Scary Movie 4 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Scary Movie 4" on Blu-ray, encoded in 1080p using the MPEG-2 codec, offers a commendable visual experience despite the codec's age. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio transfer provides a sharp image with impressive fine detail, especially visible in brightly lit scenes. The colors are well-saturated and lifelike, enhancing the comedic and horror elements of the film. The special effects sequences, such as the alien invasion scenes, stand out with a satisfactory level of detail. The film maintains a consistent grain structure, with solid contrast and robust black levels, though certain scenes intentionally adopt a darker, grittier palette which adds to the film's atmosphere.

While not approaching the reference quality expected from modern Blu-ray releases, this presentation effectively captures the visual intent of the film. The detail in sets like the 'Saw'-inspired bathroom scene is particularly noteworthy, albeit almost unpleasantly so given the grimy setting. The film’s dark tones, such as those in the 'Grudge' house sequences, depict deep blacks and substantial shadow detail that provide a clear and immersive viewing experience. However, some CGI elements, notably the green-screened alien attack ships, become more conspicuous in HD, revealing the limitations of the production budget and effects, reminiscent of SyFy original movies.

Overall, the MPEG-2 encoded 1080p transfer brings "Scary Movie 4" to Blu-ray with a quality that is both suitable and satisfying for its genre and production scope. The balance of sharp detail, accurate color reproduction, and consistent grain make this a visually engaging presentation for fans of the film.

The uncompressed LPCM 5.1 audio mix of "Scary Movie 4" delivers an engaging and immersive auditory experience that effectively complements its comedic and action sequences. Notably, the great alien attack sequence benefits from excellent use of surround channels, filling the soundscape with tornadic winds and the impressive low-frequency effects (LFE) of lightning bolts. Such elements create a dynamic audio environment, supported by a crisp and clear reproduction of dialogue throughout the film. The mix produces excellent fidelity, enhancing both the humorous and intense moments of the movie.

In particular, the audio mix excels in providing a lively action-oriented ambience during the tripods' attacks, where surrounds are utilized to create a sense of chaos with screaming crowds and stomping tripods. The LFE is a constant presence, emphasizing the destruction and adding depth to each scene. Pans are executed smoothly, ensuring a seamless audio experience during high-intensity sequences. Directionality is well-managed, as exemplified by the distinct placement of sound effects like distant cat meows, enriching the overall spatial audio experience. The fun and often funny ambiance is maintained through the effective use of both subtle and overt sound effects, from quick LFE jolts to the absurdly large cobwebs Cindy encounters in the Grudge house.

The Blu-ray extras for "Scary Movie 4" cover a broad spectrum, from in-depth discussions with the filmmakers to lighthearted bloopers. David Zucker, Craig Mazin, and Robert K. Weiss supply humorous optional commentary on the deleted scenes, which mostly consist of amusing alternate takes. "The Scary Truth" provides an extended, spirited discussion between the trio, reflecting their eccentric personalities. The brief featurette about David Zucker humorously focuses on his distinctive high-pitched laugh. The blooper reel and discussions on Zucker's spoofing style offer typical but enjoyable content, while the visual effects segment showcases impressive work by FX Supervisor Alison O'Brien. Featurettes also introduce the rapper duo YoungbloodZ and other rapper-turned-actors like Lil Jon and Chingy. The segment on the cast provides a fun look at the ensemble, and an improvised scene by Craig Bierko adds a genuine comedic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Zucker, Mazin, and Weiss: Humorous alternate takes from the film.

The Scary Truth: A Conversation with the Filmmakers: Extended discussion with the creative team.

The Man Behind the Laugh: David Zucker: Insights into Zucker’s unique laugh.

Bloopers: Entertaining outtakes from filming.

Zany Spoof Humor: Zucker Style: Commentary on Zucker’s spoof legacy.

The Visual Effects of Scary Movie 4: A dive into the film’s impressive special effects.

YoungbloodZ: Profile on the rapper duo featured in the film.

Rappers...Actors: Look at other rappers in the movie like Lil Jon and Chingy.

The Cast: Overview of the new and returning faces.

Improvisation of Craig Bierko: Showcase of Bierko’s improvisational skills in a notable scene.

"Scary Movie 4" amalgamates elements characteristic of the franchise, combining notable highs and lows within its comedic appeal. Directed by David Zucker, the film features a relentless parade of gags targeting pop culture and horror film tropes, spanning "War of the Worlds," "Saw," and "The Grudge," while peppered with nods to "Brokeback Mountain" and other contemporaneous films. Anna Faris returns as Cindy Campbell, providing a grounded continuity amidst the chaos. Notwithstanding its haphazard pacing and occasional juvenile humor, the movie presents sporadic scathingly hilarious moments, such as Dr. Phil and Shaquille O’Neal parodying "Saw," alongside a unique, if uneven, narrative that blends disparate film references.

The film functions as both a critique and celebration of absurdity, much like its predecessor "Airplane!" however, it struggles with maintaining coherence and often leans heavily on slapstick and scatological humor. The inclusion of Leslie Nielsen as The President offers a nostalgic layer, although his spoof of George Bush's September 11 reading session may feel distasteful and antiquated to modern viewers. Scene construction typically mirrors the original films while embedding comical alterations, showcasing Zucker’s directorial competence albeit without consistent efficacy. Gendered and racially edgy jokes meander through plots, invoking varying degrees of discomfort, especially in outdated references like Michael Jackson's caricature.

Significant laughs are generated from universally relatable situations, such as the car door lock gag with Tom Cruise's stand-in character, played by Craig Bierko. Nevertheless, an undercurrent of mean-spiritedness is pervasive, with unsettling displays of child mistreatment in satirical light that may alienate part of the audience. Furthermore, the comedic reliance on excrement-themed jokes reveals a juvenile draw towards shock value over wit. Despite occasional humorous highpoints, "Scary Movie 4" often resembles cinematic junk food—momentarily satisfying but fundamentally lacking in substance.

The Blu-ray release of "Scary Movie 4" delivers mixed bag content with high-quality technical execution. The visual presentation is commendable, with a crisp and clear image that boasts excellent detail and vibrant colors. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing an immersive experience with clear dialogue and well-balanced sound effects. Fans will appreciate the generous selection of extras, which adds to the value of the disc. It's evident that a lot of care went into the technical aspects of this release, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

However, the film itself is polarizing. "Scary Movie 4" continues the franchise's tradition of juvenile humor and slapstick gags, which can wear thin quickly. While some might find its predictable nature and lowbrow humor tiresome and dated, others will enjoy the lighthearted fun it offers. There are a few genuinely funny moments that deliver laugh-out-loud reactions, yet much of the film falls flat, feeling rehashed from previous installments.

You know what you're in for going into a Scary Movie and this latest entry in the franchise, while completely predictable in a general sense, has enough good-natured fun to keep the laughs coming at a fairly steady pace. Yes, it's completely juvenile a lot of the time, but let's face it, that's what makes it so funny. Recommended.