Away We Go Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/VC-1 transfer of "Away We Go" provides an overall solid and commendable visual experience that aligns well with the film's understated, indie character. Colors are vibrant yet aptly muted where needed, enriching the diverse settings of Burt and Verona's journey. Arizona's earth tones, Miami's vivid lights, and Montreal's subtle night scenes each receive their due justice. Blacks are particularly impressive, maintaining depth without sacrificing detail, while natural skin tones preserve an authentic feel. Fine details occasionally fluctuate, likely due to Mendes' stylistic choices rather than technical limitations. Textures, especially in close-ups, display a refined clarity that is consistently engaging.

Despite some minor softness in certain scenes, overall fine detail remains confident and plentiful. Patterns and colors blend seamlessly, showcasing exceptional handling of various textures. For instance, the hotel lobby scene with Burt and Verona is a perfect testament to the transfer's ability to balance elements harmoniously. Importantly, there are no noticeable artifacting, banding, noise, aliasing, or ringing issues, ensuring a clean and visually coherent presentation that respects Ellen Kuras' cinematography. This transfer effectively retains the indie essence of "Away We Go" while delivering a notable viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Away We Go" on Blu-ray, provided by Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, is remarkable for its clarity and fidelity rather than any bombastic effects. Despite the lack of explosive soundscapes or dazzling directional effects, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix delivers a natural and immersive experience, perfectly suited to the film's gentle and subdued sound design. Dialogue, a critical component for this talkative drama, is consistently warm and intelligible, with impeccable prioritization that ensures every line—from the softest whisper to louder outbursts—is distinct and clear.

The surround channels are utilized with subtlety, creating convincing interior acoustics and atmospheric ambience without overwhelming the listener. The film's music, notably by Alexi Murdoch, blends seamlessly into the mix, providing atmospheric shading that complements the on-screen action without being intrusive. Low-frequency effects (LFE) output is restrained but appropriately so, avoiding distractions that more aggressive bass might introduce in such a story-driven film. Whether capturing ambient noise in restaurants or the heightened sounds in a club scene, the audio track maintains integrity and enhances the viewing experience through its authentic representation.

Overall, Universal's treatment of "Away We Go" in DTS-HD MA 5.1 stands out for its technical proficiency and unerring devotion to the film’s intended auditory environment. Although not a showcase for high-impact audio effects, this soundtrack proves to be a fitting and technically sound companion to Mendes' narrative approach, ensuring that listeners with appropriate expectations will find themselves thoroughly content with the result.

The Blu-ray edition of "Away We Go" features a limited but informative supplemental package, highlighted by a lively and insightful Audio Commentary with director Sam Mendes and writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. This commentary delves into various aspects of the film's development, including its genesis, screenplay, characters, and casting process, and it is marked by the engaging chemistry between the trio. However, the package also includes two rather pedestrian featurettes: "The Making of Away We Go," which offers a surface-level behind-the-scenes look at the film's production, and "Green Filmmaking," a brief segment on the environmentally conscious efforts during filming. While the additional material may not be groundbreaking, it rounds out the Blu-ray package adequately, alongside basic BD-Live functionality and a My Scenes bookmarking feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion with director Sam Mendes and writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida on the film's development and production.
• The Making of Away We Go: A standard behind-the-scenes featurette providing surface-level insights.
• Green Filmmaking: A brief overview of environmentally conscious production efforts.

Sam Mendes' "Away We Go" offers a quirky, heartfelt narrative brought to life by standout performances from an endearingly offbeat cast. John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star as Burt and Verona, an unconventional couple facing a transformative chapter as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. The film deftly navigates their journey of self-discovery and love, punctuated by their interactions with a host of eclectic characters played by Jeff Daniels, Catherine O'Hara, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Messina, and Melanie Lynskey. Each encounter enriches their exploration of parenthood and helps shape their vision for the life they want to build for their daughter.

Krasinski's portrayal of Burt channels his signature charm with a newfound tenderness, while Rudolph’s nuanced performance balances timidity with affection, crafting one of the more authentic cinematic couples in recent memory. Their chemistry is palpable, making their characters' relationship deeply relatable. Though the opening act introduces caricatures that may disrupt the narrative's flow, these are balanced by the more grounded performances in later segments that lend emotional weight to the film’s central themes. Particularly memorable are scenes with Carmen Ejogo and Paul Schneider, which deliver poignant insights into familial bonds and personal resilience.

Despite its occasionally divisive quirks, driven by the writing team Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, "Away We Go" excels in its depiction of love and family dynamics. Sam Mendes’ direction maintains an easy pace, allowing the narrative to unfold organically as it examines various parenting philosophies that ultimately guide Burt and Verona towards their own understanding of home. The film’s emotive storytelling, bolstered by its honest performances, ensures it resonates deeply with audiences willing to embrace its unique charm and poignant moments.

"Away We Go," directed by Sam Mendes, is a delightful exploration of a couple's journey through the complexities of love and life. The script, penned by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, is a standout, providing a solid foundation upon which the cast delivers memorable performances. The film's charm lies in its sincerity and effortless emotional engagement. Universal’s Blu-ray release does justice to this poignant narrative with an excellent video transfer and a DTS-HD Master Audio track that is subtle yet effective in enhancing the overall experience.

The Blu-ray presentation is technically impressive. The clarity and detail of the video transfer capture the film’s artistic nuances, making it visually appealing. The audio mix, while not the most dynamic, is finely tuned to complement the film's intimate nature, ensuring dialogue and ambient sounds are crisp and immersive. Though the collection of special features could be more expansive, the existing content provides reasonable insights into the film's production process.

In conclusion, "Away We Go" may not cater to all tastes, but its endearing portrayal of Burt and Verona sets it apart as a genuinely affectionate and believable love story. Universal’s Blu-ray release bolsters this charming film with top-notch video quality and reliable audio fidelity. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time viewer, this release is highly recommended for its sheer emotional warmth and technical proficiency. While it’s certainly worth a rental for those unfamiliar with the film, dedicated fans will find this Blu-ray edition a valuable addition to their collection.