Johnny English

The video presentation of "Johnny English" on Blu-ray, delivered by Universal with a VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1, provides a notably sharp and detailed viewing experience. The high definition presentation ensures that fine details are excellently portrayed, contributing to a picture quality that is both natural and filmic in appearance. The colors, while not the most vibrant or robust, are decently saturated and maintain an authentic look throughout the film. There is a pronounced clarity evident in many of the outdoor scenes which showcases a commendable depth of field, enhancing the visual appeal of the movie.

However, it's important to note that the video transfer isn't without its slight drawbacks. Certain sequences, particularly those set in dimly lit environments, suffer from a negligible shadow detail. This could be an intentional choice to match the ambiance of specific scenes, but it does affect the overall consistency of the video quality. Despite this minor issue, the Blu-ray does an admirable job at presenting "Johnny English" in a manner that is generally pleasing to the eye.

The combination of sharpness, detail, and natural colors contributes to a high definition experience that fans of the film will appreciate. While the less robust color palette and occasional lapses in shadow detail in darker sequences may not position this Blu-ray as the epitome of video presentations, it certainly holds its own with a clear and detailed visual experience. The clarity observed, especially in outdoor locations, along with an overall natural and filmic look, assures viewers of a satisfying revisit to the comic escapades of Johnny English.

The audio experience of "Johnny English" on Blu-Ray is nothing short of exceptional, thanks to its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. This setup not only brings high fidelity sound to the forefront but also ensures a rich and immersive surround sound experience. The adept use of surround channels creates an enveloping atmosphere that places the viewer in the heart of the action, accentuated by a stunning range of foley effects that are both entertaining and remarkably precise. Such detailed sound design enhances the comedic elements of the film, making each scene more engaging and memorable.

A notable highlight is the potent use of the Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, which adds a significant impact to key moments in the film, such as the unexpected jolt early on that is likely to catch viewers off guard. This is complemented by cleverly designed sound effects, like the notably sharp zoom of a tranquilizer dart, adding a layer of realism and excitement. The audio mix excels in clarity when it comes to dialogue, ensuring every line is heard distinctly, which is paramount for enjoying the film's humor and narrative progression.

Moreover, the film's score, including the catchy theme song performed by Robbie Williams, is given ample room to shine, with its dynamics and nuances beautifully rendered. This auditory treat enhances the overall viewing experience, capturing the essence and spirit of "Johnny English" in a manner that is as audibly delightful as it is visually compelling. The meticulous attention to audio details in this Blu-Ray presentation makes it a stellar example of how sound can significantly elevate a film’s entertainment value.

The Blu-ray extras of "Johnny English" collectively offer a decent blend of behind-the-scenes footage and cut content that should appease fans looking for more of the film's unique mix of silliness and espionage. The deleted scenes add a substantial amount of unused material, showcasing more of Johnny English's bumbling attempts at spycraft and the villainous Sauvage's evil plans. "The Making of Johnny English" provides a traditional look behind the curtain, combining cast and crew interviews with on-set footage and film snippets to give viewers a sense of the production's scale and the challenges involved. Lastly, "Spy Tips," though brief, offers a humorous touch by featuring Rowan Atkinson's character delivering concise advice on being a spy, which fans of the film's humor will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A collection of cut scenes featuring humor and additional plot points.
• The Making of Johnny English: An in-depth look into the making of the movie, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Spy Tips: Short snippets where Johnny English shares humorous spy advice.

Rowan Atkinson's portrayal in "Johnny English," a film that oscillates between outright buffoonery and a not-so-subtle nod to the James Bond genre, proves divisive. Atkinson, with his unique blend of exaggerated facial expressions and physical comedy, brings life to the bumbling character of Johnny English. While this may appeal to a segment of the audience, admirers of the actor's previous work in "Blackadder" or "Mr. Bean," others might find his distinctive comedic style — comprising a series of tics and grimaces — less palatable. The movie, tailor-made for Atkinson’s comedic talents, has its moments but struggles to reach the comedic heights anticipated by fans, partly due to a screenplay attempting too ambitiously to spoof the well-worn path of spy genres previously traversed by icons like Mel Brooks and Mike Myers.

Set against the backdrop of a less-than-complex narrative, "Johnny English" explores the misadventures of an MI7 agent who inadvertently climbs the ranks due to a mishap that eliminates other field agents. Thrust into a mission involving the theft of the Crown Jewels, spearheaded by Pascal Sauvage (an over-the-top John Malkovich with an intentionally atrocious French accent), the film endeavors to balance between various gag setups and its storyline. However, the execution often falters; certain scenes intended to deliver laughs end up deflated due to questionable directional choices by Peter Howitt, notably in sequences that rely heavily on visual comedy but miss their mark due to poor execution.

Atkinson shines through with his physical comedy, managing to extract humor from even the most mundane situations, although not all attempts land successfully. Despite its shortcomings, including Malkovich’s peculiar portrayal of Sauvage and moments of comedic ineptitude, "Johnny English" sails through on its crisp pacing and Atkinson's undeniable charm. It may not redefine its genre or offer groundbreaking humor, but it possesses enough light-hearted spirit and quickfire gags to keep its audience engaged. The mixed success of its execution notwithstanding, the film has found its niche, ensuring that Atkinson’s hapless spy will continue his endeavors in the cinematic world of espionage for the foreseeable future.

Our comprehensive review of the "Johnny English" Blu-ray presentation highlights the film’s divisive nature, heavily reliant on Rowan Atkinson's idiosyncratic appeal. Atkinson portrays the title character with an intensity that will either enchant or repel viewers, leaving little room for a neutral stance. This dynamic is vital to understanding the mixed reception, as the movie's effectiveness is directly tied to one's tolerance or appreciation for Atkinson's distinct comedic style. Moreover, "Johnny English" weaves a patchwork of humor, ranging from sophisticated gags to outright slapstick, leading to an inconsistent yet occasionally rewarding experience. John Malkovich's portrayal of the antagonist adds a peculiar flavor to the film, aligning well with its erratic tone and possibly attracting viewers with an appetite for the unconventional.

The Blu-ray edition delivers a satisfactory video quality that does justice to the film's visual gags and physical comedy, although it doesn't particularly stand out in the digital era. The audio quality is noted to be superior, which enhances the overall viewing experience, especially in scenes where sound plays a critical role in the humor. However, the peculiar niche that "Johnny English" occupies means that apart from die-hard Atkinson aficionados, potential buyers might opt for a rental first, assessing their own response to the film's unique comedic offering before making a full purchase commitment.

In conclusion, the "Johnny English" Blu-ray serves as a polarizing but intriguing addition to any collection, primarily appealing to Rowan Atkinson fans while offering sufficient technical quality in audio and video. Its specific brand of humor and Malkovich's unusual villain role might cater to a select audience, suggesting a cautious approach for those unfamiliar with Atkinson’s work. Ultimately, while not universally recommendable, this release has its merits and could serve as an enjoyable experience for viewers attuned to its distinctive style.