Ted Blu-ray Review

The visual presentation of "Ted" on Blu-ray, courtesy of its 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer, stands as a testament to the impressive capabilities of modern digital cinematography and the meticulous transfer process. Thanks to the utilization of Panavision Genesis HD cameras, the image quality is remarkably crisp, boasting lifelike skin tones and a natural palette that neither oversaturates nor underwhelms. The careful balancing of intense blacks and pure whites enhances the visual depth, ensuring that even scenes laden with reflective surfaces or direct sunlight maintain clarity and detail without succumbing to an over-contrasted aesthetic. This fidelity is crucial in rendering the film's myriad of textures—from the faux fur of our titular character to the myriad details of everyday objects—with precision, making for a highly immersive viewing experience.

Attention to technical detail during the transfer process has evidently paid dividends; there are no notable issues with artifacting, banding, or aliasing that might otherwise detract from the viewing experience. The film's array of vibrant scenes, characterized by their dynamic range and detailed composition, are reproduced with remarkable clarity. The deep blacks and carefully managed contrast levels ensure that each frame conveys the intended visual impact without loss of detail in darker areas or overexposure in lighter ones. The sharpness of the video is consistent throughout, enhancing both the realism of 'Ted' and the believability of its animated protagonist against the live-action backdrop.

In sum, Universal's release of 'Ted' on Blu-ray showcases an exemplary digital transfer that respects and enhances the original source material. The video quality is consistently impressive, from the accuracy of color rendition and skin tones to the sharpness of detailed textures within each scene. Coupled with a judicious management of contrast and black levels, this Blu-ray presentation solidifies 'Ted' as a standout example of how films shot digitally can offer a visually stunning home viewing experience when properly handled during the transfer process.

The audio experience of "Ted" on Blu Ray, delivered through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, is notably akin to that of a high-end sitcom, favoring a front-heavy mix where dialogue takes center stage. This careful mix ensures that character quips and conversations are crystal clear, with Ted's distinctive Boston accent fitting seamlessly among those of his fellow characters. Despite this emphasis on the front channels, the occasional utilization of the rear speakers contributes a subtle yet immersive atmosphere, particularly noticeable during the more dynamic scenes involving thunderstorms, chaotic hotel brawls, and the pivotal car chase sequence.

Moreover, while the audio track is predominantly dialogue-driven, it achieves a balanced activity level even in its quieter moments. The inclusion of Spanish and French DTS Digital Surround 5.1 options, along with a 2.0 descriptive video service, ensures accessibility and a broad appeal. The LFE channel, although discreet, enhances key moments without overwhelming the auditory space, allowing for a cohesive and engaging listening experience. The score by Walter Murphy and various songs interspersed throughout the film inject a lively dynamism into the mix, enriching what could otherwise be an overly straightforward sound design.

Listeners will appreciate how the audio presentation maintains its clarity and balance across all scenarios, from serene dialogues to action-packed sequences, without ever becoming overbearing. Such meticulous audio engineering guarantees that every verbal nuance and environmental sound is captured with precision, making the sonic aspect of "Ted" on Blu Ray a commendable component of its multimedia experience. This lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track not only underscores the comedic aspects but also augments the overall narrative impact of the film, ensuring a pleasurable auditory journey from start to finish.

The Blu-ray edition of "Ted" offers an extensive array of extras that cater to both casual viewers and devout fans. The inclusion of both the theatrical (107 minutes) and the unrated extended versions (114 minutes) allows audiences to experience the film in two distinct flavors. The audio commentary, featuring insights from director/co-writer/voice actor Seth MacFarlane, co-writer Alec Sulkin, and star Mark Wahlberg, provides a deep dive into the making of the movie, albeit with Wahlberg's early departure being a slight letdown. A comprehensive making-of documentary, divided into three segments, offers an engaging look behind the curtains, complemented by fifteen deleted scenes that add depth to the viewing experience. The additional extras, including a teddy bear scuffle sequence, alternate takes, and a gag reel, although not universally strong, contribute to a richer appreciation of the film's production. The bonus content is rounded off with My Scenes Bookmarking and digital copy options, enhancing its value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Unrated and Theatrical Versions: Viewers can enjoy both cuts of the film.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Mark Wahlberg.
• The Making of Ted: A behind-the-scenes documentary split into three parts.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of 15 scenes not included in the final cut.
• Teddy Bear Scuffle: A detailed look at the choreography behind John and Ted's brawl.
• Alternate Takes: Various scenes shot differently from what was included in the film.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers and outtakes from the shoot.
• My Scenes Bookmarking: For easy access to favorite scenes.

Seth MacFarlane's cinematic opus "Ted" is more than a mere transition from the small screen to the big one; it serves as a testament to MacFarlane's tenacious spirit and multifaceted talent. Beyond being uproariously funny with a penchant for boundary-pushing humor, "Ted" is a significant marker in MacFarlane's career, decisively showcasing his capability to infuse his distinct brand of comedy into cinematic narratives. With MacFarlane not only lending his voice to the titular character but also steering the project as director, writer, and producer, the film demonstrates his remarkable versatility within the industry. Despite potential qualms regarding Ted's vocal resemblance to Peter Griffin from "Family Guy," the film's humor, which seamlessly blends crass jokes with poignant moments, predominantly triumphs, transcending such comparisons to stand on its own merits.

The narrative arc of "Ted" weaves a surprisingly heartfelt story around the ludicrous premise of a talking teddy bear, brought to life by a child's wish, navigating adulthood alongside his human best friend, John (portrayed by Mark Wahlberg). The chemistry between Wahlberg and MacFarlane's CGI-animated bear convincingly anchors the film, enhancing its believability and engaging the audience beyond mere laughs. Amidst the crudity and riotous comedy lies a sincere exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up—a thematic depth somewhat unexpected from its outwardly frivolous veneer. The movie respects its characters and their journeys, giving "Ted" an emotional core that resonates with viewers.

Visual effects deserve particular mention; "Ted" impresses with its seamless integration of CG animations in a live-action setting, making the titular character a believable entity within the movie's universe. This technical achievement bolsters the narrative's impact, further immersing viewers in the unique dynamic between Ted and John. While the movie navigates through its share of clichés—evident in a somewhat contrived kidnapping subplot—these do not significantly detract from its overall enjoyment and thematic potency. "Ted" emerges as a distinctive blend of humor and heart, proving MacFarlane's adeptness in crafting comedies that leave a lasting imprint. Consequently, the film stands out not just for its comedic value but also for its unexpected warmth and authenticity, solidifying its place within MacFarlane’s expanding repertoire.

Ted," the comedy that dared to bring a profane yet hilariously endearing teddy bear to life through the magic of motion capture, has made its way into the Blu-ray market, and it's quite the package to behold. Directed by Seth MacFarlane, this film breaks the monotony of traditional comedies with its unique blend of humor, ensuring an abundance of laughter from those willing to embrace its eccentricity. The Universal Blu-ray release enhances this experience with a high-quality video transfer that brings the vividness of Ted's world right into your living room. Coupled with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, the technical presentation ensures that every joke lands with the intended impact. However, while the special features included offer more giggles and extend the fun, they might leave some fans yearning for a bit more depth given the film's success in theaters.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo release is nothing short of excellent, ensuring that "Ted" can be enjoyed in superb A/V quality, arguably making it one of 2012's funniest releases to watch at home. Although there are some concerns regarding the slightly limited scope of bonus materials available, this does little to detract from the overall value of the release. It's clear that this Blu-ray was crafted with fans in mind, aiming to deliver not just the film but an enhanced viewing experience that leverages the best of home theater technology.

In conclusion, "Ted" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to how a film, particularly of the comedic genre, can be transformed through a proper home media release. With its exceptional video and audio presentation, it invites audiences for repeated viewings, potentially growing on them with each laugh-filled session. Despite the minor quibble over special features, the release undoubtedly deserves high praise and comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a blend of adult humor and technical excellence. Whether "Ted" will become a classic over time remains to be seen, but this Blu-ray release certainly gives it a fighting chance.