Fired Up! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Fired Up!" showcases a commendable 1080p, 2.40:1 transfer rendered through the MPEG-4 AVC codec, delivering an above-average visual experience that emphasizes natural, film-like aesthetics. The color reproduction stands out, with vibrant and crystal-clear hues spanning the entire palette. Key elements such as the orange Tigers football and cheer uniforms and the lush green foliage are particularly striking. Though a few scenes exhibit a slightly washed-out look, with colors appearing just a touch faded, these instances are minimal and do not substantially detract from the overall presentation.

Detail and sharpness are particularly impressive, whether in outdoor scenes showcasing intricate tree bark and meticulously manicured fields or in interior shots within dorm rooms. Flesh tones are generally natural but may appear marginally rosy in certain shots, while black levels are deep and solid. The image maintains a convincing film-like presence, supported by a fine grain layer that enhances the cinematic feel. Although there's a minor degree of contrast fluctuation in a few scenes, this does not significantly impact the overall strong visual performance.

By maintaining excellent saturation levels and ensuring that colors like those found in the cheerleading uniforms truly pop, the Blu-ray transfer of "Fired Up!" offers a visually engaging experience that largely avoids technical issues. The result is an impressive 1080p image quality, making it a worthy addition to any collection despite some occasional inconsistencies.

Sony brings "Fired Up!" to Blu-ray with an impressive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that leans heavily towards a front-channel mix. The audio presentation is anchored by catchy 90s beats and a variety of pop songs that are delivered with crystal-clear precision, bringing a nice, natural presence throughout the entire dynamic range. Dialogue delivery remains sharp and crisp across all scenes, ensuring clarity without overwhelming the listener. However, while ambient noise and sound effects are well-placed across the front channels, the rear channels offer minimal support, limiting the depth of the auditory experience.

Although the bass does occasionally feature to support the music, it registers just enough to reverberate pleasantly without causing significant low-frequency rumble. Such a simplified track effectively eliminates potential technical issues, resulting in clean and consistently pleasing audio. Despite its limitations in immersive surround sound, this soundtrack performs reliably within its scope, providing a nicely balanced and front-heavy presentation that is well-suited for this genre. The lean towards simplicity over complexity ensures there are no unexpected surprises, making this a competent and enjoyable audio experience for a mainstream comedy.

The Blu-ray release of "Fired Up!" offers a comprehensive array of extras that enhance the viewing experience. Both the theatrical and unrated cuts are provided, with the latter featuring a star icon to denote exclusive footage. The standout is an entertaining commentary track with Director Will Gluck and actors Nicholas D'Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen, marked by its humor and behind-the-scenes insights. Complementing this is a good-natured making-of featurette, "This is Not a Cheerleading Movie," which balances lighthearted reflections with technical aspects of the filmmaking process. Additional features such as the "Double Duty" featurette, a humorous yet uninspired gag reel, and a mock press junket underscore the film's playful spirit. However, the selection of related theatrical trailers seems curiously mismatched with the film's tone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Will Gluck and Actors Nicholas D'Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen: Amusing and insightful behind-the-scenes commentary.
• This is Not a Cheerleading Movie: The Making of 'Fired Up!': Above-average making-of piece with cast and crew reflections.
• Double Duty: Feature on the actors learning cheerleading routines and playing football.
• Gag Reel Uncensored: Bloopers filled with humor and expletives.
• 'Fired Up!' Press Junket – Hour 12: Mock press segment with Eric Christian Olsen.
• Theatrical Trailers: Various unrelated movie previews.

"Fired Up!" attempts to invigorate the well-trodden path of teen comedies with a testosterone-fueled storyline focused on high school football stars Nick (Eric Christian Olsen) and Shawn (Nicholas D'Agosto). The plot is predictably centered around their pursuit of female company, leading them to join a cheerleading camp overflowing with potential romantic conquests. However, beyond its ostensibly lascivious premise lies a narrative that hews closely to the stereotypical teen comedy playbook, offering recycled jokes and clichéd characters. The film does have fleeting moments that elicit genuine laughter, largely thanks to the performances of David Walton and Eric Christian Olsen. Walton's portrayal of Rick, a pseudo-learned med school aspirant stuck in the early '90s, injects some much-needed originality into the film. Olsen's role as Nick also shines brightly, channeling a Jim Carrey-esque energy that elevates his character above the otherwise formulaic landscape.

Despite being marketed as an "Unrated Edition," this version offers negligible content that pushes its rating boundaries. The overt advertising promising a wild, raunchy experience misleads viewers; the film remains relatively mild, featuring innuendo over explicit scenes. The expectation set by the promotional material for a sexually charged comedy reminiscent of "Porky's" remains unmet, with only a nominal increase in runtime over the standard version. Much like similar films in the genre, "Fired Up!" trades substance for superficial style without completely abandoning charm. The humor mostly misses its mark, relying heavily on tropes and predictable setups.

In summary, “Fired Up!” succeeds occasionally with its humor and features commendable performances that momentarily uplift its otherwise tired narrative presentation. As a cheer-centric romp, it pales in comparison to genre standouts like "Bring It On," but for those seeking a lighthearted, albeit mostly forgettable, comedic experience, it may still hold some appeal despite its misleading packaging.

"Fired Up!" on Blu-ray provides a technically solid yet content-wise lackluster viewing experience. The Blu-ray transfer is commendable, boasting crisp visuals and a clear, albeit front-heavy, audio track. Sony's release includes additional materials that enhance the package, including a worthwhile commentary track. However, despite these technical merits, the film itself falls short.

The storyline of "Fired Up!" is predictable and the characters are mostly unmemorable, rounding off a package that's adept at providing lightweight, brainless entertainment but little else. While a few performances manage to stand out, the majority of the jokes range from mediocre to poor. It's a quintessential "leave your brain at the door" movie that fails to offer depth in terms of plot or character development.

In summary, for those who enjoy undemanding teen comedies and silly cheerleading antics, "Fired Up!" might suffice as an occasional watch. However, even with its technical strengths, it does not justify a purchase at its current price point. Unless you are particularly drawn to this genre or have a penchant for light-hearted teenage romp films, it might be prudent to pass on this one. Save for audiences craving the lowest common denominator of entertainment, "Fired Up!" ultimately disappoints.