This Is 40 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-Ray presentation of "This Is 40" showcases a commendable effort from Universal, resulting in a video quality that does not betray the film's age. With a 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer, the visual output is characterized by warmth and vibrancy, reflecting in its strong primary colors, accurate skin tones, and deep blacks. The contrast is notably bright and summery, enhancing the viewing experience with supportive brightness levels. Detailing across the board is pronounced – from the natural crispness of edges to the fine resolution of textures and striking close-ups. The presence of a light grain maintains a celluloid feel, adding authenticity to the visual composition. However, it's important to note the occasional presence of negligible crush, subtle noise in night scenes, and mildly oversaturated faces, though these minor issues hardly detract from an otherwise proficient encode.

On a technical level, the image remains free from any distracting flaws such as banding or aliasing, which speaks to the quality of the digital transfer. Yet, while colors are presented with sufficient boldness and fleshtones appear consistently natural, the transfer stops short of delivering the dazzling sharpness seen in the very best high-definition releases. Instead, it provides a thoroughly engaging viewing experience that is both clear and well-balanced. Shadows are delineated well, with no loss of detail in darker scenes, and blacks boast a richness that complements the overall color palette. Background elements and textures, such as those of clothing and fabric, are easily identifiable, contributing to the depth and realism of the image.

Though "This Is 40" might not evoke an overwhelming sense of awe in its video presentation, Universal has delivered a solid and smooth transfer that is markedly free from any significant digital issues. The Blu-Ray succeeds in presenting a visually engaging experience that remains loyal to the film’s original aesthetic values. The blend of technical proficiency and attention to detail ensures viewers are treated to a high-quality portrayal that both preserves and enhances the film's visual integrity.

Universal's Blu Ray release of "This Is 40" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while not the auditory spectacle some might hope for, aptly supports the film's slice-of-life essence. The majority of the audio experience is anchored in the front channels, presenting a somewhat front-heavy soundstage that reflects the film’s dialogue-centric nature. Dialogue reproduction is sharp and clear, ensuring that every verbal nuance, from sotto voce murmurs to the crescendo of arguments, is intelligible. This clean prioritization extends to the mix itself, which provides a satisfying dynamic range despite its overall restrained LFE output and sparing use of the rear channels. Memorable exceptions, such as the specific comedic or chaotic scene where the sound design momentarily breaks its usual boundaries, demonstrate an effective if infrequent deployment of full sonic immersion.

Spatial dynamics and sound separation within the mix are commendably handled, facilitating an audio environment that is both solid and directionally precise without losing sight of subtlety. The atmospherics, while not overly ambitious, subtly contribute to the film’s everyday ambiance without detracting from the clarity of on-screen interactions. Music segments stand out, showcasing rich fidelity and a depth of tone that breathes life into performances, contrasting with the otherwise minimalistic approach to the soundfield. Bass presence, although not a constant feature, punctuates the track with warmth and depth where needed, like during moments that call for aural emphasis to complement the visual storytelling.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track may lack the complex layers and rear channel engagement synonymous with more action-packed or atmospheric films, it handles its source material with competence. By focusing on clarity, balance, and enhancing key moments with thoughtful audio embellishments, it ensures a congruent and immersive experience that serves "This Is 40" well. It's a track that manages to be both unassuming yet effective — creating an auditory backdrop that supports but never overshadows the film’s narrative and character-driven humor.

The Blu-ray extras for "This Is 40" are a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking for a more in-depth comedy experience. With two versions of the movie, including an unrated cut adding three minutes of footage, fans will appreciate the breadth of content. A standout feature is the audio commentary by writer-director Judd Apatow, who combines personal anecdotes, insightful film analysis, and humorous observations, offering a unique look at the film's creation. The Deleted Scenes and Line-O-Rama provide ample laugh-out-loud moments with their off-the-cuff humor and improvisational brilliance, showcasing the cast's comedic prowess. The inclusion of additional music performances and a comprehensive gag reel adds to the entertainment value, making the extras a significant addition to the total package. Carefully curated, these features enhance the viewing experience by revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts and the spontaneous moments that make "This Is 40" remarkably relatable and enduringly funny.

Extras included in this disc:

• R-Rated and Unrated Cuts: Two versions of the film including an exclusive 137-minute Unrated version.
• Audio Commentary: Judd Apatow provides an intimate look into the filmmaking process.
• Deleted, Extended and Alternate Scenes: A collection of 54 minutes of additional scenes.
• The Making of This Is 40: A deeper dive behind the scenes without the polish of typical production documentaries.
• Fresh Air with Terry Gross: An in-depth radio interview with Judd Apatow.
• Kids on the Loose 3: A documentary directed by Apatow featuring his daughters.
• Long Emotional Ride: A reunion documentary of Graham Parker and the Rumour.
• The Music: Live performances by Graham Parker and the Rumour, Parker, and Ryan Adams.
• This Is Albert Brooks: A feature on Albert Brooks with insights from Apatow and the cast.
• Line-O-Rama & Brooks-O-Rama: Alternate dialogue bits.
• Gag Reels: Outtakes and more alternate lines.
• Biking with Barry: A featurette starring Robert Smigel.
• Triumph the Insult Comic Dog: Triumph takes on the cast and filmmakers.
• Bodies By Jason: A budget commercial featuring Jason Segel.
• My Scenes Bookmarking: Allows viewers to bookmark their favorite scenes.

In "This Is 40," Judd Apatow spins a "sort-of" sequel to "Knocked Up" that resonates mostly with a select audience, specifically those navigating the choppy waters of middle age. At its core, the film delivers an unflinchingly comedic look at marriage’s complexities, intensifying its appeal to viewers who find themselves in similar life stages—those wrestling with the reality of children, mortgage pressures, and the quintessential mid-life crises. Despite flaunting a script brimming with laugh-out-loud humor instigated by the relatable marital spats of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann), the narrative's unfocused, episodic nature unfortunately leaves much to be desired. Its semblance to a series of comedic skits loosely strung together around the pains and pleasures of matrimony fails to coalesce into a solid, singular story, directing the film away from its intended path of delivering more substantial commentary on marriage.

The undeniable chemistry between Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann as Pete and Debbie injects a much-needed authenticity and vivacity into the film—a testament to Apatow's decision to shift focus from the original "Knocked Up" protagonists to this more mature, albeit equally flawed couple. Their interactions, alongside the performances of Apatow’s own daughters, Maude and Iris, as their children, constitute some of the film's most genuine and engaging moments. Yet, for all its rich character portrayals and sharp comedic instances courtesy of a stellar supporting cast (Albert Brooks, John Lithgow, Melissa McCarthy among others), "This Is 40" stumbles with its pacing at 134 minutes, overburdened by too many subplots and an evident lack of narrative direction. The inclusion of detailed domestic life vignettes offers a semblance of relatability, but does little to mask the film’s struggle with its bloated structure.

In essence, while "This Is 40" manages to capture a palpable sense of the trials and tribulations facing those at life’s midpoint, its potential is undercut by an overextended runtime and a storyline that seems to meander without reaching any form of conclusive insight. The film's moments of laughter and dramatic tension mirror the chaos found in real-life relationships, making it intermittently successful in portraying the bittersweet reality of growing older with someone. However, without a more focused approach to streamline its expansive narrative and trim down extraneous content, it renders itself as an entertaining yet ultimately unfulfilling exploration into the inevitabilities of aging and domesticity.

This Is 40" stands as a divisive blend of the quintessential family-life comedy drama, enhanced by a juxtaposition of biting humor and the relatable chaos of domestic life. Director Judd Apatow navigates through this narrative with a seasoned hand, though his endeavor occasionally veers into the realm of overindulgence, reminiscent of what one might expect from an enthusiastic yet inexperienced indie filmmaker. The film boasts laudable performances, especially from Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, and showcases a unique approach to sequel crafting that both refreshes and confounds. However, its 134-minute runtime does the movie no favors, laden with an episodic structure that sometimes feels insufficiently cohesive to support its length, a factor that, with tighter editing and a more robust narrative, might have propelled it to the peak of 2012’s comedic offerings.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "This Is 40" significantly elevates the experience, presenting an admirable video quality that radiates authenticity and a collection of supplements that are nothing short of a treasure trove for fans. The release features two versions of the film accompanied by over six hours of additional content, including documentaries, featurettes, and an array of deleted scenes. While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track may seem somewhat lackluster, this is more a reflection of the film’s original sound design rather than the Blu-Ray's quality per se.

In conclusion, while "This Is 40" might not clinch the title of 2012's finest comedy, its blend of humor, heartfelt performances, and a detailed glimpse into the complexity of familial relationships makes it stand out. Coupled with a Blu-ray release rich in supplementary content and boasting high-quality video and sound transfer, it presents itself as a compelling package for both enthusiasts of Apatow's work and those who find charm in humorously raw depictions of domestic life. Whether for a rental or a purchase, this edition merits attention from its target demographic and beyond, offering an experience that is at once polarizing, relatable, and undeniably engaging.