Dave Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dave" showcases Adam Greenberg's cinematography, effectively balancing cheery light comedy with the deep, saturated hues typical of political dramas. Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer excels in rendering these vibrant color choices, presenting strong reds, blues, and browns. The transfer does not suffer from aggressive digital processing, maintaining a natural grain structure and avoiding common pitfalls like smearing and waxiness. However, it's important to note that the softness in image detail and definition may be inherent in the original photography or a limitation of the transfer process.

While the Blu-ray's print is commendably free of nicks, scratches, and other imperfections, there are varying levels of contrast and clarity throughout the film. Some scenes boast a bright and crisp appearance, yet others appear slightly faded and lack sharpness in background details. Reds perform better than other colors, though overall the image can seem flat and dimensionless. Grain is apparent but not distracting, and while fleshtones tend towards the rosy side, close-ups offer decent detail levels. Blacks are solid, whites are stable avoiding blooming, and shadow delineation is acceptable. Minor digital anomalies such as faint edge enhancement are present, but major issues like noise, banding, and pixelation are absent.

In conclusion, while not a reference-quality transfer, the Blu-ray of "Dave" provides a satisfactory visual experience for fans of the film. It successfully captures the essence of Greenberg's cinematographic intent, despite some limitations in detail and vibrancy.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track featured in "Dave" effectively recreates the film's original theatrical stereo surround mix. The audio presentation is front-centered, with a strong emphasis on voices and dialogue, maintaining clarity throughout. Even played through a surround decoder, the track provides a pleasing ambient experience during busier scenes, such as the lawyers' convention or the visit to the homeless shelter. James Newton Howard's score stands out, filling the room with its airy, upbeat optimism, and sounding exceptionally good in this release, arguably better than in previous iterations.

The stereo separation and dynamic range offered by the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track contribute to a notable level of fidelity, although it lacks the immersive experience of a full multi-channel mix. While the audio track doesn’t push the boundaries of your sound system capabilities, it remains distortion-free and clear. Dialogue, which is the movie's main focus, is consistently crisp and easy to understand. Particularly notable is Frank Langella's voice work, which exudes a smooth and velvety quality, enhancing his character’s Machiavellian manipulations.

In terms of atmospheric elements and bass frequencies, the track underperforms slightly, keeping these elements muted. There are moments where bold elements like sirens possess a noticeable pop, but overall, the track is clean, straightforward, and workmanlike. This solid audio presentation does justice to the film's content without aiming to astonish audiophiles looking for a full-range surround sound experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Dave" offers modest extras, contributing minimal additional value to the presentation of this classic film. While the included EPK featurette provides a brief behind-the-scenes look at the creation and production of the film, it lacks depth and comprehensiveness. Interviews with principal cast members Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and director Ivan Reitman offer rudimentary insights into character development and set design, specifically highlighting the meticulous recreation of the White House interiors. However, the absence of more substantial content, such as a retrospective featurette or an audio commentary from Reitman, leaves much to be desired.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Dave: This concise EPK includes short interviews and behind-the-scenes clips, focusing on character insights and set design.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original preview for 'Dave'.

In Ivan Reitman's 1993 political comedy 'Dave', Kevin Kline masterfully embodies the dual roles of President Bill Mitchell and Dave Kovic, an affable temp agency head who bears an uncanny resemblance to the president. Dave's adventure begins when he is recruited to stand in for the incapacitated Mitchell during a crisis, only to find himself ensnared in a web of political intrigue spearheaded by the malicious Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander (Frank Langella). Throughout the film, Kline navigates a delicate balance between satire and earnestness, bringing both humor and heart to this Capra-esque narrative. The film artfully juxtaposes the virtues of decency within Washington's bureaucratic complexities, reminiscent of classics like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.'

Screenwriter Gary Ross skillfully melds fantasy with realistic elements that resonate eerily well with contemporary political scenarios. The story incorporates realistic nods to ongoing political issues—such as job creation and banking scandals—while keeping the overarching narrative light and engaging. Ross's writing infuses the film with enough grounding to make its whimsical premise believable, yet avoids drowning in excessive realism. Cameos from political figures and media personalities like John McLaughlin and Larry King add a layer of authenticity and fun, enhancing the viewer's immersion.

Sigourney Weaver supports Kline as the initially distant First Lady, evolving her character from frigid detachment to genuine warmth. Frank Langella’s portrayal of Bob Alexander stands out for its almost Shakespearean villainy, providing a perfect foil to Kline’s everyman hero. Weaver and Langella's performances add depth, while Kline keeps the film buoyant, effortlessly switching between the sternly presidential Mitchell and the comic, endearing Dave. As Dave attempts to untangle Washington’s dysfunctionality, he emerges as an idealistic everyman who inadvertently catalyzes real change—offering viewers a nostalgic yet thought-provoking political commentary.

"Dave," directed by Ivan Reitman, is a delightful comedy that offers a refreshing perspective on political satire. Kevin Kline charms as Dave Kovic, a benign temp agency owner who is thrust into the role of President of the United States when the real president suffers a stroke. The film skillfully balances humor and sincerity, navigating the complexities of governance with a light-hearted yet incisive touch. Sigourney Weaver and Frank Langella deliver strong performances, contributing to the film's authentic portrayal of political dynamics. The multitude of Washington cameos enhances the film’s credibility while keeping the audience entertained.

The Blu-ray release of "Dave," however, falls short in terms of technical presentation. The video transfer lacks sharpness, and colors appear muted, which detracts from the visual experience. Audio quality is similarly disappointing, with some dialogue coming through less distinctly than it should. Fans hoping for substantial extras will be underwhelmed; the disc offers minimal bonus content, leaving much to be desired for those looking to delve deeper into the making of this engaging film.

Despite these shortcomings, "Dave" remains a relevant and uplifting watch, especially against the backdrop of modern political fatigue. Its optimistic portrayal of an everyman stepping into a monumental role resonates twenty years on. The Blu-ray’s imperfections are overshadowed by the enduring charm and wit of the film, making it worth revisiting for a feel-good escape from today’s politically charged climate.

Two years after "Dave," Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin's "The American President" took a more dialogue-heavy approach to similar themes. Yet Kline's performance in "Dave" stands out for its authenticity and lack of didacticism. The film’s simple yet effective narrative, combined with its heartwarming moments and memorable humor, secure its place as an enduring classic worth recommending, despite the video shortcomings of its Blu-ray release.