What If Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "What If" is a technically proficient 1080p transfer sourced from HD video. It offers a well-balanced mix of bright, vivid outdoor scenes and competent darker sequences. The transfer excels in brightly lit scenes where intricate details such as facial textures and clothing lines, particularly Radcliffe’s beard stubble and Chantry's checked patterns, are revealed with impressive sharpness. A notable scene in chapter nine vividly captures the texture of Chantry's straw hat.

However, the presentation does show limitations in low-light conditions. Darker scenes exhibit slight crushing and less-than-ideal shadow delineation, leading to a somewhat pasty appearance. Nighttime city lights offer an exception, appearing almost luminescent against the otherwise stable black levels that occasionally push towards paleness. Colors shine brightest in daylight scenes, presenting a striking visual pop compared to the occasionally murkier interiors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the image quality remains blemish-free and is overall an enjoyable viewing experience.

While "What If" may not be a transformative visual experience, it stands solidly among its romantic comedy peers. The careful handling of HD filming limitations results in a presentation that is both bright and colorful where it counts, ensuring detailed and pleasing visuals throughout most of the runtime. Issues in darker scenes are minor and do not significantly detract from an otherwise engaging visual delivery.

The Blu-ray release of "What If" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that is predominantly music and dialogue-oriented. The film’s soundtrack demonstrates considerable strength with its musical foundation, offering a tremendous stage presence, faultless definition, and rich clarity. Whether it's the delicate piano strokes, the solemnity of wedding organ notes, or the pulsating beats of dance club music, the audio quality delivers a rewarding auditory experience. Particularly noteworthy is the immersive low-end accompaniment during heavier musical moments, which adds a satisfying depth to the soundstage.

Dialogue remains the primary focus of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The film is low-key and talk-heavy, making clear, accurate presentation of dialogue crucial. The spoken words benefit from firm center placement and natural clarity, ensuring that even rapid-fire exchanges are easily understandable. Ambient noises such as the minor city din and moody beachside sounds serve to define the movie's settings without overloading the rear channels. While showy sound effects are minimal, the light use of background ambiance contributes to a well-rounded auditory experience. Though low-end frequencies are infrequent and mainly reserved for the soundtrack, the overall mix efficiently supports the film’s tone without any unnecessary flair.

The Blu-ray extras of "What If" provide an enriching dive into the film, offering a well-rounded view into its production and storytelling. Featuring several informative featurettes, the disc covers various aspects from character dynamics to technical details, all delivered in high-definition content. The highlight is the 18-minute "Behind the Scenes" segment that delves into the nuances of the romantic comedy genre, filming locations, production specifics, and interesting tidbits like the significance of the Fool’s Gold sandwich. Additionally, viewers get to explore characters and plot layers through concise featurettes. The disc also includes a selection of deleted scenes and a UV digital copy voucher.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes titled "We're Just Friends", "Not Talking", and "Fought Back".
• Blurred Lines: Basic plot and character overview.
• Behind the Scenes of What If: Detailed exploration of the film's aspects including genre, locations, and production.
• Opposites Attract: Examination of characters and cast.
• A Modern Love Story: Recap of plot and look at cast chemistry and director Michael Dowse's work.

‘What If’ is a modern romantic comedy that blends whimsical charm and thoughtful depth, directed by Michael Dowse. The narrative centers around Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), a medical school dropout disillusioned by past relationships, who encounters Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator tethered to a long-term boyfriend. Their bond blossoms against the backdrop of clever dialogues and nuanced chemistry, juxtaposing lighthearted banter with deeper emotional undercurrents. The film adeptly balances the line between comedy and drama, exploring the convoluted dynamics of love and friendship in an intimate yet globally connected world.

The screenplay smartly navigates the clichés of the rom-com genre, albeit with mixed results. The film's dialogue is reminiscent of works like ‘Gilmore Girls’—rapid-fire and meticulously crafted—but it veers towards gimmickry as the plot progresses. Despite this, the protagonists’ palpable on-screen rapport injects authenticity into their evolving relationship. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Adam Driver's memorable portrayal of Allan, enriches the narrative, lending it additional layers of humor and complexity.

While ‘What If’ does not completely escape the predictability pitfall of typical romantic comedies, it stands out for its genuine moments of humor and heartfelt interactions. The film thrusts its viewers into the relentless push and pull between internal desires and external barriers, encapsulating the essence of timing in romance. Despite its adherence to genre conventions, ‘What If’ offers an engaging experience, thanks largely to Radcliffe’s and Kazan’s performances that buoy the entire film. The Blu-ray release is utilitarian, featuring a 25GB disc and an UltraViolet Digital Copy, housed in a standard keep case—a straightforward package befitting its essential simplicity.

"What If" doesn't break new ground in the Romantic Comedy or coming-of-age Romance genres, but it stands out by embracing the strengths of these genres. Anchored by perfectly paired leads and an adept supporting cast, the film offers a blend of lighthearted fun and reflective storytelling. The narrative focuses on real relationships and authentic interactions, avoiding tired clichés and gratuitous content. Sony has delivered a Blu-ray that ensures a commendable home viewing experience, with solid video and audio quality. The inclusion of a modest selection of extras adds further value.

Despite its promising start, "What If" can sometimes feel bogged down by genre conventions. While it initially comes across as fresh and inventive, exuding genuine charm and humor, it occasionally lapses into familiar territory. Here, the dialogue veers towards being gimmicky, and the narrative momentum stalls. Nevertheless, the subdued nature of romantic comedies is effectively supported by the Blu-ray's high-quality audiovisual presentation.

In conclusion, "What If" may not revolutionize the genre, but it capably exemplifies what is enjoyable about romantic comedies. The film's strengths in characterization and tone are only enhanced by Sony's high-standard Blu-ray release. It's an engaging watch for fans of the genre, especially for those seeking a balance between humor and heartfelt moments. Ultimately, it's worth adding to your collection or at least renting for an entertaining evening.