Why We're Killing Gunther Blu-ray Review

"Killing Gunther" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films, featuring a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The production employs a "mockumentary" style, characterized by frequent handheld camera movements and a fly-on-the-wall perspective that can sometimes result in a slightly softer image. This approach can impose challenges on maintaining fine detail, particularly during high-octane sequences when the camera is especially mobile. However, in more stationary scenes with stable lighting, the transfer reveals excellent overall clarity and some impressive fine detail.

The color palette of the film is warmer and more vibrant than typical for the genre, contributing to a visually engaging experience. While dim lighting scenarios and the inherent shakiness of the camera work can cause a loss of detail, the overall image quality remains clean and clear. Black levels are generally commendable, with shadow details well rendered, despite occasional instances of banding which are fleeting and inconspicuous. Notably absent are issues of compression anomalies or image instability, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

In summary, "Killing Gunther" offers a visually intriguing yet moderate Blu-ray presentation that thrives in its mockumentary aesthetic. While the incoherent shaky cam moments and CGI effects might detract from absolute visual fidelity, they contribute to the film's distinctive style. The transfer remains consistent with what one would expect from this genre, providing an overall satisfying visual experience for viewers.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Why We're Killing Gunther" presents a mixed bag of impressions. This track is unexpectedly vibrant for a mockumentary, driven by the film's numerous explosive set pieces and intense action sequences. Dialogue is predominantly clear but occasionally overshadowed by the loud and dynamic effects, particularly during bursts of gunfire and explosions. The low-frequency effects add appropriate weight to the action scenes, providing a palpable sense of power. Surround channels are notably active during crowd scenes and outdoor sequences, enhancing the overall immersion when the narrative shifts away from direct-to-camera monologues.

However, it is important to note that the track does exhibit some common pitfalls associated with found footage or first-person POV styles. The reliance on in-camera audio can result in moments where sound fidelity feels compromised, leading to a somewhat erratic overall experience. While the frequency levels and speaker separation are commendable, they don't necessarily translate to an exhilarating auditory experience. The quieter, dialogue-driven segments come across more plainly, emphasizing the mundane over the remarkable. Despite technical competence and the absence of audio distortions or dropouts, the track lacks a distinctive punch that would elevate it beyond mediocrity.

In conclusion, while "Why We're Killing Gunther" boasts a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that is serviceable and energetic, especially in its action-heavy moments, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently immersive or thrilling audio presentation. It performs adequately but doesn’t quite achieve greatness, embodying a mix of engaging elements tempered by moments of unimpressive audio fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras of "Why We're Killing Gunther" offer a brief but engaging glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing the film's comedic essence and providing additional content for fans. The blooper reel presents typical off-the-cuff moments that are entertaining although lacking narrative depth. The deleted scenes contribute additional humor and enhance the overall comedic experience of the film without adding significantly to the main storyline. Both the bloopers and deleted scenes are presented in high-definition, ensuring a consistent visual experience with the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Blooper Reel: Your typical off-the-cuff bloopers.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes that add humor but not narrative depth:
  • Overly Protective Father: A comedic take on paternal instincts.
  • Hitbook: The Official Hitman's Social Networking Site: A humorous sketch on professional killers' social networks.

"Killing Gunther" offers an unorthodox mix of documentary-style filmmaking and absurd comedy centered around a group of inept hitmen aiming to eliminate the legendary Gunther, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite strong billing, Schwarzenegger only appears in the film's last 20 minutes, where he delivers classic one-liners, injecting much-needed energy. The movie opens with an over-the-top scene featuring the lead, Blake (Taran Killam), which sets the tone for a film brimming with exaggerated violence and slapstick humor. Killam, who also wrote and directed, has created a chaotic narrative reminiscent of Christopher Guest's mockumentaries but with added gonzo action elements.

Technically, the film’s documentary approach is innovative yet inconsistent, providing an initial novelty that wanes as the story progresses. The constant converging of faux-documentary shots with erratic violence creates a unique yet often awkward dynamic. While some characters add colorful eccentricities, their performances frequently fall flat due to forced humor and lack of improvisational skill. Scenes that aim for spontaneity often feel scripted and unnatural, detracting from the comedic intent and resulting in uneven pacing and delivery.

Still, Schwarzenegger’s final act is a highlight, adding charisma and a touch of his iconic action-hero persona to the otherwise faltering plot. However, fans expecting a Schwarzenegger-dominated film may leave disappointed as Killam’s character and his motley crew of assassins occupy most screen time. Despite its structural flaws and comedic missteps, "Killing Gunther" delivers some surprising moments of charm and outlandish entertainment, making it a curious but uneven entry in both the action and comedy genres.

"Why We’re Killing Gunther" offers an unconventional and quirky take on the action-comedy genre, anchored by Arnold Schwarzenegger's larger-than-life presence. Under the direction of Taran Killiam, the film presents a mockumentary style narrative that oscillates between humorous and occasionally indulgent. Schwarzenegger’s performance is both charming and delightfully hammy, embodying a lunatic sense of self-awareness that culminates in an entertaining final act. Despite some padding and moments of self-indulgence, the comedic beats land effectively when they do hit, providing genuine laughter.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by Lionsgate delivers dependable audio-visual quality. The movie is presented in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, ensuring a solid viewing experience commonly associated with Lionsgate’s releases. The video maintains clarity and sharpness characteristic of high-definition Blu-ray transfers, while the audio mix supports the film’s dynamic range and comedic timing. Supplementary content includes deleted scenes, providing some additional but not immense value to the overall package.

"Why We’re Killing Gunther" is a fun, albeit flawed, viewing experience. It is an enjoyable rental choice for those seeking a light-hearted popcorn flick with laugh-out-loud moments, though it may not hold lasting replay value. Fans of Schwarzenegger looking for a traditional action role may prefer revisiting his classic works like "Commando." Nonetheless, for a casual watch and a fresh comedic perspective, this film certainly holds its own.

In conclusion, while I was initially skeptical based on the trailer, the film proved to be an entertaining diversion. Arnold’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight, supported by decent technical merits and occasional brilliant comedic elements. Overall, it's recommended for a one-time watch, especially for those who appreciate a uniquely offbeat comedy.