It Could Happen to You Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "It Could Happen to You" delivers a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer that varies drastically in video quality. The film’s intentional use of a hazy, soft aesthetic combined with prevalent grain results in an overall presentation that lacks modern high-definition clarity. Fine detail is often obscured by the heavy grain structure, and certain scenes, notably the bathroom sequence, suffer from distracting digital noise and grain activity. Color representation is inconsistent; while some primary colors like the red of Yvonne’s dress and blue police uniforms occasionally pop, most hues appear washed out and lack definition. Flesh tones waver from ghastly to rosy, further hindered by a pervasive yellowish tint. Black levels are inconsistent, often appearing weak.

Additionally, the video transfer shows evidence of age-related wear with prevalent dirt specks and scratches. Lighting issues are evident in both exterior and interior shots, often flooding scenes with excessive illumination that obliterates detail. Notable artifacts appear intermittently, particularly distracting during sequences such as those in Yankee Stadium. While there are minor reprieves where the image quality briefly improves, they are scarce and fail to set any meaningful standard.

Despite these flaws, it should be noted that the encoding effort does capably render the film’s elements consistent with its intended aesthetic. Resolution varies with camera perspective, revealing its strengths mostly in scenes where depth isn’t compromised by grain or noise. Whites are generally punchy, and deeper black levels are achieved sporadically. This Blu-ray release, therefore, represents the highest quality this film has achieved on home media to date. However, given the significant inconsistencies and issues present throughout the transfer, it may fall short of expectations for viewers seeking exemplary high-definition video quality.

The audio presentation of "It Could Happen to You" on Blu-ray, encoded in Dolby TrueHD 5.1, delivers a serviceable but unremarkable listening experience. The sound mix is heavily front-centered, with the bulk of the audio emanating from the front three channels. Dialogue is generally clear and crisply delivered, as exemplified by Isaac Hayes' authoritative narration, which resonates robustly from the center channel. However, certain dialogues, particularly those delivered by Perez, lack clarity and can be overwhelmed by the background noise.

The surround channels are underutilized, offering only slight ambient effects that scarcely contribute to creating an enveloping sound field. The rear channels are almost entirely silent, failing to add any meaningful component to the overall mix. This is particularly disappointing as it leaves musical cues and environmental sounds confined primarily to the front speakers, resulting in a somewhat cramped and restricted auditory space.

The soundtrack demonstrates its age and sometimes feels dynamically challenged, lacking the depth and punch that might elevate key moments. While the bass is present, it serves merely as a subtle complement and rarely asserts itself within the soundscape. The film's score, although a vital element, often gets overshadowed by the dialogue, further diminishing its impact. Despite these limitations, this audio track maintains fidelity and represents a respectable, if not exceptional, presentation that brings out the best possible sound from the original recording.

This Blu-ray release of "It Could Happen to You" offers a minimal selection of extras, similar to its DVD counterpart but with even fewer features. The Blu-ray notably excludes the film’s own trailer, previously available on the DVD. Instead, it includes high-definition trailers for "Made of Honor" and "13 Going on 30." Additionally, the disc supports BD-Live functionality (Blu-ray profile 2.0), providing access to more content through an internet connection. While the interactive menus are practical, the overall offering of extras remains sparse, leaving much to be desired for fans seeking in-depth bonus material.

Extras included in this disc:

(HD) Previews: High-definition trailers for "Made of Honor" and "13 Going on 30." BD-Live enabled: Allows access to additional online content via Blu-ray profile 2.0.

"It Could Happen to You" is a romantic comedy inspired by the true story of a humble cop who shares his lottery winnings with a struggling waitress. Nicolas Cage stars as Charlie Lang, a kind-hearted New York policeman whose altruistic gesture towards cafe waitress Yvonne (Bridget Fonda) ignites a whirlwind of emotional and financial adventures. Opposite them, Rosie Perez delivers a convincing portrayal of Muriel, Charlie’s avaricious wife. The film thrives on Cage and Fonda’s undeniable chemistry, which breathes life into an otherwise predictable narrative. Together, they elevate charming moments that maintain viewer engagement despite the film's pervasive clichés.

The movie employs a simplistic and overtly sentimental narrative style, replete with predictably saccharine dialogue and conventional tropes like "happily ever after" and "true love conquers all." The story also leans heavily into its themes of fate, destiny, and the morality of giving versus receiving, providing a feel-good but somewhat shallow viewing experience. Characters are broadly painted; the goodness of Charlie and Yvonne contrasts sharply with Muriel's despicable nature, creating clear moral delineations that often feel forced.

While the film does succumb to portraying characters in exaggerated, one-dimensional terms, it compensates with an underlying sweetness and genuine heart. Isaac Hayes' partial narration adds an extra layer of whimsical charm, although the film's adherence to style over substance is particularly evident in its flawed courtroom sequences and overly manufactured conflicts. Ultimately, "It Could Happen to You" functions as a modern fairy tale, best suited for audiences seeking lighthearted escapism rather than nuanced storytelling.

"It Could Happen to You" on Blu-ray demonstrates a quintessential mid-tier romantic comedy that leans heavily on the charm of its leads, yet fails to escape the trappings of predictability and manipulation. The film’s reliance on character extremes leaves little room for genuine surprise, which significantly diminishes the intended magical and fate-bound themes. The resulting narrative is rather shallow, but nonetheless enjoyable if approached with a forgiving mindset. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray release doesn’t elevate the experience as one might hope; the video transfer is soft, almost to a fault, perhaps intending to evoke a dream-like atmosphere, but it often comes off as merely underwhelming.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray disc follows suit with a lackluster performance that fails to impress. Dialog clarity is maintained, yet there's a noticeable lack of dynamic range and depth needed to fully immerse viewers. The absence of any substantial film-related supplements or bonus features further detracts from the value proposition of this release. While the pleasant chemistry between the lead actors carries the movie just enough to warrant a casual view, those seeking a more fulfilling audiovisual experience might find themselves disappointed.

In conclusion, "It Could Happen to You" on Blu-ray is a mixed offering. As a film, it engages through sheer charm despite its flaws, but the Blu-ray edition does not enhance this charm as effectively as one would wish. For genre enthusiasts or those needing a comforting, easy-watch on a lazy day, it could suffice. However, discerning buyers might prefer to allocate their entertainment budget toward titles with more robust technical presentations and content-rich packages. Overall, this Blu-ray might best serve as an occasional rental rather than a prize addition to a home media collection.