Serious Moonlight Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of 'Serious Moonlight' falls significantly short of high-definition expectations, with a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer that suffers from prevalent inconsistencies. Filmed in 35mm, the resulting image is generally flat and soft, lacking the fine detail one would anticipate from a modern transfer. Close-ups reveal a lack of discernible texture in skin and clothing, and the ubiquitous duct tape scenes fail to exhibit any sharp edges. Grain is distinguishable, suggesting minimal DNR application, yet the color palette remains consistently dull—even purportedly vibrant hues like rose reds appear unsaturated. This issue is compounded by the majority of the film's setting inside a dark and drab bathroom, leading to a picture that lacks contrast and seems dim, an unfortunate side effect of uninspired lighting and cinematography.

Further detracting from the visual quality are the stark fluctuations between mediocrity and subpar rendering. While there are sporadic moments that hint at potential high-definition clarity, they are overshadowed by frequent occurrences of exceedingly soft and unfocused scenes. Diffusers might be partially to blame for this inconsistency, but even considering that, colors fluctuate from stable to overly saturated and flesh tones appear either flushed or excessively red. Contrast levels are generally drab, with some exterior daylight scenes exhibiting blooming highlights and posterization. Conversely, blacks are one of the few redeeming aspects, appearing precise and accurate throughout; however, shadow delineation is merely average.

In summary, the Blu-ray transfer of 'Serious Moonlight' is underwhelming, hampered by its soft focus, inconsistent color fidelity, and lackluster contrast, which mar the viewing experience. Despite its 35mm origin, the resulting presentation feels uninspired and fails to capitalize on the potential of high-definition Blu-ray capabilities.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Serious Moonlight" presents a solid but unremarkable listening experience. Dialogue is incredibly clear and always at the forefront, ensuring that viewers never miss a word. However, the mix is predominantly front-heavy, with minimal engagement from the surround channels. The soundtrack lacks dynamic range, making it feel flat and lifeless at times. Low-frequency effects are nearly non-existent, and ambient sounds such as wind or birds are barely perceptible, even at higher volumes.

Musical elements, including a salsa-inspired score and occasional pop songs, help to momentarily enliven the soundstage. These elements showcase decent high-end detail and deep bass notes, providing some much-needed richness. However, the overall audio presentation could use more presence and energy. While the surround speakers rarely offer discrete effects, the music does use the additional channels well enough to open up the soundstage slightly. In summary, this audio track does what it needs to but leaves much to be desired in immersion and impact.

The Blu-ray release of "Serious Moonlight" offers a range of extras that, while varied, largely fail to provide substantial insight or engaging content. The commentary track, featuring Director Cheryl Hines and producers Andy Ostroy and Michael Roiff, is lively and conversational but lacks depth, offering little incentive for a repeat watch. The "Making of Serious Moonlight" featurette is a conventional piece centered on cast and crew accolades, interspersed with lengthy film clips and behind-the-scenes footage, but it contributes minimal original content. The "HDNet: A Look at Serious Moonlight" segment is an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) style presentation, where Hines briefly outlines the film’s plot. The trailer assortment adds minor value, especially for fans looking for upcoming titles from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Overall, the extras are competently produced but miss the mark in delivering compelling supplementary material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Cheryl Hines and Producers Andy Ostroy and Michael Roiff: Conversational but lacks substantial insights.
• HDnet: A Look at Serious Moonlight: Director Cheryl Hines provides a basic plot synopsis.
• Making of Serious Moonlight: Conventional featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• BD-Live

"Serious Moonlight" presents a unique premise wherein a high-powered lawyer, Louise (Meg Ryan), confronts her husband's infidelity by holding him captive, attempting to salvage their deteriorating marriage. While the narrative holds initial promise, the film's execution under first-time director Cheryl Hines falters significantly, failing to capitalize on Adrienne Shelly's intriguing script. The dialogue often feels forced and unfinished, leaving the plot riddled with credibility gaps. The tension oscillates awkwardly between dark comedy and misplaced violence, resulting in a tonal disarray that disconnects from the intended emotional core.

Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton struggle within the constrained setup to deliver heartfelt performances, yet the material never allows them to flourish. Hutton's Ian is often reduced to a caricature, bound in humiliating scenarios that erode any intended sympathy or depth. Similarly, Ryan's Louise, despite her energetic and effervescent portrayal, is trapped in contrived plot devices such as baking cookies and serenading while her husband is literally taped to the toilet. The inclusion of Justin Long's character as an opportunistic burglar further muddles the narrative, adding unnecessary tension that detracts from the central relationship dynamics.

The film's attempt to blend surreal humor with profound marital drama is unbalanced and unsettling. Particularly jarring is the abrupt shift towards violent undertones, which feels incongruous with the film's rom-com aspirations. Ultimately, "Serious Moonlight" transforms its potentially insightful exploration of a tumultuous marriage into an incoherent experience, leaving viewers unfulfilled and questioning the characters' motivations and actions. Despite a few moments of genuine interaction between Ryan and Hutton, the movie undermines its foundational themes, making it more memorable for its missteps than its merits.

Magnolia's Blu-ray release of "Serious Moonlight" presents an underwhelming package in terms of both technical qualities and supplementary content. The video and audio production, while functional, are notably average and lack vibrance and depth, leaving much to be desired for discerning viewers. The chemistry between Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton does provide some redeeming moments, albeit overshadowed by Cheryl Hines' novice directorial effort. Overall, the runtime, though short, contains occasional engaging segments but struggles to maintain a grip due to its outlandish plot involving burglary and hostage situations.

The final script penned by the late Adrienne Shelly holds potential as it touches on marital discord and contemporary relationships. However, the movie swiftly diverges into peculiar scenarios that detract from its thematic strengths. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray's supplemental features fail to add significant value, further diminishing the appeal for potential buyers seeking a compelling home entertainment experience.

In conclusion, while "Serious Moonlight" might intrigue fans of its cast or those interested in Shelly's work, it is unlikely to be a valuable addition to a Blu-ray collection. The film's execution, combined with a mediocre technical presentation on the disc, makes it hard to recommend enthusiastically. Enjoyment may be found within its short runtime, but the overall legacy might be better left confined to curiosity rather than a sought-after acquisition.