Anyone But You Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Anyone But You" offers an exceptional and dynamic 1080p video presentation, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. The film capitalizes on its scenic Australian locations, capturing crystal blue waters, rugged terrain, and vibrant scenes with impressive clarity and detail. Primaries are vividly rendered, allowing colors to leap off the screen, while the warm, rich tones create a visually striking experience. Flesh tones are slightly on the saturated side, providing a tan and glam appearance to the cast, which suits the film's romantic comedy demeanor. The aspect ratio of 2.39:1 allows for a cinematic scope that enhances both indoor and outdoor settings effectively.

Depth and detail in this HD transfer are handled beautifully, showcasing crisp edge definition and fine textures without crossing into overly artificial sharpness. The 1.85:1 frame with excellent delineation further enhances the visual storytelling, capturing details of costumes and production design with precision. Nighttime scenes maintain a well-balanced brightness, although some daytime shots may seem slightly sunny, adherent to the film's original photography. Despite this, the integrity of the encode remains intact without significant issues like banding or artifacts.

Black levels are deep and inky, with clean whites that avoid blooming, ensuring a balanced contrast that complements the overall visual style. Although the absence of a simultaneous 4K UHD release is noted, the existing HD offering does not fall short. It utilizes the 4K DI data conservatively but effectively, suggesting a seamless experience that is free from noise or compression artifacts. This Blu-ray delivers a vibrant and clean presentation that is both visually stunning and free of distractions, making it a commendable choice for fans of modern romantic comedies seeking a standout video performance.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Anyone But You," featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, offers a solid and reliable experience that aligns with the film's romantic comedy genre. While not groundbreaking, it adequately supports the film's settings and narrative. Dialogue remains crisp and naturally centered, ensuring clarity throughout. The surround sound channels contribute ambient effects, enhancing immersive scenes such as the bustling Australian locations. However, the mix is predominantly front-heavy, providing a stable but unremarkable depth.

The track shines in busier sequences, such as the vibrant wedding party on Sydney Harbor and the dynamic Australian landscapes. The integration of music cues into the surround channels aids in amplifying the film’s atmosphere, offering a sense of space without overpowering the experience. Low-frequency extension is mostly reserved for musical elements, providing assertive yet not overtly explosive support. Overall, this audio track is proficient in delivering an engaging viewing experience without exceeding expectations.

Though it might not challenge high-end audio systems, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix efficiently balances dialogue, ambient sounds, and music to support the film's narrative and playful tone. It’s described as predictable yet proficient, creating a serviceable audio environment that complements rather than detracts from the visual storytelling. While it doesn’t redefine surround sound, it remains a dependable aspect of the Blu-ray presentation.

The Blu-ray of "Anyone But You" presents a largely uninspired collection of extras that seem more intent on promoting the film than offering substantial insight or entertainment. The bonus content, totaling under 30 minutes, includes typical behind-the-scenes featurettes and light-hearted segments. While the star-centric featurette "He Said She Said" provides some informative moments, other extras like "Outtakes & Bloopers" and "Deleted Scenes" add minimal value, lacking in humor or critical insight. Although offerings like the whimsical "ASMR Pickup Lines" and the cultural glimpse of "Aussie Snacks" provide brief amusement, overall, the extras fall into familiar territory common to romantic comedies without elevating the overall viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• He Said She Said: Overview with tidbits from the stars.
• Everyone Down Under: Visual highlights of Australia.
• Outtakes & Bloopers: Behind-the-scenes fun moments.
• Deleted Scenes: Excluded auditions and content.
• ASMR Pickup Lines: Humorous exchange between actors.
• Aussie Snacks: A look at Australian cuisine staples.

"Anyone But You" attempts to revive nostalgic romantic comedy vibes, aiming at the once-thriving genre. The film kickstarts with an idealized meet-cute at a coffee shop where Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) engage in a seemingly fairytale-like first date, sparking initial chemistry without succumbing to physical entanglements. Gluck's direction attempts to channel the essence of classic rom-coms with a modern twist, replete with convoluted plots and unexpected reunions at an Australian destination wedding. Therein lies a string of exaggerated misunderstandings and exaggerated comedic setups, mostly falling flat due to overdrawn scenes and recycled gags.

Despite potentially charming leads, the film struggles to transition beyond formulaic trappings and sitcom-level humor. Sweeney and Powell strive to deliver believable performances amidst an unoriginal narrative, with moments of witty repartees standing out as their peak contributions. However, the film frequently lapses into forced humor, such as an overly-extended scene involving Powell's character's nudity due to a spider scare. Though occasionally scoring laughs, the script fails to cohesively blend slapstick antics with heartfelt storytelling.

Commercial success despite critical missteps suggests "Anyone But You" found an audience appreciative of its familiar beats and light-hearted execution. The supporting cast, featuring talents like Dermot Mulroney and Michelle Hurd, contributes sporadic laughs, though depth remains sparse. The film’s alignment with Gluck's earlier work, like "Easy A," hints at potential comedy gold overshadowed by clichéd execution. Ultimately, despite its flaws, the film’s entertaining moments don't detract from its overall predictability, appealing more to audiences in search of traditional rom-com tropes than pioneering cinematic experiences.

"Anyone But You" attempts to bring a fresh take to the romantic comedy genre but delivers mixed results. The performances of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney are engaging and bring a certain charm to an otherwise predictable storyline. Their spirited exchanges add some laughs, though the film lacks the sophistication of classic rom-coms. While the premise leans heavily on clichés, it's a light watch that might appeal to fans of modern rom-com fare. The Blu-ray release offers a solid audiovisual experience, showcasing the film's vibrant colors and lively sound with high-quality precision.

The technical merits of this Blu-ray are impressive, offering crisp visuals and dynamic sound that enhance the film's setting. Expect typical bonus features common in contemporary comedy releases, which may not provide deep insight but still hold some entertainment value for dedicated fans. Given its success at the box office, there is clearly an audience for this film, and collectors may find it worth adding to their library. Nonetheless, cautious viewers might consider a rental first, or await potential 4K release news that would do justice to its picturesque Australian locales.

In conclusion, while "Anyone But You" does not redefine romantic comedies, it offers an enjoyable experience for those looking for light entertainment. The movie shines in its humor and performances, despite being rooted in tried-and-true tropes. For serious romantics or completists of the genre, this Blu-ray is certainly worth examining, especially if you're able to snag it during a sale or if a 4K version is less appealing to you.