Happythankyoumoreplease Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Happythankyoumoreplease" exhibits an intriguing example of digital cinematography that aims for a filmic aesthetic. Shot using the Red One camera equipped with anamorphic lenses, director Josh Radnor and DP Seamus Tierney effectively mitigate the harshness often associated with digital formats. This results in a strikingly film-like image, benefiting from meticulous lighting both on set and in extensive post-production color correction. Importantly, the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer retains excellent detail, particularly in well-lit, indoor scenes, and outdoor daylight shots, where colors are vibrant and visually engaging. Nevertheless, long shots can sometimes appear soft, and there's a surprising amount of digital manipulation to achieve the intended visual effects.

However, not all aspects hold up to scrutiny. The transfer notably struggles with black levels. In darker scenes, blacks tend to crush, leading to a loss of detail and definition. Moreover, black levels frequently appear elevated and tinged with blue, contributing to a sometimes washed-out look. This inconsistency is perplexing, as the film's included trailer doesn't showcase the same problem. The greatest faults are revealed in dimly lit scenes such as those featuring Sam and Mississippi; here, the elevated blacks and occasional unnatural fleshtones are most pronounced. These technical issues detract from what could otherwise be a stellar high-definition experience.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray does justice to Radnor's vision by providing an exceptionally clear and largely noise-free image. The vibrant color palette and contrast are artistically handled, highlighting the urban setting of the film. Yet, the inherent problems with black levels and occasional lapses in sharpness mean this presentation won't fully satisfy purists seeking a flawless HD experience. Overall, while it boasts remarkable highlights, the video section remains a mixed bag with specific areas for improvement.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Happythankyoumoreplease" is delivered through an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround Sound track, which does well to match the film’s dialogue-centric nature. Dialogue is rendered with care, achieving clarity and proper positioning in the sound stage, ensuring that viewers can comfortably follow the conversations, which are the movie’s primary focus. The soundtrack, featuring compositions by artists such as JayMay, Cloud Cult, and Kander & Ebb, adds a dynamic element and fills the soundscape effectively, with notable tight low ends during musical sequences.

Despite its strengths in dialogue delivery, the use of surround channels is relatively sparse and mostly limited to natural environmental ambiance. Subtle effects are employed in scenes set in varied environments like subways, parks, parties, and rooftops. These effects enhance immersion but require attentive listening to be fully appreciated. The dynamic range and bass presence are generally flat, except for moments driven by the indie-rock soundtrack. Overall, while this audio mix does an adequate job complementing the film's indie style and budget limitations, it might leave audiophiles craving for a more imaginative sound design approach.

The Blu-ray extras for "Happythankyoumoreplease" provide a substantial look into the production and creative process behind the film, featuring a collection of insightful features that will appeal to fans. The commentary track with Producer/Writer/Director/Actor Josh Radnor and Producer Jesse Hara is engaging, offering detailed anecdotes about script development, casting, and poignant behind-the-scenes moments. The music featurette shines a spotlight on Jaymay's contributions, capturing the essence of her involvement in crafting the film's unique soundtrack. Additionally, the inclusion of deleted scenes adds depth to character dynamics, though their exclusion from the final cut is understandable. The trailer and additional previews round out the extras, offering high-definition presentations with varying insights and quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Producer/Writer/Director/Actor Josh Radnor and Producer Jesse Hara: Detailed discussions on script development, casting, and production insights.
• Happythankyoumoreplease - Music Featuring Jaymay: Interviews about the film’s soundtrack and the creative involvement of Jaymay.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional character insights and material cut for pacing.
• Trailer: High-definition presentation with notable audio and visual quality.
• Previews: Trailers for Beautiful Boy, Kill The Irishman, and Daydream Nation.

"Happythankyoumoreplease" stands out as Josh Radnor's ambitious directorial debut, which shares the bittersweet struggles of a group of 20-somethings in New York City. Navigating through the uncertainties of young adulthood, the film presents a familiar yet endearing narrative. Radnor himself stars as Sam Wexler, a down-on-his-luck writer whose unexpected companionship with young Rasheen (Michael Algieri) amplifies the tale's poignancy. The interactions between characters, including the alopecia-stricken Annie (Malin Akerman), and the romantic duo Mary-Catherine (Zoe Kazan) and Charlie (Pablo Schreiber), weave a tapestry of relationships filled with moments of vulnerability and self-discovery. Another notable performance is given by Kate Mara as Mississippi, Sam's love interest.

Despite its commendable performances and genuine heart, the film falters due to a somewhat underwhelming script filled with indie cinema clichés and stilted dialogue. The narrative fails to rise above its inherent predictability; Sam's decision to keep Rasheen, while sweet, strains believability and leaves certain character arcs underdeveloped. The subplot entanglements, although interconnected effectively, often meander without delivering substantial impact. However, moments of emotional resonance do exist, largely due to the committed cast performances, particularly Kazan and Schreiber who portray a couple on the brink of relational transformation with raw authenticity.

On a technical note, Radnor’s directorial approach, while serviceable in capturing New York City's essence, lacks the creative flair necessary to elevate the material beyond typical indie aesthetics. The visual style remains conventional, resonant of many similar films in the genre. The film is also supported by a soundtrack from indie musician Jaymay, which, though pleasant, occasionally feels like an overused tool to evoke emotions where the script falls short. Overall, "Happythankyoumoreplease" evokes a sense of earnestness and effort but ultimately mirrors many other tales of young urban existentialism without carving out a distinct identity.

Josh Radnor's directorial debut 'Happythankyoumoreplease' presents a heartwarming narrative that earned the Audience Award at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. However, the Blu-ray's release reveals inconsistencies that might impact its reception based on technical expectations. The film's cinematography benefits from the high-definition Blu-ray format, but the video transfer lacks the sharpness and clarity that discerning viewers might hope for. Despite this, the audio quality remains respectable, offering clear dialogue and an immersive sound experience that compensates for the visual shortcomings.

The movie showcases engaging performances and solid direction, reflecting Radnor's promising capabilities as a filmmaker. Although the Blu-ray supplements, which include interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, fall short of being comprehensive, they still provide some insight into the film's creation process. These extras might not enhance the viewing experience significantly but are a commendable attempt to offer additional content for interested viewers.

In conclusion, 'Happythankyoumoreplease' is an earnest effort from Radnor that may resonate with audiences looking for a heartfelt indie film. While the Blu-ray presentation has its faults, its technical calibre in audio quality allows for an enjoyable viewing experience. Despite its imperfections, the film is worth exploring, especially for those who appreciate indie cinema and nuanced storytelling. Recommended as a rental, at the very least.