Employee of the Month

Lionsgate's release of "Employee of the Month" on Blu-ray boasts a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that respects its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This presentation provides viewers with a nostalgic, film-like experience, closely mirroring the visual aesthetic reminiscent of traditional cinema. Despite the transfer's commendable attempt at reproducing the film's original look and feel, it exhibits noticeable noise across various scenes, which, although not overwhelming, detracts from the overall clarity. The colors within the film, notably the predominant blue of the store uniforms, are vibrant and well-rendered, ensuring a visually pleasing experience despite some of its drawbacks. The video quality maintains a natural and authentic appearance, favoring accurate flesh tones and avoiding any significant color bleed, which speaks to a transfer that, while not without its flaws, delivers a fundamentally solid and nostalgic viewing experience.

However, the Blu-ray presentation is not without its criticisms. The transfer has been described as having a "processed, digital-icky look," which may disappoint those expecting a more polished high-definition experience. This digital processing contributes to a somewhat harsh visual tone, with overblown whites and compromised flesh tones that occasionally render the cast in an unflattering light. Blacks and contrast levels are reported to be satisfactory, providing some visual pop, but the overall color palette can appear simultaneously overpumped and washed out. This conflicting visual approach results in an image depth that, while decent, fails to showcase the full potential of high-definition clarity. Furthermore, persistent noise throughout the transfer—noticeable even in complex textures—along with a slight issue of color saturation and balance underscore the mixed quality of this Blu-ray video presentation. Despite these issues, there is a commendable level of detail retained in the image, capturing the finer points of the film's visual nuances.

Combining these perspectives yields a consensus that "Employee of the Month" on Blu-ray offers a genuinely film-like transfer that will resonate with viewers seeking a nostalgic cinematic experience, albeit tempered by certain technical shortcomings. The video quality oscillates between pleasingly natural to distractingly processed, making it a mixed bag that might not meet the expectations of all audiences. Solid blacks and accurate colors are highlights, though issues with flesh tones, noise, and an occasionally problematic digital appearance suggest room for improvement. Ultimately, this Blu-ray release will satisfy those nostalgic for a traditional film experience but may leave enthusiasts desiring a more refined and less digitally-compromised presentation somewhat wanting.

In analyzing the audio presentation of 'Employee of the Month' on Blu-ray, enthusiasts and viewers alike will find themselves presented with both DTS HD and DD 5.1 EX audio tracks, as is customary with many Lionsgate distributions. The consensus among these experiences highlights the film's predisposition towards a front-heavy audio mix, primarily driven by dialogue which is consistently clear and intelligible. This characteristic leans into the nature of the film as a dialogue-centric comedy, where the necessity for extravagant audio features takes a back seat. Nevertheless, moments such as the music during the softball game sequence offer a pleasing auditory experience, though they are sparse.

Technical specifics convey that the DTS-HD track is encoded at the higher bitrate of 1.5mbps compared to the Dolby's 640kbps, theoretically giving it an edge in audio fidelity. Despite this, the overall lack of demanding audio sequences in 'Employee of the Month' renders this advantage somewhat moot. Audio dynamics are serviceable, with adequate low bass support and fine stereo separation observed in select musical scores from the '70s. Surround activity remains minimal across both tracks, with few exceptions that do not significantly elevate the overall auditory experience.

It is evident that while 'Employee of the Month' may not stand out as an audiophile's reference Blu-ray, its audio presentation does justice to the film's primary focus on dialogue and character interaction. The occasional musical flourish and the rare use of discrete surround sound effects provide enough variation to keep the audio engaging. However, one should moderate expectations and look for excellence in simplicity rather than a showcase of auditory prowess.

The Blu-ray extras for "Employee of the Month" offer a mixed bag of insightful commentaries, amusing deleted scenes, and a collection of entertaining, albeit somewhat fragmented, featurettes. Directors Greg Coolidge and lead actor Dane Cook provide two audio commentaries that blend technical insights with personal anecdotes from the set, although they occasionally suffer from moments of dead air and an overemphasis on trivial details. The deleted scenes, presented in stunning 1080p, include noteworthy highlights such as an alternate opening and a mock-commercial that brings unexpected humor to the table. The video extras, though visually impressive in 1080p, tend to slice the content into smaller, less impactful segments, with a series of bloopers, ad-libs, and behind-the-scenes tomfoolery that only sporadically hit the comedic mark. Despite these shortcomings, the extras manage to encapsulate the chaotic yet fun atmosphere of the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• AUDIO COMMENTARIES: Two tracks featuring insights from director Greg Coolidge and actor Dane Cook.
• DELETED SCENES: A selection of scenes cut from the final film.
• BLOOPER REEL: A compilation of mishaps and missteps caught on camera.
• AD-LIBS: Segments showcasing the improvisational skills of the cast.
• AT WORK WITH LON: A humorous featurette focusing on Andy Dick’s character.
• ON SET SHENANIGANS: Behind-the-scenes footage capturing the cast’s off-script moments.
• THE BEAUTY OF BULK: A mock promotional video for the “Super Club” retail setting.
• MEN OF SUPER CLUB: Mock interviews with the male cast members discussing their characters’ roles.

"Employee of the Month," offered in a visually appealing Blu-ray package by Lionsgate, surprisingly strikes a chord as a comedy that transcends its surface-level expectations. Initially perceived as a standard fair weather rom-com, it unfurls into a richer narrative that entices viewers with its blend of humor, employee rivalry, and unexpected life lessons. Centered around Zack (Dane Cook), a disillusioned box boy at Super Club, and his competitor Vince (Dax Shepard), the reigning employee of the month, the film injects unexpected depth into their journey towards self-improvement and genuine ambition, sparked by the arrival of a new employee, Amy (Jessica Simpson). Their evolution from complacent workers to motivated contestants in pursuit of a superficial title cleverly unpacks themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pitfalls of blind ambition.

The movie's strength lies in its ability to mold its comedic elements with meaningful subtexts, making it more than just a quest for workplace recognition. Unlike the anticipated raunchy or mindless laugh-fest, "Employee of the Month" harnesses Cook's genial comedic tone and Shepard's vibrant character portrayal to deliver both laughs and insights. This blending of light-hearted comedy with earnest storytelling accentuates the film's appeal, distinguishing itself from other romantic comedies by steering clear of excessive vulgarity, yet managing to maintain entertainment value through its well-timed humor and surprisingly sweet love story.

Despite its formulaic veneer which might echo sentiments of other workplace comedies like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," it carves out its niche by leaning into its unique charm and the believable chemistry between its leads. Critics might argue about its originality, drawing parallels with earlier genre staples; however, "Employee of the Month" successfully balances the tropes of loser-turns-hero and romantic pursuits against a backdrop of a corporate satire. Its portrayal of mundane retail life juxtaposed with personal growth and aspiration renders it a commendable effort in the comedy genre, marking it as an unexpectedly pleasant viewing experience that manages to both entertain and offer moments of introspection amidst its humor.

"Employee of the Month" offers a surprisingly engaging viewing experience, diverging from the anticipated coarse humor to present a rivalry-driven storyline with a delightful finish that nods to the nostalgic charm of "Supermarket Sweep." This unexpected direction not only enhances the movie's appeal but also showcases the competent performances of the cast, underlining the director Greg Coolidge's potential for future projects. The Blu-ray presentation mirrors the film's unassuming yet satisfactory execution, boasting a quality visual and audio transfer that effectively complements the film's overall tone. The inclusion of high-definition supplements adds a layer of appeal, particularly for those with an appreciation for behind-the-scenes content and extended viewing experiences.

While the film may not break new ground in the romantic comedy genre, largely due to its restraint in comedic ambition, Dane Cook's presence offers a glimmer of hope for his future in more distinguished roles. The Blu-ray release, similar to the film's ambition, delivers a competent but not groundbreaking experience. The fine transfer and soundtrack efficiently support the movie, ensuring a decent home viewing experience. Supplemental content, marked by its goofiness, provides additional value, primarily catering to fans or those with a mild curiosity sparked by the film's premise and execution.

In conclusion, "Employee of the Month" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to its capable handling of both film presentation and supplemental material. It's a commendable choice for viewers in search of light entertainment paired with satisfactory technical quality. While it might not carve out a niche among the most memorable comedies or Blu-ray releases, it effortlessly secures a spot as an enjoyable and effortless recommendation for those looking to revisit or discover the rivalry and charm encapsulated within.