The Rocker Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Rocker" on Blu-ray offers a visually vibrant experience that is both sharp and brilliantly saturated, thanks to its 1080p AVC encoded transfer. The film revels in a kaleidoscope of primary colors, reminiscent at times of "Speed Racer," expertly rendered to avoid any blooming. Detail is consistently excellent, with intricate patterns in costumes and finely detailed elements like the stiffly hairsprayed coifs of the band Vesuvius showcased without devolving into moiré patterns or artifacting. Although some overly dark segments appear in the onstage sequences, contrast is outstanding, and black levels are impressively deep and true.

Shot in HD, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer displays a clean and sharp image free from digital doctoring and source material flaws. While minor noise is apparent in low-light scenes, the perfectly pitched contrast ensures seamless continuity across various settings. A few quick pans exhibit slight instability, but this is negligible in the overall rock-solid image quality. Bold and vibrant colors maintain a natural appearance without being gaudy, and fleshtones are notably stable and life-like. Fine details hold clarity even at significant distances. Despite its modest box office performance, "The Rocker" scores substantial visual points with its exceptional transfer quality.

The audio presentation of "The Rocker" on Blu-ray is notably robust, driven by an impressive DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. In the high-energy concert and music sequences, the surrounds come to life, creating an immersive experience with ambient crowd noises that effectively mimic a concert setting. For instance, the Cleveland Vesuvius concert sequence strikes an immediate impact with its explosive start, placing the listener right at the heart of the action. While the film's quieter segments exhibit reduced surround activity, dialogue remains clear and directionally authentic, ensuring a consistent auditory experience throughout.

Despite not being as overpowering as some high-octane tracks, "The Rocker’s" audio mix does justice to its musical elements. The front soundstage stands out with a well-balanced and dynamic range, delivering crisp and easily comprehensible dialogue. During live performance scenes, the sound explodes into a captivating multisensory experience, especially notable in the final concert sequence. Here, thunderous bass from drums and vibrant guitar tones resonate powerfully, with pyrotechnic effects and enveloping crowd noise intensifying the realism. Additionally, the DTS Master HD Audio track's clean and unobtrusive nature enhances the film's narrative without overshadowing it, providing a seamless auditory backdrop.

Further enhancing the Blu-ray audio offering are the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround tracks available in English, French, and Spanish. These options cater to a broader audience while maintaining the essence of the film’s sonic dynamics. Overall, “The Rocker’s” audio presentation successfully delivers an immersive and invigorating listening experience that captures the spirit of its musical core.

The Blu-ray release of "The Rocker" brims with an array of extras that should please die-hard fans. The high point is undoubtedly the audio commentary featuring director Peter Cattaneo and actor Rainn Wilson, offering insights into set improvisations and Wilson's drum training. In contrast, the second commentary with actors Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger, Emma Stone, and Jason Sudeikis is less insightful and more filled with vapid chitchat. Other notable extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, and a series of rock-themed mock-umentaries. Although packed with ample content, many of these supplements are largely superficial.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks with varying levels of insight; Rainn Wilson and Peter Cattaneo's being the more informative.
• The Music: A look into Wilson’s drum lessons and the film's musical aspects.
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending: 16 minutes of additional material, mostly forgettable.
• Gag Reel: Nearly 10 minutes of on-set goofiness.
• Pete Best Interview: Focus on the real-life drummer’s cameo.
• Rock Tales: Cast members discuss personal rock experiences.
• Behind the Band: A spoof on VH1’s 'Behind the Music'.
• Office Rocker: Cast conviviality about Wilson's role in "The Office".
• Matt Gags: Josh Gad’s ad-libs during a dinner scene.
• Vesuvius Gags: Compilations from the band in the film.
• Vesuvius PSAs: Satirical words of wisdom.
• Rock Beat with Fishman: Comic backstage mockumentary.
• Music Video: I'm Not Bitter: A music video featuring snippets from the film.
• In Character With The Rocker: Rainn Wilson’s promo interview.

"The Rocker" brings the fantasy of rock stardom back to life, albeit with a familiar story we've seen executed more effectively in other films. The movie revolves around Robert "Fish" Fishman, played by Rainn Wilson, who once had a promising future as a drummer for the band Vesuvius until he was unceremoniously kicked out. Fast forward 20 years, Fish is now living a monotonous life as a customer service rep. The plot thickens when Fish's nephew's band, A.D.D., loses their drummer and Fish steps in, reigniting his passion for music in the process. This setup gives rise to a series of comedic but predictable events, leading to A.D.D.—aided by modern quirks like viral YouTube fame—being offered a record deal. The storyline is an homage to rock dreams shattered and revived but often feels like a regurgitation of "School of Rock" with less heart.

Wilson’s performance is energetic but hovers on the border of over-the-top, failing to evoke the charm of peers like Will Ferrell or Jack Black. His character's juvenile antics can become tiresome, missing the warmth necessary to balance Fish's eccentricity. While the film offers laugh-out-loud moments, its humor is primarily driven by slapstick and physical gags involving Fish's physique and bodily functions. Supporting performances by Emma Stone, Josh Gad, and Teddy Geiger provide some respite, bringing authenticity to their roles as bandmates. Christina Applegate's role as Curtis' mother and Fish’s love interest adds a grounding element but is underdeveloped.

Musically, the score by Chad Fischer is a bright spot, effectively melding late '80s rock with contemporary indie-pop vibes. Director Peter Cattaneo initially manages to strike a balance between comedy and drama but loses grip towards the end, resulting in a jumbled conclusion. Despite these missteps, "The Rocker" serves as an adequate, if not particularly memorable, vehicle for fans looking for an easy weeknight watch. The film's entertaining but uneven nature means it's likely to leave audiences wondering what could have been with a tighter script and more cohesive direction.

"The Rocker" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag that's more nuanced than its surface suggests. Starting with a promising setup and well-defined characters, the film quickly loses its steam. Rainn Wilson stars as a washed-up drummer who's given a second chance at rock stardom. Despite Wilson's energetic performance, the story's premise becomes a missed opportunity, leading to a somewhat lackluster narrative. However, the film does shine in moments of comedic clarity and benefits from fun supporting performances that redeem its less engaging moments.

Visually, the Blu-ray excels with an above-average video transfer that highlights the vibrant concert scenes and effectively captures the film's comedic tone. The audio is equally respectable, offering a crisp and immersive experience that enhances both dialogue and musical numbers. Yet, the special features are a mixed offering; while some behind-the-scenes content is informative, other supplemental materials feel more like cinematic fast food – enjoyable but not particularly nutritious.

In conclusion, "The Rocker" starts out promisingly, with a funny setup and clearly defined characters. Unfortunately, it quickly devolves into a largely wasted premise and a floundering Wilson. There's some good music and fun supporting turns, though, so it might be worth an evening's rental if you have nothing better to do.