Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" presents a vibrant 1080p/AVC-encoded image that is both technically competent and visually striking. The film's color palette is aggressively bright, teetering on the edge of garish with hues resembling a mix of neon highlighters and magic markers. This choice may divide viewers; however, you can't deny the Blu-ray's eye-popping effect. Importantly, there are no color bleeding or clipping issues, and skin tones generally remain well-adjusted despite the heightened contrast. Black levels offer a solid foundation, and overall clarity is high, with defined facial features and visible textures in clothing. The film retains its filmic quality with a light layer of unobtrusive grain and exhibits neither excessive noise reduction nor edge enhancement.

Despite these technical merits, the aesthetic choices may not appeal to everyone. The pumped-up contrast occasionally renders skin tones unnaturally bronzed, giving characters a sunburnt appearance. This pumped-up look extends to the entire visual presentation, pushing regular primary colors towards neon status. On the upside, close-up shots reveal impressive detail, from facial freckles to individual hair strands. The CG animations, though somewhat out of place within the film's overall aesthetic, benefit greatly from the high-definition format, standing out as some of the best-looking elements in the movie. Nevertheless, if you can get past its polarizing visual style, this Blu-ray technically upholds Fox's standard for a decent release.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This track is largely adequate for the genre, displaying competent but not exceptional sound design. The rear channels are utilized effectively, with directional sound effects and ambient noises enriching scenes in various settings like school, outdoor scenes, and a circus. Although not fully immersive, one can appreciate the thoughtful mixing that adds a layer of depth. Richard Gibbs’ original score is whimsical and fairly full-bodied but lacks dynamic impact. Integrating pop-punk-style tunes, the mix occasionally manifests a tinny, compressed quality typical of recordings aimed at younger audiences. Dialogue is generally clear, albeit sometimes slightly obscured in the mix.

The audio track delivers what is expected from a kid-centric film, faring well in terms of clarity and directional elements. Dialogues are particularly intelligible, with standout directional audio moments during scenes filled with children's chaotic excitement. The soundtrack, while perhaps less appealing to adult ears due to its sterile pop style, remains clear across the soundfield. The rear channels stay surprisingly active in domestic scenes, enhancing the spatial experience. Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) are understated except during specific scenes like a car chase, aligning perfectly with the movie’s requirements and target audience expectations. While this mix doesn't offer extraordinary sonic experiences, it proves functional and free of glaring issues, effectively serving its purpose for the intended viewership.

The extras section of the "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" Blu Ray offers a comprehensive array of entertaining and informative content. The standout is "Judy Moody's Guide to Making a Movie," which provides a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, covering everything from casting to special effects in an engaging 24-minute featurette. Alongside this, "Flippin' Out With The Cast" presents brief, but delightful video-diary footage from the cast, while "Camryn's Wait and See Music Video" adds a musical touch. However, the deleted scenes are notably brief and add little additional insight. The disc also features the theatrical trailer and an interactive pop quiz called "Join the Toad Pee Club." An activity booklet is included for added fun, packed with crosswords, quizzes, and score sheets.

Extras included in this disc:

Join the Toad Pee Club: A pop quiz based on the extras content.

Judy Moody's Guide to Making a Movie: In-depth behind-the-scenes documentary.

Flippin' Out With The Cast: Video-diary compilation of the cast.

Camryn's Wait and See Music Video: Music video by Camryn.

10 Things You Need To Know About Judy Moody: Promotional EPK with fun facts.

Deleted Scenes: Brief selection of cut footage.

Theatrical Trailer: The original movie trailer.

Activity Booklet: Includes puzzles, quizzes, and a score sheet.

"Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" delivers a hyperactive, visually vibrant experience tailored primarily for young children, particularly those familiar with Megan McDonald’s popular book series. The movie centers around third-grader Judy Moody (Jordana Beatty), who concocts an elaborate plan to ensure her summer is the most exciting yet. This plan includes a competition called the Mega-Rare Not Bummer Summer Dare, involving gathering "thrill points" for adventurous activities. Unfortunately, her plans go awry when her friends head off to exotic locations, leaving Judy to navigate summer with her Bigfoot-obsessed younger brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) and eccentric Aunt Opal (Heather Graham).

While the film attempts to capture the chaotic energy and imaginative nature of a child’s summer, it often falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging story. The narrative feels episodic, lacking a strong central plot or character development. The sequences are primarily composed of slapstick humor and outrageous situations that may delight younger viewers but will likely feel tiresome to anyone older. Mixed among the frenetic pace are moments of CGI-enhanced daydreams and miscellaneous gross-out gags, which ultimately serve to maintain the attention of the film’s target audience rather than advancing the story.

The character portrayals in "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" do not transcend their source material constraints. Unlike the relatable charm found in adaptations like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Judy and her companions remain fantastical caricatures instead of nuanced individuals. Notably, Heather Graham's Aunt Opal stands out as an unpredictable yet endearing figure who brings a touch of authenticity and depth to her role amidst the otherwise superficial character ensemble. However, despite its high-energy presentation and vibrant color palette, the film struggles to resonate beyond its superficial antics, often resulting in an exhausting viewing experience for those not entirely absorbed by its intended youthful exuberance.

"Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" on Blu-ray delivers a visually dynamic experience, albeit one marred by a lackluster narrative. The film's plot revolves around the titular character, Judy Moody, and her attempts to have the "best summer ever," replete with a series of fantastical and over-the-top adventures. However, the storyline falls flat, relying heavily on exaggerated antics and superficial humor rather than meaningful character development or engaging plotlines. While the colorful presentation may captivate young viewers, it does little to hold the interest of older audiences who might find it more grating than entertaining.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers an average audio-visual experience. The video quality, while generally vibrant and clear, lacks the refined sharpness and depth that high-definition media enthusiasts expect. The audio mix is functional but unremarkable, providing adequate clarity without any standout moments. The special features included are similarly underwhelming, offering generic behind-the-scenes content and short featurettes that do not add significant value to the overall package. This release appears to prioritize quantity over quality, opting for throwaway bonus material that does little to enhance the viewer's understanding or enjoyment of the film.

In conclusion, "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer" might briefly entertain second-to-fourth-grade girls with its flashy, wacky hijinks but lacks the depth and storytelling to appeal to a broader audience. Parents should be aware that this film may not hold much appeal beyond its target demographic. With its annoying and artificial approach to children's entertainment, average technical features, and lackluster special content, this Blu-ray release is best when avoided.