There's Something About Mary Blu-ray Review

Presented in 1080p using the AVC codec and boasting an average bitrate of 21Mbps, the Blu-ray transfer of "There's Something About Mary" comes with mixed results. While it represents an upgrade over the standard definition DVD, particularly in aspects such as color saturation, which shows a slight improvement with more natural though occasionally drab tones, and maintaining stable black levels and contrast without the intrusion of digital artifacting or edge enhancement, it unfortunately falls short of the significant leap in quality many might expect from Blu-ray. The film, only a decade past its original release at this point, benefits marginally in terms of fine object detail, which barely exceeds what an upscaled DVD would offer.

Throughout the film, flaws become readily apparent, beginning with the opening titles that reveal dirt on the print and consequently set the stage for a presentation that struggles with inconsistencies. Sharpness and detail tend to fluctuate, and specific production mishaps, such as Ben Stiller's makeup to cover a forehead injury, become distractingly obvious thanks to the added resolution. Such imperfections hint at challenges intrinsic to enhancing film for high-definition formats, where every detail, including those meant to remain unseen, is brought to light.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray does deliver the best visual experience of the film since its premiere in July of 1998, illustrating both the strengths and limitations of catalog titles transitioning to 1080p. Colors are vibrant, and skin tones are accurately rendered, offering a viewing experience that, while not flawless, suggests a careful though imperfect effort at preservation. Fans may find themselves torn between appreciating the subtle enhancements and lamenting the missed opportunities to fully revitalize this comedy classic for the high-definition era.

The audio presentation of "There's Something About Mary" on Blu-ray is anchored by an English 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, alongside multilingual DTS 5.1 options in French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and a 2.0 Dolby Digital Thai track. Subtitles are generously provided across a wide array of languages including English SDH, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, Cantonese, Indonesian, and Thai. The primary audio track, while a clear upgrade from its DVD counterpart, mirrors the limitations often encountered in comedy genre mixes; it is predominantly front-heavy with a significant emphasis on dialogue over environmental or atmospheric sound effects. This focus on dialogue clarity is crucial for delivering the film's comedic elements effectively, as seen in scenes like Pat Heally's surveillance sequence.

However, the audio mix doesn't manage to escape a certain tinny quality to its delivery, reminiscent of voice recordings done in a less-than-ideal environment, which doesn't necessarily elevate the overall auditory experience. The musical segments of the film do find some benefit from the surround channels, offering a bit more depth and engagement during these moments. But outside of these musical interludes, the track remains relatively constrained to the front of the soundscape, lacking a robust use of LFE or immersive rear surround effects which might have offered a more enveloping audio experience.

Despite these shortcomings, the presentation does ensure that dialogue remains clear and comprehensible throughout—an essential aspect for a comedy reliant on its conversational humor. While not pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with audio on Blu-ray, especially in genres beyond comedy that frequently leverage a richer sonic palette, "There's Something About Mary" delivers an adequate auditory experience that maintains the integrity of its comedic impact.

The Blu-ray release of "There's Something About Mary" is a treasure trove for fans, packing both the theatrical (119 min) and the director's cut (130 min) versions of the film, along with an assortment of extras that delve deep into its making and cultural impact. The highlights include a mix of humorous and insightful interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and unique features like the "Build Me Up Buttercup Karaoke". Notably, the director's cut, while not substantially altering the film's narrative, introduces additional scenes that enrich the viewing experience. The technical quality of these extras, primarily in 480p resolution with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, reflects their origin from the 2003 Collector's Edition DVD but does not detract from their entertainment value. Particularly engaging are the candid conversations with actors like Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller in "Exposing Themselves", and the quirky "Behind the Zipper" featurette. This collection offers a comprehensive look at the film’s production, special makeup effects, and even the film’s final scene in multiple languages, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Version & Director's Cut: Two versions of the film for a complete viewing experience.
• Getting Behind Mary: A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the film.
• Backstory: There's Something About Mary: Explores the film's development and cultural impact.
• Comedy Central: Reel Comedy: A promotional piece featuring interviews with key cast members.
• Up a Tree with Jonathan Richman and Tommy Larkin: Interviews with the film's musical contributors.
• Franks and Beans: A Conversation with W. Earl Brown: Insights into the development of Warren's character.
• Exposing Themselves: Cast members share their filming experiences.
• Touchdown: A Conversation with Brett Favre: Discusses Favre's cameo role.
• Interview Roulette with Harland Williams: An improvisational piece with Williams.
• Puffy, Boobs and Balls: Behind the special effects make-up.
• Around the World with Mary: The finale scene in eight different languages.
• Marketing Mary: Contains trailers, TV spots, and poster galleries.
• Every Day Should Be a Holiday Dandy Warhols Video: Music video featured in the film.
• Outtakes: A brief glimpse into the fun behind the scenes.
• Build Me Up Buttercup Karaoke: Sing-along feature with on-screen lyrics.
• Behind the Zipper: A humorous look at one of the film's iconic scenes.

The Farrelly Brothers' unique blend of crass humor and heartfelt moments shines through in "There's Something About Mary," which soared to mainstream success upon its 1998 release, cementing itself as a pivotal movie in the comedy genre. Produced on a modest budget of $23 million, it astonishingly racked up over $170 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time, when adjusted for inflation. Its arrival on Blu-ray brings this quintessential 90s comedy into the homes of both devoted fans and newcomers, presenting an intriguing case study on the staying power of its humor over time. While its appeal lies heavily in a brand of comedy that toes the line between distasteful and endearing, the film’s blend of outrageous set-pieces and genuine emotional grounding has established it as a landmark in comedic cinema.

At the heart of this film lies the charming yet awkward Ted (Ben Stiller), whose high school romance with Mary (Cameron Diaz) is thwarted by a hilariously painful incident, leading to a years-long obsession. The narrative weaves through Ted's quest to reconnect with Mary, employing a sleazy detective (Matt Dillon) who becomes equally smitten, setting up a comedic battle for her affection that's as absurd as it is engaging. The Blu-ray edition, featuring both the theatrical and an extended cut, highlights the film’s capacity to balance uproarious comedy with moments of genuine human connection, albeit with varying degrees of success upon repeated viewings. The technical presentation on Blu-ray enhances this experience, offering viewers a choice between versions and additional content that sheds light on the film's production and legacy.

Despite some elements not aging as well as others—notably certain jokes and an extended runtime that occasionally drags—the core of "There's Something About Mary" remains relevant and entertaining. The Blu-ray release not only provides a nostalgia trip for those who remember its original impact but also introduces its groundbreaking mix of humor and heart to a new generation. The included theatrical and extended cuts offer insight into the editing process, while additional features like the alternate Claymation title sequence serve as interesting what-ifs that could have further shaped the film’s iconic status. This Blu-ray presentation reaffirms "There's Something About Mary" as a critical and commercial jewel in the crown of 90s comedy, whose influence is still felt in the genre today.

In assessing the Blu-ray presentation of "There's Something About Mary," it's imperative to navigate through both the technical execution and the nostalgic value it holds for its audience. From a sentimentality standpoint, the film certainly anchors itself as a pivotal piece in the comedic landscape, its grossing figures and influence undiminished over time. However, when it comes to the Blu-ray edition specifically, the release presents a mixed bag. The visual upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray, while noted as the best the movie has looked in years, isn't without its shortcomings. Viewers expecting a revelatory high-definition experience might find themselves slightly underwhelmed, grappling with visuals that might necessitate adjustments to their viewing setup and an audio mix that questions the value of high-end surround systems. Yet, for fans without prior ownership or those looking to enhance their viewing experience modestly, this release does offer tangible improvements in picture quality appropriate for larger screen formats.

The release doesn’t seem to introduce significant new content for those with a comprehensive DVD collection, particularly the Collector’s Edition. Behind-the-scenes material, while extensive, mostly mirrors what has been previously available, making this aspect a less compelling reason for an upgrade unless one is driven by the allure of having the optimal picture quality available or completing their Blu-ray collection. This aspect might deter potential buyers seeking new insights or additions to their understanding and enjoyment of the film.

Conclusively, the Blu-ray edition of "There's Something About Mary" caters primarily to die-hard fans and newcomers to the title. Its enhancements in visual quality justify a purchase for those yet to own the movie or those desiring it in its finest available format for larger displays. However, the lack of new supplemental content and the described shortcomings in technical presentation suggest that enthusiasts with an eye for detail and newcomers alike should weigh their expectations against what is offered. In essence, whether this Blu-ray merits inclusion in one's collection depends largely on personal value placed on slight visual improvements and nostalgic affection towards this enduringly popular comedy.