Disaster Movie Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's Blu-ray release of "Disaster Movie" presents an above-average video transfer in 1080p resolution with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, encoded using the AVC MPEG-4 codec. The initial scenes are somewhat lackluster, displaying dull blacks and limited fine detail, especially noticeable in the washed-out visual presentation of the 10,000 B.C. parody. However, the transfer improves significantly once the opening sequence concludes. The level of fine detail becomes more prominent, lending a strong appearance to clothing, backgrounds, and miscellaneous objects scattered throughout the frame.

The image quality is generally sharp and clear, with minimal softness and grain. Colors are bold and lively without being overly saturated, maintaining steady and accurate flesh tones. Although contrast levels tend to run hot, occasionally obscuring finer details, the overall depth of the image remains appreciable. Additionally, while no major artifacts are present, there are subtle instances of noisy solid patches and motion jaggies that perceptive viewers might notice. Lionsgate has continued to maintain a high standard for Blu-ray releases, even for films with lesser acclaim such as this one.

The Blu-ray version of "Disaster Movie" features a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack, delivered at 48kHz/24-bit. This mix impresses with its dynamic range and polished sound experience, even if it arguably exceeds the film's quality. Thunderous bass and active surrounds are hallmarks of this track, with discrete effects adding to an overall robust auditory presentation. Noteworthy sequences include the meteor strike, where sound flows naturally around the room, and the High School Musical-esque marching band scene that immerses listeners with a full soundstage.

Despite the film's shortcomings, the audio track remains consistently solid. Dialogue clarity is commendable; it cuts through the extensive background noise without being overshadowed. The impressive integration of popular music tunes further adds to the immersive quality, particularly in later scenes where the beats positively fill the surround channels. Although the occasional exaggerated score and loud mix might feel overdone to some, it seems intended to amplify the comedic elements of the film. Overall, the soundtrack's quality is far above average, making "Disaster Movie" a surprising audit pleasure for such a poorly rated film.

"Disaster Movie" offers a robust selection of supplemental materials, with an emphasis on variety and fan engagement. The standout feature is the Bonusview Picture-in-Picture with Cast and Crew, providing a video commentary with director Aaron Seltzer, Jason Friedberg, producer Kenny Yates, and actors Vanessa Minnillo, Gary 'G Thang' Johnson, and Matt Lanter. Eight featurettes, all presented in 1080i high definition, cover various behind-the-scenes elements including set tours, actor improvisations, and cast interactions. The disc also supports BD-Live (Profile 2.0), allowing users to discuss the film with other viewers in real-time. Completing the package are high-definition trailers for several films. However, the quality and appeal of these extras may be subjective, depending on one's enjoyment of the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bonusview Picture-in-Picture With Cast and Crew: Video commentary with key contributors.
• Straight From the Ladies: Improv segment with Crista Flanagan and Nicole Parker.
• G-Thang's Tour: Set tour and cast interactions by G-Thang.
• This is How We Do It: Last day shoot with pop-up trivia track.
• Who's Spoofing Who?: Cast discusses reactions from spoofed actors.
• Sing-Alongs: Includes "I'm !@#$%^& Matt Damon" and "High School Musical" numbers.

“Disaster Movie”, touted by its title as a parody of catastrophe-themed films, delivers exactly what it promises—an unequivocal cinematic disaster. Co-writers and co-directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, notorious for their comedy meltdowns like 'Meet the Spartans' and 'Epic Movie', return with their usual incoherent narrative style. Ostensibly structured around a group of teenagers rushing to a museum in the vein of 'Cloverfield', the plot quickly disintegrates into a vapid string of pop culture references, each less relevant than the last. Melding elements from over thirty disparate films, ranging from 'Superbad', 'Indiana Jones', to 'Hancock' and '10,000 B.C.', it becomes painfully clear that the film’s script was likely born from drawing random movie names out of a hat.

There's no denying that 'Disaster Movie' fails to offer even a semblance of a coherent script. Each line of dialogue and plot point feels painfully forced, leaving audiences bewildered rather than entertained. Yet, amidst this chaos, there are sporadic glimmers of creativity, albeit rare. One notable instance is the transformation of Alvin and the Chipmunks into a satanic metal band—an intriguing but fleetingly executed idea. Unfortunately, these sparse moments of ingenuity are overshadowed by an avalanche of banal jokes and hollow parodies that render even subpar films, like '10,000 B.C.', comparatively Oscar-worthy.

The laughable moments are few and far between—occasional nods to 'Hannah Montana' or 'Juno' might elicit a chuckle, but these instances only highlight the movie’s staggering 2% success rate in humor. Despite its few redeeming elements buried deep within the wreckage, 'Disaster Movie' remains a testament to cinematic ineptitude. It’s not just unfunny; it’s a stark reminder of what happens when satire lacks substance. The movie’s meager box office returns mirror audience fatigue with this genre of uninspired comedy, suggesting that the days for the Friedberg/Seltzer machine may finally be numbered.

"Disaster Movie," released by Lionsgate on Blu-ray, fails to capture the essence of the parody genre, once epitomized by classics like "Spaceballs" and "Hot Shots!" The movie lacks wit, relying heavily on crude humor and uninspired gags that do little justice to its spoof predecessors. That said, the Blu-ray release does feature a solid video transfer and an impressive lossless audio track, ensuring that, from a technical perspective, the disc offers commendable performance.

From a home theater experience standpoint, the video transfer is clear and well-defined, capturing the visuals with accuracy, while the audio is robust and immersive, bringing the soundtrack and effects to life. The Blu-ray also includes a handful of bonus materials that offer additional content for those interested. Despite these features, one must question whether they add any real value to a film that is fundamentally flawed in its attempt at humor and storytelling.

In conclusion, while Lionsgate has done an admirable job in presenting "Disaster Movie" in high-definition with excellent technical specifications, it is unlikely that the quality of the Blu-ray will attract many viewers. The parody genre deserves a revival, but "Disaster Movie" does no favors in supporting this cause. For enthusiasts hoping for the genre's resurgence, one can only look toward the classics and hope for their imminent Blu-ray releases to remind us of what true parody filmmaking can achieve.