Friends with Benefits Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Friends with Benefits" showcases a mixed bag in terms of video quality. The film is delivered in a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, offering viewers a crisp and well-rendered image overall. Color reproduction stands out as a major strength, with vibrant hues that enhance the various settings, from bright beach scenes to nighttime cityscapes. Flesh tones are naturally balanced, and black levels are generally strong, although some inconsistency is noted. The digital photography provides a clean and polished look, but at times comes off as overly glossy, and skin textures can appear lifeless and smooth.

However, the transfer does falter in several areas. Detail and sharpness fluctuate throughout the film, with certain scenes displaying impressive definition while others lean towards a softer focus that does not meet the high-definition standard we expect. This inconsistency is particularly noticeable in aerial shots, which seem to have been captured with a different camera and lack the resolution of the terrestrial footage. Additionally, night scenes are plagued by digital noise, and black levels occasionally appear gray and noisy, causing detail to be lost in shadows.

Despite these shortcomings, Sony's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Anti-aliasing is well managed with minimal banding or artifacts even in challenging scenes with high potential for aliasing issues. While not reaching the pinnacle of Blu-ray excellence, "Friends with Benefits" does deliver a visually pleasing experience on many fronts, especially through its exceptional color palette that effectively supports the narrative's transitions from business to romance.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Friends with Benefits" offers a satisfactory, though not exceptional, listening experience that aligns well with the genre's expectations. The mix is coherent with dialogue remaining clear and consistent throughout, a crucial factor for a romantic comedy where verbal exchanges drive much of the narrative. Ambient sounds, such as the bustling city streets or office environments, provide a realistic backdrop, enhancing the overall immersion. However, it's worth noting a faint crackling issue during 'S' sounds in dialogue that persists through a significant portion of the film, which can be quite distracting once noticed.

The soundtrack features energetic and lively music segments that, while enjoyable and well-complemented by a robust low end, occasionally lack the desired expansiveness and seamless integration. Bass is tight and deep, maintaining stability without overpowering other elements, although dynamics can sometimes feel constrained under peak load. The audio performance during key moments like transitional pop songs or crowd scenes achieves more than adequate results but falls short of the excellence seen in top-tier releases.

Overall, the track executes its role effectively within the bounds of its genre, handling light ambiance proficiently and maintaining a steady center-focused soundstage. Despite some noticeable shortcomings, such as the aforementioned dialogue crackle and occasional cramped audio space, the DTS-HD MA track on this Blu-ray remains competent and more than serviceable for a romantic comedy.

The extras on the "Friends with Benefits" Blu-ray offer a competent, though unspectacular, collection of supplements that align with genre expectations. Headlined by a moderately engaging audio commentary featuring Writer/Director Will Gluck and actors Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, the commentary provides a mixture of humor and behind-the-scenes insights, though it may not be essential for casual viewers. The disc also includes deleted scenes with optional commentary, an entertaining outtakes reel, and varied featurettes exploring topics such as on-set experiences and choreographing the flash mob scenes. The inclusion of "Bonus Benefits: A Pop-Up Trivia Track" adds some interactivity and fun trivia to the viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray is BD-Live enabled and comes with both a UV streaming copy and a DVD copy for added convenience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director Will Gluck, Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis: Informative yet humorous track discussing various aspects of production.
• Deleted Scenes: Several scenes with optional director's commentary.
• Outtakes: Bloopers and behind-the-scenes mishaps.
• In A Flash: Choreographing A Mob: Insight into assembling the flash mob scenes.
• Bonus Benefits: A Pop-Up Trivia Track: Trivia bubbles providing additional context and fun facts.
• On Set With FWB: Cast and crew's behind-the-scenes experiences.
• BD Live Enabled
• UV Streaming Copy
• DVD Copy

"Friends with Benefits" offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Romantic Comedy by blending self-awareness with genuine emotional depth. The film stars Justin Timberlake as Dylan, a top-tier online graphic designer recruited by headhunter Jamie, played by Mila Kunis, to join GQ in New York City. Their bond evolves from a professional relationship to a close friendship, culminating in a no-strings-attached sexual arrangement. The movie cleverly mocks and embraces typical rom-com clichés, creating a narrative that feels both familiar and novel.

Director Will Gluck infuses the film with a dynamic balance of humor and heart, portraying the complexities of modern relationships with a mix of raunchy and tender moments. Timberlake and Kunis deliver compelling performances, their chemistry palpable and their comedic timing impeccable. The film seamlessly weaves in elements of realism, tackling themes such as emotional baggage and the intricacies of human connections without ever losing its lighthearted charm.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation showcases the film's vibrant depiction of New York City, romanticizing its gritty charm through crisp visuals and sound editing. The physical intimacy between Timberlake and Kunis is integral to the story, handled with taste and never feeling gratuitous. Supporting performances, notably from Richard Jenkins and Woody Harrelson, further elevate the film, making "Friends with Benefits" not just a typical Romantic Comedy but an engaging exploration of love, sex, and friendship.

"Friends with Benefits" Blu-ray offers a nuanced take on the romantic comedy genre, blending intelligent humor with poignant thematic elements. The film adeptly navigates the complexities of modern relationships, skillfully balancing reality and idealization without devolving into incoherence. Both Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis deliver noteworthy performances, supported by a well-crafted script and competent direction that make this a standout film in its genre. Sony's Blu-ray release provides strong video and audio quality, even if the extra features are somewhat standard.

However, the Blu-ray transfer leaves room for improvement. While some reviewers praised the video quality, others noted significant flaws that detract from the viewing experience. The audio presentation is divisive; some found it satisfactory, while others reported it as a major distraction. The extras, although brief, are generally enjoyed but don’t add significant value to the overall package.

In conclusion, "Friends with Benefits" shines as a film, deftly navigating the intersection of comedy, romance, and reality. The Blu-ray release, despite its shortcomings in AV quality and extra features, provides an adequate home viewing option. While it may not be an essential purchase, it is certainly a worthwhile rental for fans of smartly crafted romantic comedies.