No Hard Feelings Blu-ray Review
Score: 72
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
While 'No Hard Feelings' delivers excellent video and solid audio, its blend of comedy and seriousness may fall short of expectations, lacking substantial extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 85
"No Hard Feelings" delivers a strong 1080p/AVC transfer with natural, lifelike colors, striking primaries, and deep black levels that enhance depth and contrast beautifully. While digital artifacts occasionally surface in darker scenes, the film excels with bold saturation and a pleasing filmic quality, creating a visually engaging experience.
Audio: 78
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track effectively delivers clear dialogue with rich clarity and distinct channel separation, though it lacks notable low-frequency impact. Engaging directional effects create ambiance, particularly in dynamic scenes, but overall immersion is limited compared to more expansive soundtracks.
Extra: 41
The Blu-ray extras for 'No Hard Feelings' comprise straightforward EPK featurettes introducing the cast and director, complemented by a light-hearted blooper reel, collectively offering minimal depth or novelty.
Movie: 67
No Hard Feelings blends raunchy comedy and unexpected drama, with Jennifer Lawrence's charisma shining in a film that aims for R-rated laughs but lands in safe, middle-ground territory; despite its mis-marketing, it offers engaging performances and a self-aware script that questions modern social norms.
Video: 85
The Blu-ray presentation of "No Hard Feelings" is a testament to Sony's proficiency in delivering visually compelling content. Utilizing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, the film captures a natural and lifelike color palette, with convincing skin tones and striking primary colors that particularly shine in the sun-drenched Los Angeles setting. The detail is sharp and unhindered, offering clean edges and well-resolved textures. The contrast is tailored beautifully throughout, contributing to a visual depth that avoids the overly polished digital sheen seen in many contemporary comedies. While the filmic grain is lightly applied, its inconsistency occasionally enhances the film's nostalgic ambiance. Only a few scenes, particularly those involving low lighting, display slight struggles with texture delineation.
Incorporating a stunning 1.85:1 AVC HD image format, the Blu-ray offers an almost impeccable portrayal of the film's vibrant aesthetic. Bold and bright colors dominate the screen, enhancing the comedy's energetic tone. Strong and consistent contrast further accentuates the film's high-definition sharpness, meticulously conveying finer details such as wardrobe elements and facial expressions. While occasional digital noise and artifacts appear, mainly in darker scenarios, they remain largely unobtrusive. Some scenes display a slightly smooth visual quality, albeit supported by robust resolution and precise facial definition.
Ultimately, the visual presentation of "No Hard Feelings" excels through its vivid color representation and well-maintained brightness levels, making it an engaging viewing experience. The high saturation elevates environmental elements like lush greenery and red flowers into eye-catching features within the frame. Despite the occasional downturn in black levels towards drier blues, the overall video experience remains compelling—a rewarding demonstration of fidelity and visual allure.
Audio: 78
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray of "No Hard Feelings" delivers a technically sound, if somewhat conventional, audio experience. The clarity of dialogue is a clear strong point, consistently sharp and well-positioned in the center channel, which anchors the front soundstage effectively. While the soundtrack lacks substantial low-frequency effects, it still provides adequate bass performance that complements the primary audio elements without overpowering them.
Directionality and channel separation are executed with precision, maintaining an engaging soundfield even if the mix doesn't reach the immersive heights of audio-heavy genres or films. Surround use varies, with rear channels becoming notably active during high-energy scenes such as crowd or party sequences, but largely retreating during dialogue-heavy moments.
Though subtle nuances in sound and ambiance are present, they tend to be occasional highlights rather than consistent features. Ambience is enhanced during specific scenes where environmental sounds, like seagull calls and waves, fill the rear speakers effectively, adding depth to the soundscape. Overall, while this DTS-HD mix may not push boundaries with memorable or groundbreaking audio cues, it competently supports the storytelling without drawing unnecessary attention away from the visual elements.
Extras: 41
The Blu-ray extras for "No Hard Feelings" offer a compact yet engaging supplementary experience, focused on delivering insights into the making of the film through standard behind-the-scenes features. "A Little Wrong: Making No Hard Feelings" showcases the light-hearted environment fostered by director Gene Stupnitsky and highlights the fun of R-rated humor in its production. "A Motley Crew: Meet the Characters" offers brief interviews with the cast, providing insights into their roles and what drew them to the project. The "Outtakes & Bloopers" deliver an enjoyable collection of humorous moments, allowing viewers to see the cast in candid situations. While the features are not groundbreaking, they adequately supplement the main feature by providing context and entertainment.
Extras included in this disc:
- Outtakes & Bloopers: The cast cracks each other up.
- A Motley Crew: Meet the Characters: Cast intros and character discussions.
- A Little Wrong: Making No Hard Feelings: On-set fun and director praise.
Movie: 67
"No Hard Feelings" is a movie that meticulously combines comedic moments with unexpected depth, navigating the often unpredictable path of modern R-rated comedies. Directed by Gene Stupnitsky, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie, a financially strapped Uber driver who embarks on an unusual mission: transforming an introverted 19-year-old, Percy (portrayed by Andrew Barth Feldman), into a more socially adept version of himself at the behest of his overprotective parents. The premise promises a riotous journey, but the execution leans more toward sentimentality, creating a mix that sometimes teeters between sincerity and irreverence.
The film's comedic core is buoyed by Lawrence's dynamic performance. She imbues Maddie with the perfect blend of vulnerability and audacity, capturing both her character's desperation and charm. Feldman complements her with his portrayal of awkward yet endearing Percy, crafting a chemistry that's engaging, if predictable. While the narrative attempts to reflect the uninhibited spirit of classic comedies from earlier eras, it falls short of delivering the edginess and unrestrained hilarity some audiences might anticipate. Instead, "No Hard Feelings" tends to retract into safer comedic territories, providing giggles rather than full-fledged laughter.
Despite its marketing suggesting a boundary-pushing comedic escapade, the film subtly addresses more significant themes like generational disconnect and social anxiety without losing its humorous undercurrent. The screenplay cleverly satirizes contemporary societal norms, encapsulating those moments in scenes reminiscent of vintage absurdity, like a completely nude beach tussle. These moments are emblematic of both the film’s strengths and its constraints; while it daringly ventures into comical awkwardness, it simultaneously tempers its ambition with emotional cores that slow down its pace. In essence, "No Hard Feelings" delivers an entertaining experience with doses of humor and heart, albeit more restrained than its R-rated promise might suggest.
Total: 72
"No Hard Feelings" offers a throwback to R-rated comedies with its riotously humorous and charming undertone. However, it takes a more intricate approach by blending comedic elements with unexpectedly serious themes. While this attempt to balance contrasting tones might seem ambitious, it sometimes falters by not fully committing to either, leading to a slightly disjointed narrative. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray release is a standout in terms of audiovisual quality. Sony delivers impeccable video presentation alongside a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, providing a thoroughly immersive viewing experience, although the supplementary content on the Blu-ray is lacking.
The marketing may mislead some viewers, as certain promotional materials hint at a purely comedic escapade. In contrast, the film quickly pivots into deeper territory, an adjustment that might catch some audiences off guard. A notable critique is its pacing, which doesn't sustain the humorous highs for as long as expected. Yet, impressive performances from the cast ensure engagement remains strong. The actors successfully elevate the material, steering it through its variable tone and maintaining the brisk pace that prevents viewer disengagement.
In conclusion, while "No Hard Feelings" might leave some viewers wishing for more consistent comedic or dramatic intensity, it's evident that it earns a place in collections for its charm and nostalgia factor reminiscent of classic comedies. The Blu-ray release's audio-visual excellence also positions it as a valuable addition for enthusiasts seeking high-quality home viewing experiences. Adjust expectations accordingly and you may find an enjoyable cinematic piece worthy of modest recommendation.
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 90
Film grain is light though a bit inconsistent, but again, it suits the tone of the proceedings....
Audio: 80
Ultimately, though, Sony's Master Audio track is a reasonably lively addition to the film that captures the spirit of the original mix well....
Extras: 30
A Little Wrong: Making No Hard Feelings (HD, 6 minutes) - On-set chemistry, Stupnitsky's breezy leadership and the fun of R-rated silliness are front and center in this short, standard behind-the-scenes...
Movie: 60
I don't know that the script serves her as well as her inherent charisma and deep well of energy, but she certainly puts her back into it, chomping down on every long-gestating joke and chewing the scenery...
Total: 70
Sony's Blu-ray release fortunately delivers the AV goods with an excellent video presentation and solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt Brighton and Matt MaloufRead review here
Video: 90
Sony’s Blu-ray shows off anything and everything that’s Los Angeles with plenty of sweeping visuals, though it’s a site we’ve all seen in countless other films....
Audio: 80
Yes, it’s got some spots that made me stand up and take notice (the crowd scenes, for example) but by and large, this is a by-the-book mix that checks all the boxes....
Extras: 40
A Motley Crew: Meet the Characters – The obligatory “meet the cast” as they talk about their roles, what attracted them to the project and so forth....
Movie: 0
It is also the sort of film that I didn’t want to see advertised too heavily as often the case with comedies, I feared the trailers would give away all the funny bits....
Total: 70
It isn’t the film I was expecting, but enough of it works to earn a modest recommendation....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
No Hard Feelings generally looks clear though, even a little smooth in spots, lacking firm, defined texture....
Audio: 80
Music hits the subwoofer with a satisfying thump, typically the only thing required of the subwoofer....
Extras: 40
...
Movie: 80
Lawrence plays a broke, desperate 30-something looking for a payday and agrees to bring Feldman out of his socially awkward shell at the request of his parents, a nerd fantasy wholly outmoded in 2023,...
Total: 70
...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 92
Audio: 86
Dialogue is firmly planted in the center channel which clearly renders voices and effects with appropriate distinction and tonal balance within the front soundstage....
Extras: 60
Outtakes & Bloopers A Motley Crew: Meet the Characters A Little Wrong: Making No Hard Feelings Digital Code...
Movie: 70
In desperation she stumbles across what she believes could be the answer to her financial troubles when she discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to “date”...
Total: 77
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti
PlotMaddie is an Uber driver and bartender in a small seaside town, struggling to make ends meet as she faces the loss of her childhood home. Desperate for cash, she answers an unusual Craigslist ad placed by two wealthy helicopter parents, Laird and Allison. They are seeking someone to "date" their awkward and introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, before he heads off to college. The task is simple: help boost his confidence and ensure he gains some social skills. Maddie agrees, seeing it as a straightforward way to earn the money she desperately needs. As Maddie tries to break Percy out of his shell with a variety of well-intentioned yet humorous schemes, she discovers that he is far more complex and sensitive than she anticipated.
However, as she embarks on this unconventional mission, Maddie begins to confront her own life choices, questioning her motivations and the ethics of her agreement. Despite Percy's initial hesitance, their interactions lead to unexpected growth and understanding for both of them. Challenges arise that test Maddie's resolve and force Percy to face some of his own fears. As events unfold in surprising ways, the experience for both Maddie and Percy becomes more about self-discovery and genuine connection than fulfilling a transaction. The story delves into themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of the transition into adulthood.
Writers: Gene Stupnitsky, John Phillips
Release Date: 23 Jun 2023
Runtime: 103 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English