Irresistible Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Irresistible" delivers an assured and detailed image, meeting current standards for a new Blu-ray release. The picture quality is commendable, featuring sharp and precise details throughout, from character-specific elements to various scene-specific objects like campaign materials and furnishings. Various segments of the film, such as fake newscasts and political ads, are rendered with tack-sharp graphics, although the shift in video quality across these scenes is deliberate, aiding in differentiation. Colors exhibit great depth and contrast, with particularly vibrant primaries like red and blue dominating the political campaign scenes. While skin tones are generally accurate and black levels maintain depth, there are moments where these black levels drop to paler, flatter shades, albeit infrequently noted around the 82-minute mark.

Digitally shot, the post-production process introduces a slight grain filter to the image, which is mostly minor though it occasionally causes encoding backups and subtle artifacts. Despite this, the overall visual fidelity remains robust, maintaining consistent detail resolution and offering a clear, precise look. The film employs a warm/cool color grading that predominantly affects interior shots but remains subtly noticeable in exterior daylight scenes as well. The contrasts are bright and energetic, complementing the film's tone and providing notable depth. Although black levels are generally adequate in upholding dimensionality, they aren't consistently dominant. Nevertheless, these elements work collectively to create a viewing experience with considerable visual appeal, reflecting Universal's high-quality presentation standards.

The Blu-ray presentation of Irresistible features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that offers a clear and competent audio experience typical of a dialogue-driven comedy. The mix is largely front-focused, with music and environmental sounds predominantly anchored in the front channels, providing a solid yet unremarkable auditory performance. Surround engagement is present but minimal, enhancing certain scenes such as the fish fry in chapter ten with well-balanced immersion and excellent musical clarity.

One standout element is the track's handling of low-end frequencies in specific scenes. Notably, there is an exaggerated bass response during a scene involving a character in a mechanical exosuit, effectively mimicking the iconic water-in-a-cup moment from Jurassic Park. Such moments are rare, with the audio mix primarily prioritizing dialogue clarity and natural front-center positioning. However, instances of effective environmental soundscaping, particularly at campaign headquarters and various town settings, add to the overall ambiance, with quality natural reverb enhancing character interactions.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for Irresistible delivers what is necessary for a film of its genre, ensuring dialogue is clear and well-prioritized while providing occasional moments of sonic interest that break the otherwise straightforward presentation. The mix accomplishes its goal without overwhelming the viewer, making it an apt soundtrack for this politically satirical narrative.

The extras for the Blu-Ray release of "Irresistible" are both comprehensive and varied, providing a substantial supplementary experience for fans of this political comedy. The inclusion of deleted and extended scenes offers insight into the movie's development process, showcasing 17 different scenes that were either cut or modified. A gag reel adds a touch of humor with nearly six minutes of amusing behind-the-scenes moments. The featurettes, though brief, adequately delve into the film’s creation and key contributors, including insights into Jon Stewart's dual role as writer and director. The package also includes a DVD copy and a Movies Anywhere digital code, adding convenience and value for the consumer. The overall presentation is solid, despite the underwhelming box art design.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Various scenes showcasing additional footage.
• Gag Reel: Humorous moments from the shoot.
• An Irresistible Story: Discussion on the film’s authenticity and satire.
• Campaign Comedy: The Cast of Irresistible: Overview of the cast's contributions.
• Taking the Lead: Jon Stewart: Insights into Stewart's role as writer and director.

"Irresistible" by Jon Stewart is a savvy exploration of modern politics, laced with humor and incisive commentary. The film centers on Democratic consultant Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), who, shell-shocked by the 2016 presidential election results, seeks a candidate to win back middle America. He finds Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper), a retired Colonel whose viral town hall speech thrusts him into the spotlight. Zimmer's arrival in the economically beleaguered Deerlaken, Wisconsin, as an outsider looking to transform Hastings into a viable mayoral candidate, sets up a stark contrast between small-town simplicity and big-city political machinations. Stewart's screenplay deftly balances humor with sharp political critique, skewering both sides adeptly despite occasionally slipping into predictable patterns.

As the campaign intensifies, the dynamics between Zimmer and Republican strategist Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne) inject an escalating tension into the narrative. The film's middle section meanders through familiar scenes of political maneuvering and media absurdity but sets up an unexpectedly clever twist in the final act that turns presumptions on their head. Carell and Cooper anchor the film with nuanced performances, embodying the clash between genuine local values and superficial political strategy. Noteworthy is how Zimmerman’s humorous yet poignant integration attempts, like his comically calculated choice of an unassuming Ford Explorer to relate to Deerlaken’s populace, showcases Stewart's eye for the absurd within American politics.

"Irresistible" excels in its depiction of modern election tactics through the lens of small-town America. It highlights how political narratives are often crafted and manipulated, sometimes to the detriment of authenticity. Stewart's screenplay intersperses biting satire with moments of genuine insight into the human stories behind political statistics. Though the film might resonate softer than other politically charged satires, its effective lampooning of campaign finance and media complicity makes it a compelling narrative timely in any era. Ultimately, "Irresistible" emerges as both a comedy and a reflection on the farcical intricacies of modern politics, despite some broad strokes that could have been fine-tuned for sharper impact.

"Irresistible," directed by Jon Stewart, presents an astute, if occasionally predictable, satire of the American political landscape. The plot unfolds around a political consultant who attempts to influence a small-town mayoral race, ultimately illustrating that politics is a game won by those who can play it best—or differently. The film's opening hook and surprising conclusion balance out its somewhat sluggish middle, providing an engaging narrative experience. Universal’s Blu-ray release boasts commendable high-definition video quality, which captures the nuanced cinematography and vibrant color palette with impressive clarity and detail.

The film’s audio presentation is equally notable, delivering crisp and immersive sound that enhances the viewing experience. The dialogue is clear and well-balanced against the film's score and ambient sounds, making it accessible for a range of viewing environments. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray’s additional content is fairly standard, offering a satisfactory but not extensive exploration of the film’s themes and production process.

In summary, "Irresistible" offers a witty and insightful look at political maneuvering, albeit with a touch of predictability. Universal's Blu-ray does justice to the film through high-quality audiovisual presentations, though it falls short in special features. Despite these minor shortcomings, "Irresistible" remains well worth the audience's time for its clever commentary and engaging story arc. Recommended.