Pineapple Express Blu-ray Review

The Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Pineapple Express" showcases a notable improvement in video quality over its original Blu-ray counterpart, but it's an enhancement that demands attentive observation rather than presenting an immediate 'wow' factor. The 2160p HEVC-encoded transfer, respecting the film's original 2.40:1 aspect ratio, delivers a more nuanced and textured viewing experience. Filmed on 35mm and finished at 2K before presumably being remastered from a 4K source for this UHD release, the movie benefits greatly from HDR-enhanced colors and finer detail in both close-ups and wide shots. Colors are richer and more authentic, particularly in natural elements and skin tones, which showcase more realistic variations and subtleties. The earthy tones prevalent throughout the film receive a gratifying depth, and highlights like Saul's car windows or the lushness of green foliage pop with a newfound vibrancy.

Detailing across the board sees a significant upgrade on UHD. Clothing textures, facial features, and even background elements are rendered with impressive clarity. The grain, while more pronounced, maintains its filmic integrity without distracting from the overall sharpness of the image. Comparatively speaking, while the included 1080p Blu-ray holds its own in terms of color and detail, it falls short of providing the same level of depth and texture present in the UHD release. Scenes previously noted for their flat or smudged appearance on Blu-ray, such as a towel draped over a chair or detailed shots of police uniforms and badges, are revitalized in UHD with crisp delineation and enhanced material textures.

Despite these visual enhancements, the transition to Ultra HD might not scream essential upgrade for every viewer, especially given the subtlety of these improvements over the high-definition release. While colors are indeed more vibrant and detailing is elevated, the overall impact varies depending on one's scrutiny level and equipment quality. The UHD version excels in delivering a more faithfully cinematic and textured representation of "Pineapple Express," particularly for enthusiasts seeking to replicate the full texture of film at home. However, those without a discerning eye for technical detail may find the enhancements more understated than transformative.

"Pineapple Express" embarks on its Ultra HD journey with a newly minted Dolby Atmos audio track, leaving behind the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks from earlier releases. Evaluated through a 7.1.4 audio configuration, the Atmos mix introduces an overhead dimension to the soundstage, yet it doesn’t consistently leverage the full potential of its Atmos pedigree, specifically in its use of height channels. The sound design primarily sticks to a front-centric approach, emphasizing dialogue and slight sound effects with crystal clear articulation. Ambience from rear speakers does a commendable job at capturing environmental nuances, such as the bustling of a school hallway or the natural setting teeming with insect life, offering a modest yet appreciable depth to the soundfield.

In terms of musical execution and certain action sequences, the track displays a strong sense of clarity and balance. The music is presented with a notable precision that complements the on-screen events well. Despite this, the action scenes exhibit a degree of inconsistency; for instance, while one gunshot may resonate with significant impact, another might fall flat shortly after, lacking a comparable auditory punch. The moments where gunfire and explosions take center stage, the sound field widens impressively with clear, engaging surround support, hinting at what could have been a more immersive experience had the height channels been employed to their fullest extent throughout.

Despite these facets, it's clear that the Atmos soundtrack on "Pineapple Express" enhances the audio experience beyond its prior Blu-ray release versions, especially in terms of environmental sound placement and the broadened soundstage that benefits both effects and music alike. Nevertheless, it stops short of fully embracing the dynamic capabilities offered by Atmos technology, particularly in delivering the low-frequency effects (LFE) and surround aggression that could have significantly elevated the film’s more audaciously comic and action-packed sequences. While it marks an improvement over its predecessors and demonstrates strengths in certain areas like dialogue clarity and specific environmental soundscapes, it ultimately delivers a mixed performance that might leave audiophiles wanting more from its Atmos implementation.

The "Pineapple Express" Blu-ray extras showcase an extensive and diverse collection of bonus features, ensuring there's something to cater to all tastes. Noteworthy is the audio commentary that includes key figures like David Gordon Green and Seth Rogen, offering an entertaining blend of humor and technical insights that elevate the viewing experience. The UHD disc introduces a new menu system for an enhanced user interface, although it lacks new supplements. High-definition deleted and extended scenes provide intriguing "what-if" scenarios, while featurettes on the making and action of the film deliver behind-the-scenes looks that are as engaging as they are informative. Also included are quirky and amusing segments like Saul's Apartment and Red And Jessica's Guide to Marriage, alongside more traditional inclusions such as gag reels and rehearsal footage. The inclusion of a digital copy code adds value by offering viewers multiple platforms for enjoyment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features a laid-back session with David Gordon Green, Seth Rogen, and others.
• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes adding more context to the film.
• Extended And Alternate Scenes: Eight scenes showcasing different takes on the movie’s plot.
• The Making of Pineapple Express: A behind-the-scenes look at the production process.
• The Action of Pineapple Express: Focuses on the film’s action sequences.
• Phone Booth: Features Judd Apatow voicing Dale’s girlfriend before Amber Heard’s casting.
• Gag Reel: A collection of bloopers from the filming.
• Line-O-Rama: Rapid-fire ad-libs from the cast.
• Direct-O-Rama: Cut scenes with directorial input from David Gordon Green.
• Item 9: A black and white addendum focusing on Item 9 test subjects.
• Saul’s Apartment: Additional scenes set in Saul’s apartment.
• Raw Footage: A compilation of deleted scenes and unused footage.
• Begley’s Best: A featurette on Ed Begley Jr.’s eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Red And Jessica’s Guide To Marriage: A short sketch on marital advice from Red and Jessica.
• Injury Report: Details the injuries sustained during filming.
• Stuntmaster Ken: A brief segment with stunt coordinator Ken Jeong.
• Table Read 3/4/06: Footage from a script table read with the cast.
• Rehearsal Footage 3/06/07: Behind-the-scenes rehearsal clips.
• Comic-Con Panel: The cast and crew at Comic-Con.
• Red Band Trailer: The high-definition trailer for ‘Pineapple Express’.
• Previews: Trailers for other films.
• Digital Copy: A digital version of the movie for various devices.

"Pineapple Express" makes a bold leap into the realm of 4K entertainment, showcasing its vibrant and eccentric adventure on Ultra HD Blu-ray. Sony's commitment to elevating the home cinema experience is evident as "Pineapple Express" bursts onto the scene with a stunning 4K (3840x2160p) resolution, marking a significant moment in Sony's UHD catalogue. While this review focuses on the movie section of the Blu-ray release, it’s essential to mention the film's successful transition into heightened clarity and detail, although screenshots provided are sourced from the 1080p version, hinting at even more impressive visuals pending in 4K.

The film itself is an unorthodox blend of comedy and action, grounded in the chemistry between Seth Rogen's Dale Denton and James Franco's Saul Silver—a duo that delivers laughs and heart in spades. "Pineapple Express" weaves a tale of an accidental witness to a murder, resulting in a comedic escapade filled with well-executed action sequences and memorable dialogues that resonate with the audience. Notably, the dynamic between Dale and Saul stands out, with Franco’s performance earning him a Golden Globe nomination, illustrating a stoner character that avoids clichés, presenting depth and relatability.

The Ultra HD Blu-ray package for "Pineapple Express" is comprehensive, including only the theatrical cut on the 4K disc along with audio commentary. To access the Extended Cut or Bonus Materials, viewers will need to utilize the included Blu-ray Disc, which represents a repackaging of the original 2008 release rather than the more recent Mastered in 4K version. This release not only highlights the enduring appeal of "Pineapple Express" as a cinematic piece but also underscores the ongoing evolution of home entertainment technology, promising an immersive viewing experience with its 4K presentation.

"Pineapple Express" stands as a vibrant exemplar of the action/comedy genre, blending relentless energy with dynamic performances from Seth Rogen, James Franco, and an equally enthusiastic supporting cast. The film's pacing is adeptly maintained through precise editing and a direction that leverages the script’s potential to the fullest, ensuring the narrative momentum remains unabated. From a technical perspective, Sony’s Ultra HD Blu-ray release showcases an exceptional picture quality, arguably among the best for film-sourced transfers in the early days of UHD technology. Despite some shortcomings in its Atmos sound mix, the overall audio experience is commendably supported by the remaining sound channels, offering a well-balanced auditory counterpart to the visual feast.

While the Ultra HD disc itself does not feature extras – these are relegated to the included 1080p version – the bonus content is comprehensive, thus slightly mitigating this oversight for collectors and fans who value such additions. The upgrade in video and audio quality on this UHD release is noted and appreciated, albeit not revolutionary when compared to its predecessors. For enthusiasts of the genre and the film, this release presents a significant enhancement, making it a worthwhile addition to one's collection, particularly for those seeking reference material in the nascent phase of UHD’s market presence.

In conclusion, "Pineapple Express" on Ultra HD Blu-ray represents a compelling acquisition for aficionados of the film and early adopters of UHD technology alike. Despite a somewhat underwhelming Atmos track and the physical separation of special features from the UHD disc, the release shines with its superb visual transfer and enduring charm. While it may fall short of being an imperative upgrade for casual viewers, it undoubtedly merits consideration from dedicated fans and collectors, serving as a visually stunning reference point within the evolving landscape of home cinema.