A Guy Thing Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of "A Guy Thing" leaves much to be desired, appearing as though it was sourced from an outdated master and an inferior print. The image is persistently dull and murky while showing noticeable softness throughout. Persistent specks and flecks mar the picture, making the film appear older than its 2003 release date would suggest. Heavy film grain further exacerbates the issue, making it seem like we are viewing a copy of a copy. Although there aren't signs of digital noise reduction (DNR) or excessive edge enhancement, the overall clarity barely surpasses that of a standard definition presentation. Facial and clothing textures lack fine detail due to pervasive softness, and the color palette remains flat and lifeless.

The contrast adds to the issues, skewing heavily towards black, which results in detail being crushed in shadows and leaving scenes looking overly dim. The bright colors, such as Julia Stiles' green bikini and underwear, fail to stand out, appearing particularly muted. Blacks are noisy and lean towards gray rather than maintaining any deep inky quality. The entire image lacks definition and vibrance, akin to viewing through a perpetual haze. Additionally, the issue extends beyond simple grain structure with aliasing and banding effects present, and certain faces appear waxy at times. These significant flaws culminate in making the 1080p picture almost indistinguishable from a standard DVD, ultimately delivering an unsatisfactory viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track on the Blu-ray of "A Guy Thing" is characterized by the typical attributes of rom-com sound design, with an emphasis on dialogue and an unobtrusive mix. In this audio presentation, dialogue remains front and center, clear and unmuffled, ensuring that the vocals are easily comprehensible throughout. The film leverages occasional pop tracks, a whimsical score, and ambient effects that lightly infiltrate the rear channels. These surround elements include subtle environmental sounds like city traffic, bar noise, and natural ambient noises such as crickets. The music demonstrates a pleasant dynamic presence but doesn’t strive for immersion.

While the audio mix is predominantly front-heavy, rear channels receive limited action, specifically during livelier scenes like the bachelor party. Though the track incorporates occasional bass elements, they are neither deeply resonating nor overly spectacular. It's important to note that, unlike action films, "A Guy Thing" doesn't aim for dramatic sonic moments. Instead, it maintains a balanced presentation that suits the film's tone and atmosphere. Optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles are available for accessibility. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track accomplishes its purpose adequately without venturing into extraordinary territory.

The Blu Ray extras for "A Guy Thing" provide a robust and engaging complement to the film, surpassing expectations with a varied roster of content that adds considerable value. The commentary track includes director Chris Koch and actors Jason Lee, Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, and Thomas Lennon; it stands out as a high point, delivering an entertaining and insightful discussion that enhances rewatchability. "Inside 'A Guy Thing'" is packed with in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, offering a thorough behind-the-scenes look. While "Bachelor Party Confidential" adds some traditional insights albeit with limited impact, "Groovy Gravy" highlights the making of the film's standout scene. The inclusion of deleted scenes with optional director commentary, multiple alternate endings, an extensive gag reel, and a high-definition theatrical trailer rounds out an impressive selection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features discussions by Chris Koch, Jason Lee, Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, and Thomas Lennon.
• Inside A Guy Thing: Comprehensive making-of featurette with interviews.
• Bachelor Party Confidential: Insights into the bachelor party tradition.
• Groovy Gravy: Behind-the-scenes featurette of a notable scene.
• Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes with optional director commentary.
• Alternate Endings: Three different endings.
• Gag Reel: Nearly 12 minutes of outtakes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original marketing trailer in HD.

Review of "A Guy Thing" Blu-ray Movie Section

"A Guy Thing" presents itself as a comedy that struggles to leave a lasting impression. Hinging on a familiar rom-com framework, the film centers on Paul Coleman (Jason Lee), who finds himself in predictable yet absurd pre-wedding turmoil after waking up next to a stranger, Becky (Julia Stiles), post-bachelor party. Directed by Chris Koch, renowned for his forgettable Nickelodeon flop "Snow Day," the movie fails to inject fresh humor into its worn-out narrative. While Lee, along with co-stars Selma Blair and Julia Stiles, brings some charm through their performances, the script's reliance on recycled and bland gags doesn’t do them justice. Jason Lee’s portrayal of the affable yet fumbling Paul adds some quirky moments, but these flashes are sporadic in an otherwise unremarkable storyline.

The plot unfolds as Paul awkwardly attempts to conceal his supposed indiscretion from his fiancée Karen (Selma Blair) amidst a series of contrived mishaps and embarrassments. Situational humor dominates, often feeling forced and unrealistic—situations like hiding underwear in illogical places and suffering from toilet-seat-induced crabs do not resonate well. Additionally, the contrived complications brought by Becky's ex-boyfriend, a corrupt cop named Ray (Lochlyn Munro), add unnecessary chaos to an already convoluted story. These elements touch on the humor typically intended “for the guys,” yet they fail to deliver any genuine laughs, leaving both male and female audiences feeling underwhelmed.

There is a notable imbalance in character development, as Paul's actions, while meant to depict a man trying to break free from monotony, ultimately cast him as unsympathetic and deceitful. The film’s attempts at heartfelt resolutions, akin to those in better-constructed rom-coms, fall flat due to lackluster writing. Despite some fleeting moments of amusement offered by supporting characters and situational jokes, "A Guy Thing" does little more than trod familiar ground without any substantial payoff. In essence, while not offensively bad, it remains overwhelmingly forgettable and devoid of genuine entertainment value.

"A Guy Thing" Blu-ray Review

"A Guy Thing" attempts to navigate the familiar terrain of romantic comedies, focusing on the cliched premise of preventing a man from marrying the wrong woman. Despite this well-trodden narrative, the film fails to deliver noteworthy humor or memorable moments. Those who have not already erased this 2003 release from memory are unlikely to find sufficient reason to revisit it on Blu-ray. The inclusion of a marginally upgraded audio-visual experience does little to enhance its appeal.

The Blu-ray transfer is underwhelming. The video quality, expected to bring out any potential visual charm, disappoints with lackluster clarity and color fidelity that borders on inadequate. The audio fares slightly better but remains pedestrian, contributing nothing exceptional to the overall viewing experience. These deficiencies render the Blu-ray upgrade an unnecessary investment for those who possess the standard DVD edition.

Given the subpar presentation and the lack of intrinsic cinematic value, "A Guy Thing" on Blu-ray is difficult to recommend. The film itself is a relic best left forgotten, compounded by technical shortcomings in this high-definition release. Prospective viewers would be better served exploring other entries in the romantic comedy genre that offer more engaging narratives and enhanced production quality. Save your time and resources by steering clear of this forgettable reissue.