10 Things I Hate About You Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray for "10 Things I Hate About You" is commendable for a catalog title, effectively capturing the essence of this modestly budgeted teen comedy. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer delivers vibrant colors with particular attention to greens and reds, providing a visually satisfying experience. Fleshtones are warm and lifelike, albeit occasionally flushed, lending a natural appearance that enhances the portrayal of characters. Detail and sharpness are generally well-executed, revealing textures in clothing and objects with appreciable nuance and authenticity. The film's intrinsic grain is preserved, offering a film-like quality without excessive noise reduction.

However, the presentation is not without its flaws. Artificial sharpening is a recurrent issue, producing an overly edgy look, which may be displeasing to some viewers. This is especially noticeable during the opening scene with Mrs. Perky. Despite this, the transfer excels in maintaining strong colors and deep blacks, although black levels can appear slightly crushed in mixed content. The stability in contrast ensures that bright whites and gray tones are effectively distinguishable, contributing to a dynamic range of visual depths. Long-range visuals exhibit above-average clarity and depth, enhancing wide-angle shots with sufficient dimension.

While instances of wavering clarity and original source noise appear sporadically, these issues are traceable to the original print rather than the transfer's technical merits. Disney's decision to avoid excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) is a positive choice, preserving the film’s grain structure and inherent texture. Occasionally, faces can seem washed out or soft, notably in high-lit scenarios such as a sunlit shot of Kat on a staircase, but these instances are infrequent. Overall, Disney has put notable effort into this transfer, resulting in a high definition presentation that will likely satisfy fans of the film.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track on the Blu-ray of "10 Things I Hate About You" offers a competent and enjoyable audio experience, though it doesn't push the boundaries of immersive sound design. Dialogue clarity is a strong point, with crisp and articulate delivery across the front channels, even if a few lines are obscured by ambient noise in occasionally busy scenes like Kat's prom. The soundtrack, featuring late '90s alt-rock staples, plays prominently and energetically, ensuring that the film's vibe is well-supported by its musical elements.

However, the surround channels and low-frequency effects (LFE) exhibit limited engagement, providing only modest background ambiance and reinforcement of the film’s sound environment. Notable scenarios for LFE activity, such as house parties and musical performances by bands like Letters To Cleo and Save Ferris, are handled adequately but lack significant punch. The mix is predominantly front-heavy, which aligns with the film's dialogue-driven narrative but leaves some viewers desiring more dynamic rear-channel action. This restrained approach suits the film's tone but might feel underwhelming for those hoping for an aggressive auditory experience.

In sum, while the audio track might not be groundbreaking, it delivers a stable and pleasing sound experience that will satisfy fans of the genre. The solid front-channel presence and clear dialogue ensure the film's witty banter is well-preserved, and the engaging soundtrack contributes to an enjoyable viewing experience. For a romantic comedy with minimal action scenes, this track fulfills its role effectively, even if it doesn't fully exploit the capabilities of a surround sound setup.

The Blu-ray edition of "10 Things I Hate About You" for its 10th Anniversary offers an engaging but somewhat limited selection of extras. The highlight is a newly recorded audio commentary featuring writers Karen McCullah Lutz and Kristen Smith, along with actors Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Larisa Oleynik, and Susan May Pratt. The conversation is lively and informative, providing amusing anecdotes and candid reflections, especially in relation to Heath Ledger. Complementing this is a newly produced 36-minute documentary, "10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Years Later," which includes numerous interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, though the presumed standalone deleted scenes are only accessible within this feature and suffer from poor video quality. Overall, the extras enrich the viewing experience despite the sparse offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively track with the film's writers and key cast members reflecting on their experiences.
• 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Years Later: A retrospective documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

"10 Things I Hate About You" redefines the teen comedy genre with its unique blend of wit, heartfelt moments, and memorable performances. Loosely based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," this late '90s classic tells the story of Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and her exuberant sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). The plot hinges on an overprotective father’s (Larry Miller) quirky rule that Bianca can only date if Kat does too. Enter Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a starry-eyed new student who enlists the rebellious Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to woo Kat in an effort to date Bianca himself. Despite its predictable storyline, the film thrives on its strong character development and clever dialogue, culminating in a compelling narrative that transcends its genre conventions.

Gil Junger's direction ensures "10 Things I Hate About You" avoids the typical pitfalls of teen comedies. Instead of resorting to crude humor, it focuses on the authenticity and relatability of its characters. Stiles' portrayal of the misanthropic Kat is both nuanced and powerful, particularly in unscripted moments like her tearful recitation of a poem. Ledger shines as Patrick, offering a blend of rugged charm and vulnerability that hints at his future stardom. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's earnest performance as Cameron endears him to audiences, marking him as a promising leading man. Complementing these central roles are scene-stealing performances from David Krumholtz and Larry Miller, whose comedic timing provides levity without undermining the film's emotional heft.

"10 Things I Hate About You" remains a nostalgic favorite, evoking the quintessential high school experience with a fresh perspective. The film's clever script, talented cast, and deft direction combine to create a timeless piece that resonates with varied audiences—whether romantics, cynics, or those who simply appreciate intelligent, captivating cinema. Despite its dated pop culture references, it continues to hold up, offering a nostalgic yet poignant reminder of teenage life’s complexities.

"10 Things I Hate About You" should not be overlooked as a mere teen comedy. Despite some dated pop culture references, this film stands out with its clever writing, wit, and memorable moments, surpassing the expectations of first-time viewers. The Disney 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release is notably commendable. Although the video transfer suffers slightly from excessive artificial sharpening, it remains largely faithful. The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a reliable aural experience, limited only by the original sound design's inherent constraints.

The performances in "10 Things I Hate About You" are exceptional and are, deservedly, the centerpiece of the film. The strength of the cast adds a layer of charm that goes beyond the typical formulaic approach seen in other teen rom-coms. The Blu-ray edition enhances this experience with solid audio and video quality, making it a worthy upgrade from the standard DVD version. The supplemental package, though somewhat limited in content, is surprisingly satisfying, adding value to the overall package.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release may not be perfect, it certainly merits attention for its entertaining content and technical merits. The film’s enduring charm and strong performances, coupled with the quality of this edition's presentations, provide ample reason to add it to your collection. Give it a spin and discover the nostalgic appeal that has delighted audiences for years.