Ted 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ted," from Shout Factory, presents a marked improvement over the original 2012 Blu-ray in terms of detail and texture, despite some limitations inherent to its originally HD-shot, 2K-finished format. The new transfer showcases notable enhancements in image clarity and fidelity, making Ted and the human characters appear strikingly textured. Sharpness remains consistent across both distant and close-up scenes, though some frame information is lost in overly heavy black levels. This consistency is further seen in the impressive lighting dynamics, particularly evident during Boston's night shots, where dazzling highlights are well articulated against a deeply black skyline.

Color representation, however, offers mixed results. The palette is vibrant yet carries a slightly aggressive saturation that may push flesh tones towards a warmer hue and occasionally exhibit distracting brightness. Reds can appear overemphasized, sometimes affecting skin tone precision. Overall contrast is stellar, contributing to bright and intense visuals, yet the colors maintain a slight yellowish push throughout the film. Although some viewers might find this saturation obtrusive, it generally avoids obvious color bleeding.

While the new 4K transfer isn't the definitive epitome of what 4K technology can accomplish, it certainly elevates the visual experience over Universal’s previous release. Shout! Factory has once again delivered a strong effort in presenting high-quality transfers, albeit stopping short of out-of-the-park brilliance they have achieved with other titles. Fans seeking improved visual fidelity will likely find this UHD release satisfactory, even if it doesn’t fully encompass the complete potential of modern 4K presentations.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Ted" delivers a solid auditory experience characterized by sharp and crisp audio elements. Musical scores, particularly jazzy compositions, are vividly reproduced, with fine detail in instrumentation. These sounds extend into the surround channels, providing an immersive auditory environment. Though dialogue is front and center, maintaining clarity and character nuances, surround channels pleasantly enrich scenes with environmental effects like weather and party backgrounds. While the low-end spectrum is not constantly active, it effectively punctuates more dynamic sequences and heavier moments.

Despite being predominantly dialogue-driven, the mix includes standout musical segments such as Queen's "Flash Gordon," enhancing the mood. The overall auditory design leans toward a front-heavy mix, with occasional low-frequency effects adding depth. The surrounds contribute ambiance, making scene transitions smooth and engaging. This soundscape reinforces the familiar feel for fans of Seth McFarlane’s work, although some might notice elements reminiscent of "Family Guy." The mix shows its strength in how it presents the story's nuances alongside humor and action.

Set pieces such as clubs, parties, and significant climactic moments like a gripping car chase benefit from excellent spatial audio planning, creating a lively soundstage. Atmospheric features like thunder are crafted with precision, adding to the narrative's impact. While some may find the overall heft lacking in terms of sheer power, "Ted’s" DTS-HD Master Audio presentation compensates with balance and spacing. Furthermore, the UHD release includes insightful commentary tracks and interviews that supplement the audio experience with sophisticated behind-the-scenes content.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras for "Ted" deliver an engaging and insightful exploration into the film's production and creative development, with a touch of humor and technical achievements highlighted. The commentary track featuring Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Sulkin stands out for its blend of humor and insightful behind-the-scenes commentary, despite Wahlberg's early departure. Key featurettes such as "Nothing is as Powerful as a Young Man's Wish" and "Thunder Buddies for Life" delve into the challenges and innovation involved in bringing the CGI bear to life. Aspects of casting, scripting, and legal challenges surrounding Flash Gordon materials are explored, offering fans a comprehensive understanding of the film's journey from script to screen. These extras provide a well-rounded look at "Ted," appealing to both casual viewers and cinephiles interested in the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Sulkin.
• Nothing is as Powerful as a Young Man's Wish: Interview with co-writers on Ted's development.
• Thunder Buddies for Life: Producer insights into creating Ted.
• The Making of 'Ted': Interviews with cast and crew on the CGI character development.
• Teddy Bear Scuffle: Breakdown of previsualization and stunt choreography.
• Beantown Bearings: Boston scene-setting highlights.
• Celebrity Scene Stealers: Review of cameos in Ted.
• Donny & Robert: Focus on Giovanni Ribisi and Aedin Mincks's roles.
• The Sleazy Boss: Analysis of Joel McHale's performance.
• OMG! It's Sam Jones: Exploration of Flash Gordon elements.
• Best of Buds: Depiction of CGI-driven drug use.
• Ted's Girl: Appreciation of Jessica Barth's role.
• Deleted Scenes: Nearly fifteen minutes of extra footage.
• Alternate Takes: Different joke executions.
• Gag Reel: Collection of on-set bloopers.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Ted" delivers a cinematic experience that perfectly encapsulates Seth MacFarlane's unique blend of humor and storytelling. In his directorial debut, MacFarlane masterfully transitions his comedic sensibilities from the beloved animated series "Family Guy" to a live-action format, imbued with the same raunchiness and cultural nostalgia. The film follows John Bennett, played with surprising lightness by Mark Wahlberg, whose childhood wish brings his teddy bear, Ted, to life—a premise that catalyzes a riotous journey into adult irresponsibility. The film’s voice acting, courtesy of MacFarlane himself, channels familiar tones from his animated work while breathlessly pushing the boundaries of taste with unabashed enthusiasm.

"Ted" thrives on its ability to juxtapose absurdity with earnest emotional arcs. Wahlberg and the CGI bear create a surprisingly genuine chemistry, arguably eclipsing many contemporary film romances, adding emotional depth beneath MacFarlane’s steady stream of pop culture references and irreverent comedy. Mila Kunis complements this dynamic as Lori, grounding the story as her character navigates frustrations with John's refusal to grow up. Ted's antics provide seamless comic relief, from nostalgic nods to "Flash Gordon" to outrageous shenanigans elaborately set against a humorous Bostonian backdrop. Despite the film's vulgarity, it remains charming, offering not just laughter but an exploration of themes such as youthful attachment and reluctant maturation.

The film’s narrative structure, though straightforward, serves as a fitting vehicle for MacFarlane's comedic style—one not overly reliant on innovation but rather on recognizably hilarious chaos. The laughs in "Ted" are relentless and intentional, balancing slapstick moments with seemingly mundane emotional insights. This amalgamation results in an experience resonant with audiences who appreciate both humor and honesty in the portrayal of complex friendships. While not free from clichés, "Ted" succeeds in being distinctive by continuously delivering entertainment underpinned by MacFarlane's idiosyncratic style. The UHD version notably enhances the visual detail of the outlandish antics, ensuring that this comedy can be appreciated in vibrant clarity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ted" offers a vibrant visual upgrade that enhances the film's comedic charm, appealing particularly to fans of Seth MacFarlane's unique brand of humor. The movie, likened to an extended live-action episode of "Family Guy," maintains a deft balance between crudeness and playfulness, which are hallmarks of MacFarlane's style. Although the narrative can feel stretched across its runtime, the energy and engaging antics ensure that it never loses its comedic pace. Notably, the 4K UHD transfer markedly improves picture quality over previous releases, providing crisp visuals that fans will appreciate.

While "Ted" might not fully wield all of MacFarlane's creative strengths, it undeniably marks a solid transition from television to film. The 4K presentation is complemented by a handful of new features, enriching the viewing experience for dedicated fans. Despite some criticism of the supporting cast's performances, overall reception is positive; viewers continue to enjoy its distinctive humor and cultural references.

In conclusion, "Ted" in 4K is a delightful addition for enthusiasts of offbeat comedies and Seth MacFarlane's work. The visual improvements and additional content present a compelling case for upgrading or acquiring this iteration. While the film may not convert all erstwhile skeptics, its charm and irreverence remain intact, making it an essential watch for comedy aficionados seeking a blend of nostalgia and visual brilliance.