Smart People Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Smart People" is notable for its exceptional clarity and detailed visual transfer, a hallmark of Disney and Buena Vista releases. The AVC-encoded video, averaging 20 Mbps, excellently portrays the film's dialogue-driven narrative through a series of mid-range and close-up shots, capturing the nuances of character expressions and the drab yet textured surroundings with precision. The video quality shines in reproducing the film's intentional grain, ensuring that elements like the diverse wardrobe of Vanessa and the dreary interiors of the characters’ homes retain their authentic appeal. Despite the film's generally subdued color palette, reflective of its autumnal setting and thematic broodiness, colors are represented with stability and subdue, maintaining natural skin tones and deep blacks without falling prey to crush problems or greyscale distortion. The careful balance of contrast and the absence of video artifacts further enhance the viewing experience, showcasing how well indie features can perform in high-definition formats.

Remarkably, the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer brings out details that surpass the DVD version, especially in terms of texture, shadowed objects, and background clarity. The visual fidelity is such that the aging features of actors like Dennis Quaid and Thomas Haden Church are preserved with unflinching detail, highlighting everything from facial creases to makeup inadequacies. This level of detail extends to scenes where lighting conditions vary, without causing source noise, artifacting, or other common video nuisances. However, there are minor inconsistencies, including occasional soft-focus shots and uneven skin tone representation among characters, though these are more easily attributed to the original film print rather than the transfer process itself. These slight visual disparities are not enough to detract from the overall high-quality experience but are noteworthy for those with a keen eye for videography nuances.

Smart People's Blu-ray audio presentation, featuring both a lossless PCM 5.1 track and a Dolby Digital 5.1 counterpart, exemplifies the effort Disney puts into maximizing the auditory experience even for films with a more subdued narrative focus. The PCM track, operating nearly at 7 Mbps, showcases an exceptionally clear and encompassing mix that befits this dialogue-driven movie. Despite this clarity, some of the film’s quieter dialogue can be challenging to discern, especially when characters move off-screen or speak in soft tones. This sometimes necessitates reliance on subtitles for full comprehension. Moreover, Nuno Bettencourt's score intermittently enhances the soundscape, adding a pleasant auditory depth to the otherwise dialogue-centric sound design.

The sound equalization across the film is competently managed, preventing any jarring volume shifts between quieter scenes and those few moments of heightened activity. Dialogue retains crispness and is well-distributed across the front channels, ensuring that even whispered lines remain intelligible without overriding the ambient sounds integrated from the rear channels for added atmosphere. However, it's evident that the rear speakers are underutilized, mainly contributing only to background noise like faint restaurant conversations or the shuffle of books, rather than engaging in a more dynamic or immersive audio experience.

Despite its technical proficiency, the audio presentation of Smart People does not break new ground - the LFE channel is notably underemployed, and the track lacks the dynamic range typically found in more action-packed films. While it ensures that every spoken word is delivered with clarity and balance, the overall impact is subdued, matching the film's tone but missing opportunities to leverage the audio to significantly enhance story immersion beyond what standard DVD versions offer.

The Blu-ray release of "Smart People" provides a concise yet engaging collection of extras, adeptly balancing technical insights and character explorations. From the candid "Not So Smart" outtakes to insightful deleted scenes, each element underlines the film's nuanced approach to storytelling and characterization. The centerpiece, a 17-minute featurette titled "The Smartest People," showcases in standard definition the creative processes behind the film, offering viewers a deeper understanding of its thematic richness and the unique setting of Carnegie Mellon University. The audio commentary with Director Noam Murro and writer Mark Jude Poirier is notably engaging, blending anecdotes with critiques in a manner that enriches the viewing experience. Although presented in standard definition, these extras are compelling for fans and newcomers alike, despite the collection’s brevity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Noam Murro and writer Mark Jude Poirier discuss the filmmaking process.
• The Smartest People: A featurette including interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Deleted Scenes: Nine scenes offering additional context and character development.
• Not So Smart: A collection of outtakes and bloopers.
• Trailers: Promotional trailers for other films.

Smart People" cleverly navigates the oft-tread waters of intellectual elitism juxtaposed with emotional ignorance, delivered through the lens of Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid), a widowed and grumpy literature professor, and his unusual family dynamic. Quaid's character, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker’s portrayal of an ER doctor and former student enamored with him, encapsulates the essence of academia's insulated existence. The introduction of Thomas Haden Church as the freeloading yet emotionally astute brother, Chuck, injects a necessary disruption, instigating a slow but pivotal transformation in their lives. This blend of characters offers a study in contrasts, showcasing the complexities within familial bonds and the struggle between intellectual prowess and emotional intelligence.

The film, under Noam Murro’s direction, takes a deep dive into the realm of quirky dramedies, resonating with fans of "The Royal Tenenbaums" or "Juno" through its exploration of flawed, yet fundamentally likable characters. Ellen Page's role as the overachieving daughter Vanessa further exemplifies the pressures of living up to an intellectual ideal, while subtly challenging it through her interactions with Chuck. Unlike many films in this genre, "Smart People" leans heavily on character development and nuanced performances over plot, inviting viewers to reflect on the dissonance between personal achievement and personal satisfaction. This approach offers a refreshing take on the theme of intellectual isolation and emotional redemption.

Despite its potential pitfalls — notably, a somewhat underdeveloped subplot involving James (Ashton Holmes) and a romance that strains believability — "Smart People" achieves a delicate balance. It critiques yet empathizes with its characters, finding humor in their pretensions and pathos in their vulnerabilities. The film may not secure universal acclaim due to its specific brand of humor and distinctly drawn characters, but therein lies its appeal. For those attuned to its wavelength, it provides both entertainment and introspection, encapsulating the eccentricities of a family on the brink of both collapse and reconstruction. Its ability to engage, amuse, and provoke thought solidifies "Smart People" as a notable entry in the modern dramedy landscape, appealing to viewers looking for depth beyond the laughs.

Smart People," though it may not have garnered widespread attention upon its theatrical release, presents a compelling delve into upper-middle-class dysfunction wrapped in witty humor and subtle, yet strong performances. Released in a manner befitting its indie roots, the film was showcased on a minimal number of screens and introduced to home viewers without significant pomp. However, the quality of the Blu-ray disc elevates the experience, boasting an excellent video transfer that showcases the film's nuanced visual storytelling. The audio quality, though faithful, might not stand out as much, but it serves the movie adequately, ensuring the dialogue and soundtrack complement the narrative without overwhelming it.

The Blu-ray edition of "Smart People" is further enhanced by its supplemental offerings. Although the range of extra features might feel limited to some, what is provided offers an insightful glimpse into the making of the film and the thoughts behind its creative process. This selection, combined with the high-quality video and adequate audio, makes the Blu-ray a worthwhile addition for those who appreciate films that offer both humor and a slice-of-life look at complex characters navigating their flawed existences.

In conclusion, "Smart People" on Blu-ray is a hidden gem that deserves a broader audience. Its excellent picture quality and thoughtful yet concise collection of extras make for an engaging viewing experience. While it might not cater to all tastes, fans of films that blend humor with heartfelt character exploration will find much to appreciate. As such, this release not only serves as a testament to the film's understated charm but also as a recommendation for those in search of quality cinema that may have slipped through the cracks.