Table 19 Blu-ray Review

"Table 19" is presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1, using the Arri Alexa digital cameras. The cinematography, helmed by Ben Richardson, is reminiscent of his work on "The Fault in Our Stars," showcasing a precise and natural look rather than a showy, high-gloss aesthetic. The transfer is impressive in its subtlety, offering detailed shots that appear eerily realistic. Facial tones are flawless, and black levels are more than adequate, contributing to the film's overall visual authenticity.

The color palette is composed mainly of soft reds, pinks, and blues, providing a candy-like veneer that enhances the film's atmosphere. There are finely detailed close-ups that reveal everything from the texture of the RSVP paper to the intricate frills of the characters' outfits. Lighting remains mostly natural, though some scenes set in hotel rooms are slightly dimmer compared to the rest of the presentation. Despite not utilizing aggressive color grading, the visuals maintain a fresh look, with certain outdoor scenes standing out as particularly vibrant. Bitrates are consistently healthy, and there are no significant issues with compression artifacts.

Overall, "Table 19" offers a very natural and finely detailed viewing experience that doesn't overshadow the film's substance. The presentation is technically robust, capturing the film's intimate moments and nuanced textures without any distracting visual anomalies.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Table 19" offers a consistently immersive experience, particularly through the environmental sounds within the wedding reception hall. Though the film steers away from being driven by incessant source cues on the soundtrack, it instead features a wedding band that plays a selection of 1980s hits. Interestingly, these musical pieces are often mixed to a secondary level beneath the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of conversations in driving the narrative forward. This choice ensures that the dialogue is always clear and well-supported, allowing viewers to remain engaged with the characters' interactions without distraction.

The emphasis on dialogue within this audio presentation is notable and effective. The clarity and balance of spoken words demonstrate precision in mixing, ensuring that the film's primary narrative vehicle is never overshadowed by background elements. While the music and ambient sounds provide a subtle layer of immersion, they are meticulously balanced to enhance rather than drown out the dialogue, maintaining a harmonious audio environment throughout the viewing experience. This approach underlines the sophistication involved in creating a soundscape that supports the film’s comedic and emotional beats seamlessly.

The Blu-ray release of "Table 19" offers a selection of extras that delve into both the humorous and heartfelt aspects of the film. The deleted scenes, while brief, provide additional insights into the characters’ backstories and interactions. The promotional featurettes, typical electronic press kits (EPKs), offer concise behind-the-scenes glimpses, adding depth to the film’s production process. The gallery is a nice touch, providing both auto and manual advance options for viewing stills from the movie. The absence of a full-length making-of documentary is notable, but the provided content sufficiently supplements the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Includes selections like Carol Milner Kills It, Cousin Donny Toasts It, and Table 19 Swings It.
• Table of Rejects: A brief behind-the-scenes look.
• Head of the Table: Insights into cast dynamics.
• Table for Six: A snapshot of production highlights.
• Gallery: Auto and Manual Advance options.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard promotional trailer.

"Table 19" is a film with a promising setup, directed by the Duplass brothers and written by Jeffrey Blitz. The movie centers around Eloise (Anna Kendrick), who attends her friend's wedding after being demoted from maid-of-honor to an undesirable seat at Table 19—a table reserved for rejected guests. The table comprises a quirky ensemble: married couple Bina (Lisa Kudrow) and Jerry Kepp (Craig Robinson), socially awkward Renzo (Tony Revolori), elderly Nanny Jo (June Squibb), and awkward ex-con Walter (Stephen Merchant). This mismatched group is intended to drive the film's humor and pathos, but the script falters under the weight of clichés.

The narrative meanders through various subplots, with characters moping about their pasts and eventually experiencing forced resolutions. Eloise's interaction with her ex-boyfriend Teddy (Wyatt Russell) lays the groundwork for drama, but her portrayal as a neurotic, overly emotional character grows tiresome. Expected twists and happy endings transpire, wrapping up loose threads superficially. Performances by the cast add some value—Anna Kendrick and June Squibb bring charm and warmth, while Craig Robinson and Lisa Kudrow exhibit brief sparks of chemistry. However, despite their efforts, these individual strengths cannot salvage the overall weak narrative arc.

The film's comedic elements are scattered and inconsistent, with moments that feel improvised rather than organically humorous. The lack of a cohesive tone, fluctuating between melancholic and superficial comedy, leaves "Table 19" struggling to land lasting emotional or comedic impacts. While some may find enjoyment in the cast's charisma or fleeting laughs, the film ultimately feels like an event where attendance is unenthusiastic. Despite lofty intentions, "Table 19" culminates as a clichéd affair that fails to live up to its potential.

"Table 19" aims for emotional depth but often falls short. The film, directed by Jeffrey Blitz and written by the Duplass brothers, revolves around familiar themes of disenchanted characters seeking meaning in their lives. Unfortunately, the narrative fails to deliver genuine emotional resonance. Despite the presence of capable actors like Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, and Lisa Kudrow, their performances are competent but not distinctive enough to elevate the material.

From a technical standpoint, Fox Searchlight's Blu-ray release is commendable. The video quality, presented in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, is sharp and visually appealing. The audio quality, featuring DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DD DVS 5.1 soundtracks, is satisfactory for a drama of this nature. However, the disc's lackluster extras do little to enhance the overall value of this home release.

Ultimately, while "Table 19" may suffice as light entertainment and an easy time-filler, it doesn't offer anything particularly groundbreaking or memorable. If you’re seeking an emotionally impactful film experience, this one might leave you wanting more. While the Blu-ray provides strong technical merits, it is recommended to skip this release and save your viewing time for more compelling content elsewhere.