Half Baked Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Half Baked," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, is sourced from an older master provided by Universal Pictures, featuring a 1080p transfer. This presentation is unfortunately limited by the age and quality of its source. While certain close-ups and middle shots exhibit decent detail, overall image quality suffers from a lack of definition and flat visuals. Moreover, darker scenes exhibit moderate to significant crushing, causing a loss of native depth. Despite good color stability, the primaries and supporting hues could benefit from better balance and vibrancy.

Film grain is present but appears unresolved, indicative of an older and less refined scan, leading to notable edge enhancement and consequent artifacting. On the positive side, black levels are reasonably solid, though they tend to appear somewhat gray in certain scenes, with a reasonable image depth. The source elements used for this transfer are mainly in good condition, with only minor speckling around the opening credits and occasional stains and dark marks throughout. Although the overall image stability is commendable, the transfer falls short of delivering an organic and convincing appearance that fans might expect from such a beloved title.

This Blu-ray release of "Half Baked" features two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in delivering a stable and dynamically nuanced sound experience. With a well-balanced mix free from balance issues, the track performs solidly. While there could be minor enhancements in the mid/upper registers to slightly open up the audio, the current state of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remains very strong and competent.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 audio tracks on this Blu-ray are impressive given the film's nature. The movie doesn't demand an overly active or immersive surround experience, yet the 5.1 mix achieves a commendable level of spatial distribution and balance. Most of the film maintains a front/center focus, with occasional deviations for impactful surround activity, such as the scenes where Thurgood and his friends try medical-grade marijuana or during Dave Chappelle's Sir Smoke-a-lot music videos. The 2.0 mix is more frontloaded but effectively delivers a clean and balanced audio experience, ensuring that both tracks are well-suited for their purposes.

The Blu-ray extras for "Half Baked" offer a comprehensive collection of archival features that should satisfy any fan of the film. The commentary by director Tamra Davis remains a highlight, offering insightful context and behind-the-scenes details, making it a valuable listen. While the deleted scenes and the alternate ending are intriguing additions, most of the remaining extras feel like nostalgic remnants from the DVD era, providing occasional giggles but lacking substantial content. Overall, these extras compile well-rounded, albeit slightly dated, material for viewers revisiting this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by director Tamra Davis.
• 8 Outrageous Deleted Scenes: Unused sequences providing additional context.
• Alternate Ending: A different conclusion to the film.
• Five Minutes with the Guy on the Couch: A short feature focusing on a secondary character.
• Different Types of Smokers: Entertaining animated sequences.
• Granny's Guide to Bakin': Humorous cooking guide.
• Trailer: Vintage teaser for "Half Baked".

Tamra Davis' "Half Baked" (1998) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, offering a variety of supplemental features including archival audio commentary, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and more. The film, now in high definition, remains region-A locked and includes optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature.

Narratively, "Half Baked" strives to encapsulate the quintessential stoner comedy, much in the vein of classic Cheech and Chong films. Its plot follows Thurgood (Dave Chappelle), Scarface (Guillermo Diaz), Brian (Jim Breuer), and Kenny (Harland Williams), who need to raise one million dollars to bail Kenny out of jail. This escapade begins when Thurgood stumbles upon an unlimited supply of high-grade medical marijuana at his workplace. While the screenplay co-written by Chappelle and Neal Brennan has moments of brilliance and hilarity, Chappelle has expressed dissatisfaction with the final product, pointing out that much of the diverse and vibrant material he envisioned was edited out.

Performance-wise, the cast delivers a mixed bag. Chappelle stands out as the janitor with a heart, though his romantic subplot with Rachel True feels underdeveloped. Guillermo Diaz and Jim Breuer bring wild energy but often veer into exaggerated portrayals. Harland Williams garners laughs but is oddly limited in screen time. Cameos by Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, and Tommy Chong seemingly aim to bolster the film's credibility but fall rather short in impact.

Ultimately, "Half Baked" is a basic yet endearing stoner comedy that briskly moves through its 82-minute runtime without losing momentum. It may not be the most sophisticated or groundbreaking comedic endeavor, but its absurdity and charm render it a memorable watch. The Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber ensures that fans can appreciate this cult classic with better visual fidelity and a collection of intriguing bonus features.

"Half Baked," while not the apex of stoner comedies, delivers ample laughs that resonate with fans of a certain generation and still provides a humorous experience for new audiences. Dave Chappelle's comedic genius is evident in his performance and script, but the film's overall impact feels somewhat diluted by cliched material. The recent Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics attempts to revitalize this cult classic. Unfortunately, it draws from an older, suboptimal master provided by Universal Pictures, hindering a complete visual enhancement. While the 1080p transfer is decent, the aged source material impacts the overall quality.

On the audio front, the release fares better. The soundtrack and dialogue remain clean and clear, maintaining an engaging auditory experience throughout. Additional bonus features included in the Blu-ray are primarily rehashes of previously available content, offering little in terms of fresh insights or behind-the-scenes revelations. However, for devoted fans, these extras may still hold nostalgic value.

In conclusion, "Half Baked" under Kino Lorber's release serves as a reminder of the film's contribution to stoner comedy lore. If Chappelle had more creative control, the movie could have been significantly stronger. Given its current form and the less-than-stellar Blu-ray transfer, it is advisable to purchase this disc only at a discounted price. Nonetheless, for those eager to revisit the classic laughs or introduce them to a new generation, this Blu-ray can provide a satisfactory experience.