Running with Scissors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Running with Scissors" delivers a variable viewing experience, encoded in 1080p/MPEG-2 that navigates the fine line between artistic stylization and technical performance. The film's visual aesthetic, steeped in a highly stylized depiction of the '70s, features an intentional use of soft glow effects and a unique color palette that ranges from 'Fugly Brown' to 'Tweety-Bird Yellow,' accented by sporadic bursts of vibrant reds and yellows. This eccentric choice does not detract from the overall clarity of the video which, despite its occasional dalliance with softness, especially in medium shots, manages to preserve a commendable level of detail. Close-up scenes stand out with crisp definition, allowing textures such as clothing and wall hangings within the Burroughs' household to be distinctly appreciated.

However, the presentation is not without its flaws. Shadow delineation emerges as a notable issue, with deep blacks often obscuring details that might otherwise have contributed to a richer visual depth. This is compounded by a consistent field of grain that overlays the film. While not overwhelming, it is sufficiently pronounced to detract from the image's sharpness. On the upside, transfer anomalies such as artifacts and banding are minimal, suggesting a careful transfer process despite the presence of some contrast wavering in more dynamically lit scenes.

In assessment, Sony's handling of "Running with Scissors" on Blu-ray showcases a sincere effort to balance the film's deliberate stylistic choices with the demands of high-definition presentation. While it may not rival the best Blu-ray transfers in terms of sheer technical prowess, it succeeds in delivering a visually engaging experience that mirrors the film's quirky narrative and aesthetic ambitions. The accurate rendition of the movie's distinct colors and details amidst minor setbacks solidifies its place as an adequately impressive home video release.

The audio presentation of the "Running with Scissors" Blu-ray, featuring a lossless PCM 5.1 track, delivers a performance that is both commendable and reflective of the film's predominant dialogue-driven narrative. Joseph Cross's opening narration, although dynamically flat, sets the stage for a soundtrack that tends towards a front-heavy mix, with the rear channels mostly lying dormant except for sparse discrete effects and moments where the 1970s piano pop score enlivens the soundstage. While the film's soundscape might lack a robust bass presence, leading to an occasionally thin sound, dialogue remains prioritized and clear, maintaining its prominence without becoming overshadowed by minimal ambient noise. This clarity in voice reproduction ensures that the film's dialogue-heavy script remains engaging and understandable without necessitating volume adjustments.

Surprisingly, the soundtrack manages to impress with its dynamic range during specific sequences, leveraging the period rock music (featuring artists like Elton John and Cat Stevens) to infuse a degree of energy into the mix. These bursts of musical vivacity contribute to a richer, more expansive sound experience, albeit intermittently. The subtle use of the surround channels to enhance surreal or dreamlike sequences adds a layer of auditory texture that, while not consistent, offers glimpses into the track's potential versatility.

Despite its restrained nature, consistent with the film's stylistic choices, the audio track on "Running with Scissors" excels within its genre constraints. Offering a technically sound, if unexciting, ambiance that services the narrative well. It accomplishes what it sets out to do by ensuring dialogue clarity and incorporating musical elements effectively into the mix, providing an audio experience that, although lacking in low-end force and rear channel engagement, supports the film's storytelling approach with adequacy and occasional flair.

The extras included on the "Running with Scissors" Blu-ray present a scant total running time, offering less than 20 minutes of content across three featurettes that are more superficial than insightful. "Inside Outsiders" provides standard cast interviews without much depth, while "A Personal Memoir by Augusten Burroughs" delivers brief insights from the author that lean more towards praise for the film's director than substantial discussion about the adaptation process or the content's controversial aspects. "Creating the Cuckoo's Nest" stands out for its focus on the film's production design, yet its short duration leaves one wanting more. Despite the potential for these extras to enrich the viewer's understanding of the film and its creation, they ultimately feel cursory and lack a critical examination of the story's complexities and controversies. The absence of a theatrical trailer further underscores the limited appeal of this Blu-ray's bonus material for enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive into the world of "Running with Scissors."

Extras included in this disc:

• Inside Outsiders: Director Ryan Murphy and cast members discuss character complexities.

• A Personal Memoir by Augusten Burroughs: The author comments on surviving a turbulent childhood and the film adaptation process.

• Creating the Cuckoo's Nest: Production designer Richard Sherman shares insights into crafting the film's distinctive set without veering into caricature.

"Running with Scissors," the cinematic adaptation of Augusten Burroughs' best-selling memoir, offers audiences a deep dive into a tumultuous and surreal coming-of-age narrative, set primarily in the 1970s. The film painstakingly follows the contours of Burroughs' life, illustrating his struggles with familial dysfunction, emerging sexuality, and a quest for identity amidst the chaos of living with an adoptive family that could generously be termed eccentric. Director Ryan Murphy, best known for "Nip/Tuck," attempts to balance the absurdity of Augusten's experiences with moments of dark humor and startling emotional depth. Anchored by an ambitious performance from Annette Bening as Deirdre, Augusten's narcissistic and troubled mother, the film ambitiously seeks to capture the bizarre reality of Burroughs' youth, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own thematic ambitions.

Technically, Murphy demonstrates a keen eye for detail, manipulating mise-en-scène effectively to accentuate the film's mood swings between melodrama and gritty realism. The use of music and strategic cuts highlights the passage of time and underscores key emotional beats, aiming for a visceral impact that resonates with viewers. However, despite its stylistic achievements and solid performances—especially from Joseph Cross as a young Augusten navigating a perplexing world— the film struggles to maintain a coherent narrative thread. The inclusion of multiple subplots and eccentric character arcs, while reflective of Burroughs' sprawling memoir, tends to dilute the central storyline, leaving audiences adrift in a sea of thematic uncertainty.

At its core, "Running with Scissors" is buoyed by its cast's willingness to embrace their roles' inherent absurdities without tipping into caricature. Bening's portrayal of Deirdre is undeniably the film's linchpin—her oscillation between vulnerability and delusion offers a fascinating character study and occasionally pierces.

"Running with Scissors," adapted from Augusten Burrough's memoir, presents a tapestry of dysfunction that, though brimming with potential, struggles to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The film, while showcasing moments of genuine emotion and offbeat humor, is hampered by an unwieldy script that prevents it from reaching the depths it aspires to explore. The performances, particularly Annette Bening's, stand out as the film's redeeming feature, delivering complexity and heart in a story that otherwise meanders. Technical aspects of the Sony Blu-ray release are commendable, with both audio and visual transfers living up to expectations, providing a clean and immersive viewing experience. However, those anticipating a rich array of supplementary content will find the offerings sparse.

The Blu-ray edition does not significantly enhance the film's reception, which found itself adrift both at the box office and among critics. Despite its aspirations, "Running with Scissors" fails to make the incisive cut necessary for a memorable impact. For enthusiasts of the source material and fans of standout performances, the film might hold appeal, but it falls short of being a must-own. Annette Bening's portrayal is a highlight, warranting attention for her dedication to the role.

In conclusion, "Running with Scissors" on Blu-ray serves as a decent acquisition for those drawn to stories of family dysfunction or admirers of the cast's talent, especially Bening. However, its inability to fully engage and satisfy, coupled with the lack of substantial extras, positions it more as a curiosity or a rental rather than a staple addition to one's Blu-ray collection. This release underscores the challenge of translating such a uniquely eccentric story from page to screen, capturing the essence of Burrough's narrative but failing to knit together its potentially compelling pieces into a satisfying whole.