Beastly Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Beastly" offers a satisfactory but not exceptional experience. The 1080p transfer showcases a clean, detailed image framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Colors are replicated well, providing stable and accurate hues throughout, from the greens and browns in the greenhouse scenes to the dark reds of Kyle's tattoos. Skin tones exhibit warm, delineated highlights, contributing to a lifelike variety. However, the overall contrast seems slightly held back, with blacks that are deep but somewhat crushed, which occasionally obscures shadow detail. This is balanced by impressive depth of field during low-light segments.

In terms of fine detail, the transfer excels in well-lit scenes, revealing subtle textures in facial and clothing details as well as in building facades and natural greenery. The intricate beastly makeup and prosthetics appear vivid, with even the faintest details coming through effectively. Despite this, the image does occasionally suffer from minor bouts of softness that detract from its otherwise solid resolution. There's a light veneer of natural grain that adds a pleasing filmic texture, though its inconsistent rendering can sometimes be distracting.

While the transfer isn't without its flaws—such as occasional flat shots and slight brown shading—the pleasing color balance and appreciable rendering of fine detail generally make for a compelling visual experience. Viewers will find a sturdy, visually engaging transfer that complements the film's stylistic and thematic elements, even if it falls short of achieving breathtaking textural perfection.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Beastly" offers a satisfactory dynamic range and detailed clarity, allowing for the detection of subtle background sounds within the surround mix's acoustic environment. Dialogue is anchored firmly in the center channel, providing clear rendering with appropriate tonal balance. Low-frequency effects are not particularly intense, but the subwoofer is effectively utilized to convey the necessary low-level bass associated with the film's recorded elements. This contributes to a nuanced, if not spectacular, auditory experience.

Initially, the audio presentation feels somewhat lackluster. Early segments of the film feature shaky dialogue and a generally muddled tone, with congested applause sounds and an indecisive low end. These early issues may give some listeners the impression that the soundtrack will lack dynamism and realism. However, as the film progresses, these initial shortcomings improve noticeably. Dialogue becomes tighter and more coherent, while bass gains assurance and music exhibits a greater sense of space and precision. Surround channels are used sparingly but effectively to support various atmospheric effects without overwhelming the main presentation.

Overall, "Beastly" is a dialogue-heavy melodrama that doesn't strive for an all-encompassing audio experience but does provide a competent mix that fans will find adequate. While ambient sounds enhance party scenes, the surrounds occasionally overpower front action sequences. The low-frequency effects remain light but are impactful when required, such as during pivotal moments like Kyle's cursing. Though the audio mix isn't exceptional, it achieves a middle-ground standard within high-definition audio norms, adequately serving the film's dramatic focus without excelling beyond expectations.

The "Beastly" Blu-ray features a robust selection of extras that delve into the film's creative process and thematic elements. The alternate ending, though not drastic in its impact, is an intriguing addition, while the deleted scenes offer additional glimpses into the protagonist's experiences. The featurettes "A Classic Tale Retold" and "Creating the Perfect Beast" provide valuable insights into the adaptation process and the elaborate makeup work, respectively. Additionally, the disc includes a music video by Kristina and The Dolls, emblazoning the Blu-ray with contemporary musical flair. The inclusion of BD-Live enhances the interactive viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: An intriguing alternate conclusion to the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes scenes of the protagonist's explorations.
• A Classic Tale Retold: Insightful featurette on adapting Beauty and the Beast.
• Creating the Perfect Beast: Detailed look at makeup and prosthetics.
• Be Mine Music Video: By Kristina and The Dolls.
• BD-Live: Enables interactive features.

"Beastly" reinterprets the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story for a modern, high school setting. Seventeen-year-old Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) is the overly confident and superficially handsome ruler of Buckston High’s social hierarchy. His disdain for anything unattractive leads him to publicly humiliate the mysterious Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen), who reveals herself to be a witch. Kendra curses Kyle, transforming him into a grotesque version of himself, with scars and tattoos marking his face. He must find true love within a year to break the spell. His best hope lies in Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), a quiet classmate whom Kyle previously ignored.

While the premise remains solid, the execution feels overly generic and lacks the originality needed to make a lasting impact. Director Daniel Barnz attempts to blend meaningful themes of inner beauty with a flashy, contemporary aesthetic. Yet, this juxtaposition often undermines the narrative's emotional substance. The film revisits traditional fairy tale values but wraps them in a modern facade that sometimes feels superficial. Despite good intentions, the film’s predictability undercuts its message, and the characters are not fleshed out enough to evoke genuine empathy.

Key performances are mixed; Alex Pettyfer portrays Kyle with an obvious arrogance that evolves into a somewhat believable vulnerability. In contrast, Vanessa Hudgens' role as Lindy provides only a superficial glimpse of emotional depth. Mary-Kate Olsen's portrayal of the goth witch Kendra stands out for its campy, albeit limited, contribution to the movie’s supernatural dimension. Additionally, Neil Patrick Harris' portrayal of Kyle's blind tutor, Will, feels underutilized despite his potential to add levity and heart to the narrative. Overall, while "Beastly" touches on timeless themes, its over-reliance on slick visuals and formulaic storytelling make it a minor addition to the genre at best.

"Beastly," an attempt to modernize the classic "Beauty and the Beast" narrative, is let down by a flat script and predictable emotional beats. The movie's craftsmanship is competent with decent acting and a story that remains loyal to its roots. However, it fails to elevate itself beyond being a passable time-filler, leaving no lasting impact. The Blu-ray release, while delivering an above-average technical presentation, falls short in terms of supplemental content.

The film's tone oscillates between hilarious and uncomfortably insipid. It strives to resonate by featuring contemporary aesthetics and music but diminishes the romance and profundity of the original tale. Characters lack depth, with performances that cannot salvage the one-dimensional narrative. Despite a high-quality audiovisual experience, the overall package feels lackluster due to insufficient extras.

In conclusion, "Beastly" is a competently made production that struggles to find its footing in a crowded genre. Its technical merits are commendable, but the film’s inherent issues make it a forgettable entry. A title perhaps best suited for a rental rather than a purchase, only likely to appeal to die-hard fans of modernized fairy tales.