According to Greta Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "According to Greta" delivers an impressive visual experience, showcasing a sharp, 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer that highlights the film's meticulous cinematography by Michael Lohmann. The clarity of fine detail stands out prominently—the textures of pavement, Greta's frayed hat, and minute elements around her grandparents' house are presented with exceptional sharpness and precision. The slight but intentional over-saturation of colors adds an authentic feel to the film, rendering flesh tones with remarkable accuracy and making the visuals pop with a palpable realism. Despite the slightly boosted contrast, each scene retains a sense of depth and precise definition, both in foreground and background elements.

However, there are some minor drawbacks. Though generally pleasing to the eye, flesh tones can occasionally take on a reddish hue, but not to an overly unsettling extent. Additionally, darker scenes sometimes suffer from blacks appearing a bit too bright and mildly undefined, detracting from the naturalism of nighttime sequences. Nonetheless, the transfer maintains a consistent layer of grain that enriches the film’s overall cinematic authenticity. Colors are vibrant yet controlled, ensuring that every shade is beautifully rendered on Blu-ray, contributing to a finely-tuned and visually sparkling presentation.

The audio presentation of "According to Greta" on Blu-ray demonstrates an adequate but not particularly engaging Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. While the dialogue is clear and easy to follow, the overall dynamics lack the depth that would elevate the auditory experience. The surround speakers are sparingly utilized, primarily enhancing background atmospherics such as chirping birds and distant traffic, which subtly injects realism without being intrusive.

Despite its shortcomings in dynamic range, the soundtrack caters well to the film's steady pacing and subdued sound design. Music and sound effects are reproduced with acceptable precision, contributing a sufficient layer of audio clarity. However, the mix does not go beyond providing the essentials, and there are no remarkable moments where one would notice particularly immersive sound effects or impactful musical presentations. This restrained auditory approach makes for a competent yet unremarkable soundtrack that complements the film's focus without either enhancing or detracting from the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "According to Greta" provide insightful content though relatively few in number. The highlight is "Greta: Behind the Scenes," a standard but well-rounded featurette that delves into the thematic elements of the movie, with particular focus on the performances of Hilary Duff and Ellen Burstyn as well as the crew's contributions. It includes the usual montage of interviews, film clips, and raw production footage, all presented in high-definition. Additionally, the disc offers a selection of deleted and alternate scenes and an alternate ending, each enriching viewer understanding of the film's narrative choices.

Extras included in this disc:

• Greta: Behind the Scenes: A comprehensive look at film themes and cast performances.
• Deleted and alternate scenes: Additional scenes not included in the theatrical release.
• Alternate Ending: An alternative conclusion to the film's story.

"According to Greta" is a nuanced take on the coming-of-age genre, marked by strong character development and solid performances. Challenging typical teen-centric narratives associated with Hillary Duff, who plays Greta, the film transcends into a more mature character study. Greta, sent to her grandparents in New Jersey for the summer, starts off as a typical angst-ridden teen but gradually evolves into a character of depth and relatability. Duff delivers a surprisingly adept performance, transforming Greta from an irritatingly self-centered teenager to one evoking genuine empathy. Her interactions with her grandparents, played by the formidable Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy, provide some of the movie's best moments, showcasing a dynamic family grappling with unresolved issues.

The plot, while predictable, offers moments of comic relief and emotional resonance. Greta’s arc is punctuated by her job as a waitress and her relationship with Julie (Evan Ross), a reformed young man with a criminal past. While this romance feels somewhat contrived and fails to add substantial depth, it serves its purpose in Greta’s transformation. The portrayal of teenage rebellion and angst is familiar but effectively presented. The film’s well-developed characters and competent direction result in a narrative that, though not groundbreaking, holds the audience’s attention.

Despite its formulaic three-act structure and moments of predictability, the movie effectively addresses themes of teenage disillusionment, perseverance, and self-worth. Duff's performance shines brightly through her character's gradual maturation, assisted by Burstyn's seamless embodiment of her role. "According to Greta" may not offer much novelty to seasoned film enthusiasts, but it strikes a chord within its target audience, making it a serviceable exploration of the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

The film "According to Greta" occupies an intriguing niche, straddling a line between a teen drama and a cross-generational family story. While initially presenting itself as a “boohoohoo memem” drama-fest, it gradually reveals deeper themes of familial cohesion and self-discovery. The film, led by a suitably strong performance from Hillary Duff as a troubled teenager, holds particular resonance for younger viewers grappling with similar life issues. However, the somewhat formulaic nature of her character's journey may limit its appeal for other audiences.

Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release of "According to Greta" boasts significant strengths in its visual presentation, offering superb 1080p picture quality that enhances the viewing experience. The audio quality, presented in a solid lossless format, complements the visual fidelity, ensuring that the technical aspects of the movie meet high standards. Nevertheless, the release falls short in the extras department, providing only a handful of filler features that do not add much value to the overall package.

In conclusion, ‘According to Greta’ finds itself in a liminal space — not exactly a groundbreaking film but certainly worthwhile for its standout video quality and competent lead performance. Whether you ultimately find it engaging or just passable hinges on your connection to the subject matter. Though it may not cater to everyone, it remains a recommendable watch for those who might find personal relevance in its themes. On balance, it is worth a rental for fans of the cast or viewers navigating similar challenges to those depicted in the film. Give Greta a spin for its visual merits.