Thunderstruck Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "Thunderstruck" on Blu-ray, presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, offers an appealing and vibrant HD viewing experience. The colors are exceptional, with bold and balanced primaries that enhance the cartoonish atmosphere of the film. Costumes are particularly highlighted, popping vividly with blues and yellows. Shadow detail is commendable, preserving nuances in fabrics and low-lit scenes, while evening interactions maintain their distance effectively. The skin tones appear natural, and the overall detail is convincing, capturing facial expressions and props with clarity. Stadium events, brimming with crowds and promotional activities, are easily discernible, contributing to a generally crisp viewing experience, despite the occasional softer moment and some inherent shot imperfections.

The 1080p Warner transfer excels in delivering high detail across the board. Close-ups reveal intricate details such as freckles, pores, and individual hair strands, and clothing textures stand out impressively. Even the texture of the basketballs appears lifelike. While the film carries a characteristically digital look that lacks a cinematic feel, it nonetheless remains clean and precise throughout. Despite its low-budget, swiftly produced nature and questionable cinematic value, the visual presentation on Blu-ray is pristine and free of any significant flaws or distractions, ensuring a satisfying HD experience for viewers.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Thunderstruck" provides an immersive auditory experience, particularly during the basketball sequences. The mix successfully envelops the listener, creating a palpable sense of on-court action with crowd elements and court intensity offering circular spatial audio that effectively draws the audience into the scenes. Dialogue is presented with clarity and precision, despite Kevin Durant's notable mumbling; his lines remain comprehensible. The rest of the cast delivers their performances through crisp, sharp audio, ensuring each line resonates distinctly. The soundtrack selections are well-rounded, featuring a satisfactory low-end response that adds depth to the beats, while the score, though thin, maintains a functional background presence.

Ambient sounds during basketball sequences, such as Brian's high school games and Thunder matches, enhance the viewing experience with decent rear-channel activity. The auditory environment created by chanting fans and team cheers is balanced—neither overwhelming nor underwhelming—adequately maintaining engagement without becoming overpowering. While the directional activity may be somewhat limited, the mix introduces bursts of energy during specific court antics, enriching the overall sound profile. In summary, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix might not reach demo-quality levels but remains solidly above average, delivering an accurate and engaging presentation of the film’s subject matter.

The Blu-ray extras for "Thunderstruck" provide an insightful and amusing depth to the film and the production process. "KD's Klinic" offers a basic plot overview and details the cast's commitment to presenting realistic basketball action, highlighting Gray's dedication and efforts to challenge Durant. "From Backboards to Clapboards" celebrates Durant's impressive transition to acting, showcasing his skills and playful improvisations with co-stars such as Gray and Belushi. "Coach Z" features Belushi humorously staying in character, which may be amusing for some but too brief to make a lasting impact. "Tristin Mays's Video Blog" provides a breezy, behind-the-scenes look at set life through the eyes of the lead actress, capturing the production's lively atmosphere. Lastly, "Deleted Scenes" add depth to Brian's family dynamics and include humorous moments such as Durant getting advice from his acupuncturist.

Extras included in this disc:

• KD's Klinic: Overview of the plot and basketball choreography.
• From Backboards to Clapboards: Kevin Durant's acting journey.
• Coach Z: Belushi in character discussing Coach Z.
• Tristin Mays's Video Blog: Behind-the-scenes set tour.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes with Brian's family and cast interactions.

"Thunderstruck" attempts to capture the essence of a basketball-centric fairy tale, reminding audiences of previous teen fantasies such as "Like Mike." However, the execution fails to capitalize on its premise. The plot centers on Brian (Taylor Gray), an awkward high schooler who idolizes NBA star Kevin Durant (playing himself). After a serendipitous encounter, Brian mysteriously acquires Durant's unparalleled basketball skills, leading to implausible victories and a predictable rise in school popularity. Unfortunately, this magical swap is never explained, leaving a glaring hole in the narrative that undermines the story’s already tenuous believability.

Director John Whitesell, known for his work on formulaic comedies, approaches the film with a lackluster touch, overshadowed by repetitive humor and didactic messages. Brian's character, portrayed earnestly yet one-dimensionally by Gray, fails to evolve in any meaningful way, much like the underdeveloped subplots involving his peers. The magical realism—central to hooking the audience—remains broadly ambiguous and poorly integrated, doing little to coax any deeper engagement from the viewer.

Moreover, Durant's on-screen presence highlights another critical flaw: athletes often struggle to transition their charisma into acting. His performance in "Thunderstruck," akin to Shaquille O’Neal’s in "Kazaam," is wooden and detracts from the film's overall coherence. Coupled with unrealistic scenarios—such as Durant losing his dunking ability despite his physical prowess—the film's credibility further plunges. Jim Belushi’s role as Brian’s coach adds little more than superficial comedy. In essence, while "Thunderstruck" may entertain younger audiences or fervent basketball fans briefly, it provides a disjointed experience marred by unresolved narrative mechanics and subpar performances.

"Thunderstruck" Blu-ray offers a viewing experience that's bound to polarize audiences. On one hand, Kevin Durant's amiable performance stands out in a film that otherwise struggles to find its footing. Durant isn't an actor by trade, but his humbleness rather than arrogance brings a pleasant lightness to the screen, helping to soften the rowdiness of the supporting cast. This dynamic allows "Thunderstruck" to maintain a gentle tone, even as it navigates through its predictably quirky plotlines. The film's eccentricity provides occasional pockets of originality, yet it often lumbers toward an expected conclusion.

However, the film's appeal is limited. Many viewers might struggle to find 'Thunderstruck' entertaining, with some questioning its overall purpose and production. The narrative and acting, while not without their occasional charms, may come across as laughable and mundane for those seeking engaging cinema. The film’s conventionality fails to spark interest, rendering it a forgettable entry in the sports-comedy genre.

In conclusion, "Thunderstruck" on Blu-ray is a mixed affair. While Kevin Durant's likeable presence offers some light-hearted moments, the overall execution of the film falls flat. It is intermittently original but ultimately mundane, making it hard to recommend broadly. The technical presentation on Blu-ray is adequate, but it isn't enough to overcome the movie’s inherent shortcomings. This is a title best reserved for die-hard Durant fans or those with a penchant for unpretentious sports comedies.