate colors and textures. Despite some minor issues with contrast and clarity, the transfer performs well within the artistic confines set by the filmmakers, effectively balancing the film's comedic tone with its authentic setting.

The audio presentation of "Semi-Pro" on Blu-ray features a DTS HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack, offering a significantly enriched auditory experience. While the film's nature as an R-rated, slapstick comedy may not inherently demand such advanced audio technology, New Line’s commitment to leveraging high-end formats is evident. The dialogue clarity is impeccable, distributed seamlessly across the front channels, ensuring nuanced delivery and comprehension, especially crucial for the sport commentator sequences running throughout the film. During the basketball games, ancillary sound effects like crowd noise and the dribbling of basketballs are well-integrated, adding a layer of authenticity to the viewing experience. Even with a vintage soundtrack, the 70s music, including "Love Me Sexy," is reproduced with notable fidelity.

Nevertheless, the extensive DTS HD MA 7.1 track may feel somewhat excessive given the film's genre and sound design limitations. Despite the detailed surround effects and rich interior acoustics, the rear speakers lack consistent utilization, rarely creating the immersive environment one might expect from a more dynamic film. While the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel adds depth to key moments like roaring stadium crowds and ball dribbles, it might not fully capitalize on its potential due to the inherently limited soundscape of a comedy setting. This results in an audio mix that, while technically proficient and free from significant flaws, doesn't quite elevate "Semi-Pro" beyond comparable genre films in an audibly distinctive manner.

Overall, "Semi-Pro" benefits from a high-quality audio mix that faithfully handles every element of its sound design. While it may not offer a grandiose showcase of surround sound capabilities, it provides a clear, rich, and authentic auditory experience suitable for its comedic narrative and period-specific musical elements.

The Blu-ray extras for "Semi-Pro" are a mixed bag, offering a blend of behind-the-scenes insights and promotional content. With high-definition presentations, the technical quality is commendable, particularly in 2.35 OAR and VC-1 HD formats, supplemented by DTS audio. Unfortunately, much of the content falls short in engagement and humor. The most substantial inclusion, "The Man Behind Semi-Pro," fails to maintain coherent focus, while "Four Days in Flint" and "Bill Walton Visits the Set" seem trivial. "A Short History of the ABA" stands out as a worthwhile watch, providing historical context with archival footage and interviews. Deleted scenes and improvisations also feature prominently but add little value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Unremarkable deletions and alternate takes.
• Improvs: Extended takes with actors' stream-of-consciousness dialogues.
• The Man Behind Semi-Pro: A lackluster, lengthy making-of featurette.
• Four Days in Flint: Documenting interactions with Flint during shooting.
• Bill Walton Visits the Set: Featuring the NBA player's cameo.
• A Short History of the ABA: Insightful background on the ABA's influence.
• Recreating the ABA: Focus on actors' basketball training and authenticity efforts.
• Flint Tropics Hot Talk with Dick Pepperfield: In-character skits with Will Ferrell.
• Love Me Sexy: The Story Behind the One-Hit Wonder: Nile Rodgers on creating a '70s vibe.
• Love Me Sexy: The Music Video: A Will Ferrell music video.
• Trailers: Standard teaser, mainstream, and unrated trailers.

"Semi-Pro," directed by Kent Alterman and starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, is a comedy set against the backdrop of the 1970s' American Basketball Association (ABA). The film follows Jackie Moon (Ferrell), a one-hit-wonder-turned-basketball-team owner, as he attempts to get his failing team, the Flint Tropics, to qualify for a merger with the NBA. The movie plays on the familiar underdog sports narrative but adds a comedic twist with Ferrell's over-the-top antics, including outlandish promotions and desperate attempts to improve his team’s standing. Although not a sports fan, I enjoyed the film’s nostalgic recreation of the '70s, complete with disco music, hot cheerleaders, eccentric stunts, and even a circus bear. The film incorporates plenty of vulgar humor, fitting its R-rating, and provides a colorful rendition of a bygone era.

Despite a promising setup and a talented cast, "Semi-Pro" struggles to deliver consistent laughs and often falls back on predictable gags and clichéd plot elements. Ferrell’s commitment to his character doesn’t go unnoticed—it’s just that the script feels half-hearted and relies too much on lowbrow humor. The movie lacks the sharp wit found in other Ferrell hits like "Anchorman" or "Talladega Nights," opting instead for a barrage of recycled jokes that fail to surprise or engage. Even standout moments like the bear attack in the final scenes can't save it from feeling formulaic and unfocused.

The film's greatest disappointment is its failure to tap into the potential of its setting and characters. Had "Semi-Pro" offered a more insightful satire of its era or sport, it might have had a chance to rise above mediocrity. Unfortunately, it comes across as rushed and uneven, marking a significant letdown for Ferrell fans. Nonetheless, the charming portrayal of the 70s intertwined with basketball history provides some moments of enjoyment.

The Blu-ray release of "Semi-Pro," starring Will Ferrell, presents a mixed bag that some might find more appealing than others. The film, a comedic romp set against the backdrop of 1970s basketball, leans heavily into its era's liberated and outrageous character. Ferrell’s performance may not resonate with everyone, but the movie’s attempt to capture the spirit of the '70s through its humor and setting is worth noting.

Technically, the Blu-ray edition offers a solid representation. The presentation boasts an accurate to the era Scope transfer that captures the visual elements aptly. Although the DTS HD MA 7.1 surround sound track isn't groundbreaking, it effectively accommodates the film's soundscape with its mix of dialogue, on-court action, and a selection of era-appropriate disco tunes. Despite some technical shortcomings and a less than impressive supplemental package, the above-average transfer quality helps elevate the home viewing experience.

If you appreciate Will Ferrell comedies, basketball, and the free-spirited 70s vibe, "Semi-Pro" might just be up your alley. The Blu-ray delivers a good-looking, faithful transfer and fine sounding, if unremarkable, multichannel audio. This R-rated/unrated comedy is entertaining in its own lighthearted way and worth a watch. However, if those elements don't appeal to you, the movie might not captivate your interest. For Ferrell fans or those intrigued by basketball-themed comedies, this Blu-ray is a worthy rental, balancing its flaws with enough redeeming features to warrant consideration.