Wish I Was Here Blu-ray Review

"Wish I Was Here" boasts an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation that truly highlights the strengths of Blu-ray technology. The film’s colors, although occasionally muted, maintain a natural vibrancy with lifelike hues and well-saturated skin tones. Primary colors are expertly tempered to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth, while black levels are deep and satisfyingly rich, aiding in the creation of a striking overall visual experience. Detail is meticulously resolved, providing crisp and clean edges, along with perfectly balanced textures that avoid being either too sharp or overly soft. Notably, shadow delineation stands out, contributing to a more profound viewing experience. Furthermore, the video encode is impeccable, free from any distracting artifacts, banding, noise, or other issues that could detract from the viewing experience.

The cinematography by Lawrence Sher is beautifully captured, presenting an aesthetically pleasing canvas throughout the film. Particularly noteworthy are the fantasy sequences that infuse the narrative with visual flair. These segments feature exceptionally vibrant colors and striking details, such as the fine wear and tear on space suits and intricate facial features visible through reflective surfaces. Sunlight streaming through tree canopies adds a warm and inviting hue to various scenes while maintaining high levels of detail. This digital sharpness and clarity elevate the overall viewing pleasure, making it a visual experience that stands out. However, a minor flaw was noted during a scene involving a dark room that suffers from some crushing in the shadows, though this is an isolated incident in an otherwise flawless presentation.

Overall, "Wish I Was Here" offers a first-rate video experience that complements its digitally-shot origins and narrative content. It provides viewers with a visually captivating journey through its well-crafted use of color, detail, and sharpness, ensuring an engaging and immersive viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Wish I Was Here" on Blu-ray, released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment, provides a satisfying yet imperfect listening experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is distinguished by clear and intelligible dialogue, which is crucial given the film's dialogue-heavy nature. Prioritization is adeptly managed, with conversations feeling natural and grounded. However, the underlying sound design does not elevate beyond functional, with LFE output being notably reserved and rear speaker activity being limited primarily to ambient effects and occasional fantasy sequences.

A standout component of the audio mix is the musical score, which highlights Zack Braff's penchant for mood-enhancing song choices. Selections from artists like Bon Iver, Coldplay, The Head and the Heart, Paul Simon, and Rob Simonsen contribute to a dynamic and full-bodied auditory experience. The front speakers deliver these pieces beautifully, making the music the most compelling part of the audio track.

The mix also pays meticulous attention to environmental effects, enhancing scenes with detailed background noise such as the rustling breeze in a forest sequence or the hum of overhead fluorescent lights in a hospital. These dynamic ambiances add a tangible layer of immersion. Despite this, the vocal mix reveals occasional flaws, such as sporadic distortion during heightened dialogue moments, likely due to the absence of ADR in the production. This is noticeable but does not significantly detract from the overall solid audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Wish I Was Here" present a comprehensive and insightful look behind the scenes of Zach Braff's film. The package includes two in-depth audio commentaries: the first with Zach and Adam Braff discussing day-to-day shooting and original anecdotes, and the second with Zach Braff, Director of Photography Lawrence Sher, and Editor Myron Kerstein offering a more technical examination of the film's production. For fans eager for an expanded experience, the disc provides thirteen deleted scenes featuring optional commentary, shedding light on sequences that almost made it to the final cut. Additionally, the "Directing While Acting" featurette showcases Braff juggling dual roles on set, while the "Aston Martin Dealership Outtakes" deliver delightful moments between Braff and Donald Faison. Perfectly curated for movie enthusiasts, these extras bring added value and a richer understanding of the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary: Thirteen scenes offering additional context.
• Directing While Acting: Behind-the-scenes footage of Braff directing while in costume.
• Aston Martin Dealership Outtakes: Humorous clips of Zach Braff and Donald Faison.
• Filmmaker Audio Commentary Tracks: Two tracks providing narrative and technical insights.
• Bonus DVD
• Digital HD Copy

"Wish I Was Here," helmed by Zach Braff, is an ambitious blend of humor and emotional depth, telling the story of Aidan Bloom (Braff), a 35-year-old struggling actor attempting to homeschool his children following his father Gabe’s (Mandy Patinkin) cancer diagnosis. Braff's second directorial effort draws inevitable comparisons to "Garden State," with its shared themes of familial tension and existential turmoil, though it diverges by focusing more on the intersection of aspiration and reality. The screenplay, co-written with his brother Adam, showcases sharp, effortless dialogue and deeply human characters, earning it praise for its authenticity and relatability.

However, the narrative has its flaws; overt sentimentality often borders on parody, and Braff’s approach can feel self-indulgent. Despite this, "Wish I Was Here" propels forward with heartwarming sincerity largely due to strong performances from the cast, particularly Mandy Patinkin’s emotionally charged portrayal of Gabe. The film’s soundtrack also enhances key moments, echoing the indie music success of "Garden State," but with more mature undertones.

While it doesn't reach the poignant heights of Braff's debut, "Wish I Was Here" remains a compelling examination of modern parenthood and personal fulfillment. The film navigates Aidan’s internal and external conflicts with a sense of genuine optimism and humor. Even amidst jarring tonal shifts and scenes that appear overly manufactured for emotional impact, it retains an uplifting core that resonates well beyond its imperfections.

"Wish I Was Here," directed and co-written by Zach Braff, offers an intriguing glimpse into the evolving artistry of a filmmaker with distinctive indie sensibilities. While the film occasionally wavers on the thin line of sentimental gimmickry, it compensates with moments of genuine emotional resonance, particularly through its father-son dynamics. Its appeal is broadened compared to Braff's earlier work, "Garden State," aiming to connect with a more expansive demographic. The screenplay, featuring standout performances from the cast, notably Mandy Patinkin, imbues the narrative with a genuine slice-of-life relatability that encourages introspection and uplift.

The Blu-ray release of "Wish I Was Here" excels in technical quality. The video presentation is sharp and near-perfect, capturing the cinematography's vivid details and rich colors. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track complements Braff’s indie soundtrack seamlessly, creating an immersive auditory experience. Supplemental features are robust and thoughtfully curated, including two engaging audio commentaries and 25 minutes of deleted scenes that add depth to the original narrative. These additions are a boon for fans and newcomers alike, offering deeper insights into the film’s production and thematic essence.

In conclusion, "Wish I Was Here" is a testament to Zach Braff's maturing directorial and storytelling prowess. Despite its occasional reliance on familiar indie tropes, the film resonates with heartfelt performances and universal themes. The Blu-ray edition is a high-quality package that enhances the viewing experience through superb audiovisuals and plentiful extras. For those willing to embrace its earnest examination of life’s complexities, "Wish I Was Here" proves to be a rewarding and thought-provoking cinematic journey.