The Upside Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "The Upside," presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, delivers an impressively natural and clean digital image that was originally captured using Arri Alexa Mini and Hawk cameras and finalized in a 2K digital intermediate. High-definition clarity and strong detail are evident throughout the film, capturing intricate facial features, complex textures, and the vibrant color palettes of diverse environments. Even the subtle color gradation is well-handled, with blues dominating the scene yet allowing primary colors to pop in specific settings like parties or Philip’s mahogany-filled book room. There is some minor softness in the backdrop textures, but overall, the black levels remain inky and deep without noticeable crush issues.

The film's visual appeal is enhanced by its rich color rendering, showcasing a beautiful tonal warmth and vibrant textural detail, especially in fleshtones, which display excellent delineation and variety among the cast members. The balance of contrast enriches both light and dark elements, providing a satisfying dynamic range. While there can be a minimal amount of noise in low-light sequences, such as during a nighttime dialogue or a theater performance, these instances do not significantly detract from the overall visual quality. The stable and firmly accurate picture quality makes for an engaging viewing experience that ranks highly among similar digitally photographed releases.

The audio presentation of "The Upside" on Blu-ray is anchored by an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Designed with a clear focus on dialogue, the track ensures that every spoken word is delivered with impeccable clarity and precise front-center positioning. However, the film's soundscape extends far beyond mere dialogue, with an array of intense, discrete environmental effects and a rich tapestry of operatic music that infuses the stage with a full-bodied and finely detailed presence.

Despite the film's dialogue-heavy nature, the surround channels are utilized effectively to create a balanced and immersive auditory experience. Standout moments include immersive sounds such as blasting water and excellent sports car engine depth, which add dynamic elements to the viewing experience. Additionally, the city atmospherics, featuring detailed traffic and honking horns, provide a natural ambiance with pinpoint accuracy. The LFE channel also contributes a robust low-end presence, enhancing the impact of the musical segments.

Overall, "The Upside's" audio mix is a well-rounded track that combines clear dialogue delivery with a surprisingly active and detailed environmental soundscape. This creates an engaging listening experience that exceeds expectations for a comedy-drama film.

The extras for "The Upside" Blu-ray follow a conventional pattern seen in many home video releases, with a mix of engaging yet brief featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. While the bonus content doesn't delve deeply into behind-the-scenes intricacies, the included features do provide some insight into the film’s production and the chemistry between its stars. The deleted scenes offer additional context to the film, and the gag reel highlights the lighter moments on set. While some extras serve as promotional material with fast-paced summaries, they are neatly packaged with high-definition quality, making them enjoyable for audiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: "Bedside Manner" and "Tough Room".
• Gag Reel: Humorous moments from the shoot.
• Onscreen Chemistry: Kevin and Bryan: A spotlight on the leads' interactions.
• Creating a Story of Possibility: A rapid-fire plot recap.
• Bridging Divisions: Emphasizing the film's themes of unity.
• Embracing Positivity: Highlights of the film's positive messages.
• Presenting a Different Side of Kevin Hart: Examination of Hart's performance.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for the film.

"The Upside," directed by Neil Burger, is a remake of the critically acclaimed 2011 French film, "The Intouchables." This American adaptation follows the story of Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), a wealthy quadriplegic, who offers a caregiver position to an unlikely candidate, Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), a recently paroled ex-convict. Despite vast differences in their backgrounds, the duo forms an improbable but heartwarming friendship. While the narrative remains predictable, laden with genre clichés and well-trodden tropes, it capitalizes on the humorous and touching interactions between Cranston and Hart. Remarkably, Hart displays uncharacteristic restraint, trading his frenetic comedy for a more subdued, dramatically serious performance, which complements Cranston’s expertly nuanced portrayal of Phillip.

The film does diverge from its original source material by embedding more comedic elements tailored to Hart's strengths and altering some aspects of the true story it’s based on. However, the adaptation retains the essential emotional core that made the original French film endearing. The levity and humor never overshadow the drama, maintaining a balance that highlights the emotional journey of both characters. The script occasionally falls into predictability, yet the genuine chemistry and rapport between Cranston and Hart elevate the material, making their bond feel authentic and engaging.

Supported by strong performances, "The Upside" succeeds as an entertaining, albeit familiar, feel-good movie. It presents a visually appealing digital transfer on Blu-ray with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing Arri Alexa Mini and Hawk cameras for a clean and natural look. Despite occasional soft backdrops, the color grading is mostly consistent, with deep black levels and detailed facial textures enhancing the overall viewing experience. While "The Upside" may not fully capture the charm and originality of "The Intouchables," it stands as a respectable adaptation that brings warmth and laughter in equal measure.

Review of "The Upside" Blu-Ray Release

"The Upside" is a rare example of a Hollywood remake that effectively captures the charm of its foreign counterpart. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of the French original "The Intouchables," this English-language adaptation stands on its own, thanks to compelling performances by Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart. Surprisingly, Kevin Hart steps out of his typical comedic role, delivering a nuanced performance that affirms his versatility as an actor. Neil Burger’s direction ensures that the story remains engaging, offering an American twist on the inspirational true story without losing its emotional core.

On a technical level, Universal's Blu-ray release is impressive. The video quality is pristine, utilizing a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio that allows for a visually rich presentation. The English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track ensures a robust and dynamic listening experience, adding depth to both the dialogue and soundtrack. The disc also includes English SDH and Spanish subtitles, broadening accessibility. However, while the quantity of supplemental material is substantial, quality-wise, it falls short, consisting mainly of pre-show trailers that add little value.

In conclusion, "The Upside" is typical Hollywood fluff, remodeling a superior foreign film with American sensibilities. Despite initial reservations about this adaptation starring Kevin Hart, the film emerges as surprisingly enjoyable and proves Hart’s capability outside his customary roles. Universal has delivered a solid home video release with excellent video, commendable audio, and a satisfactory array of extras. Although it doesn't surpass "The Intouchables," "The Upside" is a genuinely fun watch and comes recommended for its entertainment value.

Recommendation: Fun Watch