The Kids Are All Right Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray video presentation of "The Kids Are All Right" is notable for its commendable 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer, evident in its warm, natural, and refined visual quality. Shot on 35mm film, the movie maintains a pleasing filmic texture uncompromised by digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. While the picture isn't razor-sharp, it showcases a high degree of fine detail, particularly on actors' faces and clothing, highlighting the cinematographic intent rather than any deficiencies in the transfer itself. The color reproduction is exemplary, offering a realistic palette with warm skin tones and a rich overall sense of visual depth. Although black levels could be marginally darker and contrast slightly more pronounced, the absence of banding, blocking, aliasing, and other encode-related distractions is highly notable.

The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 further complements the film's sunny and filmic aesthetic, deviating from the over-lit textures typical of most comedies. This effectively leverages a warm and rich color palette that enhances the naturalistic skin tones and deep black levels. A fine level of grain is present, adding to the movie's authentic filmic appearance without introducing any unwarranted technical flaws. Overall, this Blu Ray transfer captures the essence of the original theatrical experience accurately, establishing itself as a robust and reliable visual presentation. While it may not qualify as demo material for showcasing home theater capabilities, it undoubtedly stands as a strong and solid transfer worth its praise.

The audio presentation of "The Kids Are All Right" on Blu-Ray, delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix, effectively complements the film's quiet family drama/comedy narrative. Prioritizing clear and distinct dialogue, it ensures that Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg's witty script shines through, with voices sounding natural and weighty, exhibiting appropriate acoustical properties. While the film's sound design isn't designed to be overwhelmingly dynamic, it excels in delivering precise vocal clarity. The soundtrack, featuring punchy pop songs, enriches the viewing experience by leveraging the rear speakers for an immersive auditory presence.

Beyond the dialogue, occasional ambient sounds like wind or outdoor noises gently occupy the background, subtly enhancing the scene's realism without overwhelming the primary audio elements. The LFE channel remains mostly understated, with notable exceptions during scenes involving the character Paul's motorcycle, which injects occasional low-frequency energy into the mix. This approach maintains the film's intimate atmosphere while ensuring all critical audio elements remain prominent and well-defined.

Additionally, the disc is equipped with French DTS 5.1 and Spanish DTS 5.1 audio options and subtitles available in English SDH, French, and Spanish. Despite being a dialogue-centric movie without significant demand for extensive surround activity, the overall mix is robust, preserving the cinematic experience as intended in theaters. This release provides an audio experience that is both detailed and satisfying, perfectly fitting the film's nature and enhancing its narrative strengths.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Kids Are All Right" provide a mix of valuable content but are overall minimal. The standout feature is an engaging audio commentary from writer/director Lisa Cholodenko. Her reflections on the intertwining of her life and the screenplay, the challenges faced during production, and insights into working with the cast make it a must-listen. However, the other extras are limited to three brief featurettes that offer only short interviews, film clips, and behind-the-scenes footage. These are hardly comprehensive but do provide a quick peek into the film's production. Disappointingly, all these extras are also available on the DVD version.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by writer/director Lisa Cholodenko.
• The Journey to Forming a Family: Brief overview of the film's cast.
• The Making of The Kids Are All Right: Short glance at the film’s production process.
• The Writer's Process: Quick segment on the screenplay's development.

"The Kids Are All Right" masterfully navigates the terrain of modern family dynamics, showcasing the lives of a middle-aged lesbian couple, Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening), as they manage their suburban home life. Directed with finesse by Lisa Cholodenko, the film's brilliance lies in its refusal to be reduced to a mere "gay movie". Instead, it presents a universally relatable narrative that dissects the complexities of marriage and parenthood, regardless of sexual orientation. The screenplay, co-written by Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg, is both psychologically insightful and deftly humorous, ensuring that the story remains engaging without becoming a political statement. The film presents a world where gay rights are an assumed part of the social fabric, focusing instead on the universal challenges and rewards of family life.

Central to the story are the children, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), who catalyze family turmoil by seeking out their biological father Paul (Mark Ruffalo), an easygoing organic farmer with a penchant for casual relationships. Ruffalo’s portrayal of Paul adds a layer of depth to the character, showcasing a man who begins reevaluating his choices and responsibilities upon reconnecting with his progeny. The resulting interplay among Paul, Jules, and Nic introduces profound emotional shifts, testing the existing family dynamics. This narrative thread explores themes of belonging and identity without succumbing to melodrama, maintaining a realistic yet poignant tone throughout.

The performances are exemplary, with Bening and Moore delivering authentic representations of their characters’ long-term relationship struggles. They encapsulate the nuances of their roles, from Nic’s control issues and casual alcoholism to Jules’s bouts of verbosity and quest for appreciation. Ruffalo's character arc adds further complexity, as his presence compels all characters to confront their insecurities and desires. The supporting performances by Wasikowska and Hutcherson enhance the authenticity of this contemporary family drama. "The Kids Are All Right" stands out not just for its engaging narrative, but for its keen balance of humor, emotional honesty, and richly drawn characters.

"The Kids Are All Right" offers an engaging examination of marriage and family dynamics, skillfully blending humor and heart. Featuring standout performances from an impressive cast, this film navigates the complexities of modern relationships with insight and relatability. While it may not address or influence societal debates on gay marriage, its primary focus lies in universal themes of love and commitment.

The Blu-ray release is a treat for home viewers, showcasing a high-definition transfer that brings out the visual aesthetic beautifully. The audio track, although not exactly reference quality, delivers a solid lossless performance that complements the film's tone and mood. Despite a limited selection of special features, the included commentary adds value and depth to the viewer’s experience.

In conclusion, "The Kids Are All Right" is a remarkable film from 2010 that stands out for its wit and emotional resonance. This Blu-ray edition, with its excellent picture and quality sound, albeit minimal extras, comes highly recommended for anyone looking to add a heartfelt, intelligent comedy to their collection.