Are We Done Yet? Blu-ray Review

"Are We Done Yet?" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec. The transfer is notable for its sharpness, vibrant colors, and the overall film-like quality it maintains. Several reviewers praised the transfer for its impressive depth and detailing, particularly in exterior scenes where the countryside and landscaping around the house exhibit excellent levels of nuance. Interior shots equally shine, revealing minute details such as chipped paint and scuffed hardwood flooring, which contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the transfer effectively handles shadow delineation and contrast, ensuring that even evening scenes remain crisp without losing clarity.

However, the transfer is not without its flaws. A few reviewers noted that skintones can appear waxy and slightly artificial due to the primary-pushing palette, which may distract some viewers. Textures in exterior scenes also appear inconsistently sharp, which might be inherent to the original print rather than a fault of the transfer itself. Additionally, a very thin veneer of grain is present, although it adds rather than detracts from the film’s overall visual appeal. Despite these minor imperfections, this 1080p treatment remains a solid and visually pleasing presentation, making it one of the better transfers for this genre, though it may not be the quintessential choice for showcasing high-definition setups.

In conclusion, "Are We Done Yet?" offers a generally excellent video experience that succeeds in bringing out detailed and vibrant visuals without significant artifacts or noise. While certain color and texture inconsistencies prevent it from achieving perfection, the sharp detailing and depth of imagery ensure an engaging and enjoyable watch.

The audio presentation of "Are We Done Yet?" on Blu-ray presents a clear yet disappointingly unbalanced experience. The PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack (16-bit/48 kHz/4.6 Mbps) delivers strong dialogue reproduction with clean and crisp clarity. However, there is a significant neglect of the rear channels, leading to an almost entirely frontal soundstage. Many viewers may find themselves checking their connections, only to confirm that the rear speakers are not utilized effectively. This leaves an empty soundscape that detracts from the potential immersive experience of a surround sound mix.

The sound design sporadically attempts to create ambiance, as demonstrated in scenes with realistic environmental sounds like crunching grass and rustling leaves. Background noises such as hammering and sawing add some depth, particularly notable in Chapter 13’s rain and thunder effects. However, these instances are few and far between, with most of the film's action, including gags involving a cat and disruptions from a raccoon, predominantly focused on the front channels. The bass performance is decent, especially during moments of physical comedy where subwoofer activity enhances the impact of actions like crashing through a roof. Despite these elements, the mix fails to deliver a true surround experience that envelops the listener, making it feel incomplete and unengaging.

In summary, while there are redeeming aspects such as clear dialogue and occasional use of ambient effects, "Are We Done Yet?" struggles with a lack of rear speaker activity and overall presence, resulting in a disappointingly average audio presentation. This is not an audio track that fully exploits the capabilities of a 5.1 surround system, leading to a less immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Are We Done Yet?" features a limited selection of extras, characterized by their brevity and lack of depth. The highlight is "KIDding Around on the Set: Making 'Are We Done Yet?'"—a six-minute feature hosted by the young actors, which feels more like an extended commercial rather than an insightful behind-the-scenes look. The blooper reel runs for about three minutes but is sparsely populated with genuine outtakes and is marred by a distracting soundtrack. "The 'Are We Done Yet?' Film Quiz," hosted by Philip Daniel Bolden, offers a tedious multiple-choice challenge by playing film scenes and prompting viewers to guess the next line of dialogue. Lastly, "Chuck Mitchell: Jack of All Trades" offers a brief, underwhelming glimpse into John C. McGinley’s character with minimal commentary from the actor himself.

Extras included in this disc:

• KIDding Around on the Set: Making 'Are We Done Yet?': A light-hearted set tour hosted by young cast members.
• Blooper Reel: Short compilation of outtakes set to an intrusive soundtrack.
• The 'Are We Done Yet?' Film Quiz: Interactive quiz prompting viewers to guess next lines of dialogue.
• Chuck Mitchell: Jack of All Trades: Featurette with clips and minimal insights from John C. McGinley.

"Are We Done Yet?" delivers an experience that is both polarized in its execution and reception. As a sequel to the critically-panned "Are We There Yet?", this family comedy, starring Ice Cube and John C. McGinley, attempts to breathe life into a tired genre. The plot follows Nick Persons (Ice Cube), who moves his family to a sprawling but dilapidated country home, misjudging the extent of renovations needed. The ensuing series of mishaps spearheaded by the multifaceted real estate agent/contractor/home inspector Chuck Mitchell (John C. McGinley) aims to elicit laughter but often falls short. Despite its charming, light-hearted theme initially promised by an animated title sequence, the film ultimately relies on predictable slapstick and cliché character arcs.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray offers a solid picture quality that complements the film’s colorful visual palette, enhancing the rural setting and various house mishaps. This strong visual presentation might be one of the film’s few redeeming qualities. However, the sound mix is subpar, creating an inconsistent viewing experience where comedic beats fail to synchronize effectively with audio cues. The transfer itself is well-executed, providing sharp and vibrant imagery that adheres to modern Blu-ray standards.

Overall, while "Are We Done Yet?" offers moments of innocent fun and occasional humor, driven mostly by McGinley's versatile performance, it suffers from uninspired writing, unconvincing character interactions, and an over-reliance on slapstick comedy. Ice Cube delivers a commendable performance given the material but is ultimately constrained by the film's inherent weaknesses. This Blu-ray release might be visually appealing but does little to elevate a fundamentally flawed family comedy experience.

"Are We Done Yet?" Blu-ray provides a mixed bag of experiences, reflecting contrasting opinions from reviewers. The film itself garners praise in certain aspects; it is a heartwarming family-centric comedy that might lack the sophistication of a Mel Brooks or Mike Judge production. However, it still delivers funny and touching moments, particularly towards the end. With solid performances from its lead actors, the movie offers enjoyable escapades into the trials of family life and home repairs.

From a technical standpoint, Sony's Blu-ray release presents "Are We Done Yet?" with commendable video quality, showcasing sharp visuals that bolster the film's appeal. However, while the video aspect remains above-average, there are critical shortcomings in the audio department, which features an underwhelming soundfield that detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray release is sparse when it comes to supplemental features, offering minimal extras that fail to add substantial value to the package.

In conclusion, while "Are We Done Yet?" may find its niche among families seeking light-hearted entertainment, the Blu-ray release has its caveats. The combination of strong visuals and weak audio, coupled with a lack of substantial features, leaves this one as an uncertain purchase. Proceed with caution.