Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Blu-ray Review

"Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" is expertly presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, known for his avant-garde framing techniques, this film showcases a delightful mix of askew angles and wide lens shots. The digital cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung imparts a sleek, sharp, and clear image quality that remains true to the film's whimsical aesthetic. Notably, the (student) films within the narrative are intentionally gritty, devoid of excessive clarity or detail to simulate a small format appearance. Stable imaging and an absence of compression issues ensure a smooth viewing experience, despite occasional lack of detail in wider shots and minimal shadow details in darker sequences.

The 1080p transfer maintains a high level of visual fidelity, delivering a colorful and highly detailed cinematic experience. The film, though lower budget and initially premiered at film festivals, excels with vibrant imagery and commendable depth. Black levels are handled expertly, avoiding common artifacts like noise or banding often seen in similar budget digitally shot films. Instead, viewers are treated to consistently clean, clear images from start to finish. Fine details are meticulously rendered in close-up shots, revealing every nuance from facial hair to teenage acne. Primary colors are bold and striking, elevating the overall picture quality. The internal films by Greg and Earl vary in quality to reflect their amateur production values, adding an authentic touch that enhances the film’s charm. Generally, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" offers a robust and visually engaging video presentation.

The audio presentation of "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" on Blu Ray is anchored by a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that fulfills its purpose effectively. The mix excels in delivering clear and clean dialogue, crucial for a film that is heavily dependent on vocal interactions. Dialogue is crisply articulated through the front and center channels, ensuring that every line is easily discernible. The track shines particularly in sequences set within the boisterous high school environment, where the rear channel effects immerse the listener in the chaotic ambiance of a busy lunchroom, populated by teenagers whose animated chatter and commotion add to the richness of the audio experience.

This audio mix comes to life primarily through its use of ubiquitous source cues, which include playful nods to iconic musical moments from well-known films. These elements are seamlessly integrated, providing a dynamic auditory backdrop that enhances the overall film experience. While the surround sound is not overly complex, it is employed effectively to create a vibrant and lively soundstage. In particular, scenes showcasing Greg's raucous school environment feature an impressive array of rear channel effects that surround the viewer with a constant flux of noise, effectively capturing the frenetic energy of the setting.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track may not be groundbreaking or overly ambitious, it competently supports the narrative demands of "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." The mix's focus on clear dialogue and effective use of surrounding effects in specific sequences demonstrates a careful attention to detail that ensures all audio elements perform their roles superbly.

The Blu-ray extras for "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" are a substantive collection that delves brilliantly into the filmmaking process, offering valuable insights and entertainment. Highlights include the complete version of "Movie for Rachel," insightful commentary by director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, and an engaging conversation between Gomez-Rejon and renowned director Martin Scorsese. Featurettes like "This is Where You Learn How the Movie Was Made" provide in-depth looks into production details, such as its Pittsburgh setting and chronological shooting techniques. The collection is rounded out with whimsical touches from Greg and Earl's creative works, complimenting the main film perfectly.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Feature optional commentary by director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.
• Abstract: Movie for Rachel: The complete film that Greg and Earl make for Rachel.
• This is Where You Learn How the Movie Was Made: A set of featurettes covering production issues and filming techniques.
• A Conversation with Martin Scorsese and Alfonso Gomez-Rejon: A charming discussion between the directors.
• Greg's Trailer: A trailer made by Greg.
• Greg Gaines and Earl Jackson Productions: A tour through the boys' oeuvre.
• The Complete Jackson/Gaines Filmography: A list of all parody titles.
• Audio Commentary by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon: Insights into the filmmaking process.
• Gallery: Offers Auto Advance and Manual Advance options.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for the movie.

"Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" deftly navigates the intricacies of teenage life and the looming specter of death with a whip-smart script and standout performances. Thomas Mann and Olivia Cooke shine as Greg and Rachel, respectively, forcing their characters to confront both mortality and the complexities of high school. Jesse Andrews' screenplay, adapted from his own novel, keeps the tone balanced between poignant and whimsically humorous, with Greg's voiceover providing both anchoring context and laugh-out-loud moments. The plot, driven by a mother's well-meaning meddling, seamlessly intertwines themes akin to "The Fault in Our Stars" while distinctly standing apart through its unique characterizations and delightful stop-motion sequences worked into Greg's homemade films.

A striking element of the film lies in its meta-narrative and subtle cinematic references. Earl and Greg's parodies of iconic films introduce a clever layer of satire that will particularly resonate with cinephiles. The movie features nods to Werner Herzog, Aguirre: The Wrath of God, and others, enhancing its appeal to an audience well-versed in film history. The interspersed stop-motion animation lends a charming, almost storybook quality that blurs the lines between Greg's reality and his internal musings.

The film earned critical acclaim at Sundance for good reason; its emotional depth is underscored by stellar acting and a screenplay that effectively manages the dualities of comedy and tragedy. The chemistry among the leading trio—Thomas Mann, Ronald Cyler II, and Olivia Cooke—drives home the authentic portrayal of adolescent uncertainty and burgeoning friendship. While some critique Rachel's role as a mechanism for Greg's growth, their relationship's nuanced dynamics ensure it’s more symbiotic than superficial. Ultimately, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" captures teenage angst with refreshing cynicism and genuine heart, making it an essential watch for fans of intelligent, youth-centered dramas.

The Blu-ray release of "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" offers an impressive technical and artistic package that merits closer attention. The film, which earned both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance, is complemented by a Blu-ray presentation that does justice to its visual and auditory elements. The video quality is marked by sharpness and vibrant color accuracy, ensuring that every scene, from emotionally nuanced close-ups to expansive city views, is captured seamlessly. The audio track is equally noteworthy, providing clear dialogue balanced with a well-crafted musical score.

In addition to its excellent technical delivery, the Blu-ray includes a compelling array of supplementary materials. These extras afford viewers a deeper dive into the filmmaking process, providing commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful interviews with the cast and crew. This additional content enriches the viewer's appreciation of the film’s smart writing, nuanced performances, and thoughtful direction, making it a valuable package for both casual audiences and cinephiles alike.

While "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" did exceptional work at Sundance and boasts high technical merits, its underperformance at the box office remains surprising. However, the film’s technical expertise, strong writing, and exceptional performances make it a standout within its genre. Therefore, despite any initial reluctance one might have owing to 'teen death' film fatigue, this movie warrants a viewing, particularly for passionate film enthusiasts. The Blu-ray release embodies high-quality presentation and substantial extras, making "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" an essential addition to any collection. Highly recommended.