Tooth Fairy Blu-ray Review

Tooth Fairy" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded visual treat that dazzles much like its star's renowned physical form. This specific high-definition output by 20th Century Fox does not fall short of expectations, presenting a vivid, sharp, and warm imagery that makes the most out of its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Despite witnessing occasional moments of softness, the overall definition remains impeccable, showcasing meticulous details such as the intricate textures on skin, fabric, and even The Rock's emblematic stretch marks with crystal clarity. The dichotomy of the real world's warm tones against Fairyland’s pastel dominance serves as a testament to the transfer's robust color handling, with primaries gleaming and skin tones appearing naturally tanned.

The Blu-ray’s visual prowess extends to its adept management of special effects, where even the finest particles of pixie dust are rendered in breathtaking detail during the film's magical transformations. Despite a few instances of black crush in darker sequences, contrast levels are largely commendable, imbuing the picture with a dynamic presence that's hard to overlook. Moreover, Fairyland's pastel palette pops with an enchanting vibrancy, amplifying the fantastical elements with every shade of pink and powder blue imaginable.

Furthermore, technical fidelity is maintained throughout, thanks to a rock-solid encode that sidesteps common pitfalls like noise and undue edge enhancement. Blacks are portrayed with consistency, reinforcing the visual depth without succumbing to noticeable artifacts. In essence, this Blu-ray transfer remains a sterling example of how contemporary films should aspire to look in high definition—crisp, clean, and teeming with lively colors. The attention to detail, especially in scenes laden with elaborate effects, contributes to a visually compelling viewing experience that matches the fairy-tale charm "Tooth Fairy" aims to deliver.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Tooth Fairy" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track that offers a mixed bag of experiences, tailored primarily with the film's young audience in mind. The dialogue delivery through the center channel is crisp and clear, ensuring that the film's talky nature does not detract from understanding the on-screen action. The sound effects and George S. Clinton’s score are dynamically mixed, with strong output and utilization of the rear speakers to create an immersive experience during the more active scenes, such as the whimsical depiction of the fairy world and the less-than-realistic yet entertaining hockey games. This ensures that even though the film does not consistently leverage its sonic potential, it maintains an engaging ambience.

While the overall sound design is commendable for maintaining balance and clarity and for its competent handling of directionality—especially evident as characters move and interact in the space—the soundscape during quieter moments could benefit from a richer ambience. Some sound effects, particularly those associated with the hockey sequences, may come off as overly simplified or lacking in intensity when compared to more serious sports films. However, this choice likely aligns with the film’s lighter tone and target demographic, prioritizing entertainment over accuracy.

The audio track’s strengths lie in its balanced mix and the effective use of surround channels to enhance the storytelling, despite some missed opportunities to fully explore the auditory landscape. While enthusiasts seeking a reference-quality audio experience might find it slightly underwhelming, it nevertheless serves its purpose well by supporting the narrative and ensuring audience engagement, particularly catering to its intended younger viewers without forsaking the overall quality.

The "Tooth Fairy" Blu-ray extras offer a diverse and engaging selection catered to both families and fans of the film. Director Michael Lembeck's enthusiasm is palpable throughout, from his introductory piece to his detailed commentaries on the deleted scenes, showcasing his dedication to the project. The Tooth Fairy Training Center is a delightful addition, encouraging kids to stay active with fun, fairy-themed exercises. The Fairy-Oke feature offers a whimsical karaoke experience led by The Rock and Stephen Merchant, while the gag reel provides a quick burst of humor. For those interested in the filmmaking process, the Behind the Scenes documentary offers an in-depth look at visual effects, costuming, and set design, making it a highlight for enthusiasts. Overall, these extras enrich the Blu-ray experience with an array of content that both complements the film and stands well on its own.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Michael Lembeck: Director Michael Lembeck offers his insights on the film, taking a serious yet passionate approach.
• Introduction by Director Michael Lembeck: A brief introduction to the Blu-ray extras.
• Tooth Fairy Training Center: A fun exercise program for kids themed around the Tooth Fairy.
• Fairy-Oke: Karaoke with The Rock and Stephen Merchant, featuring "The Wind Beneath My Wings".
• Gag Reel: A quick laugh with flubbed lines and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Deleted Scenes: Six scenes with optional director commentary, showcasing what didn't make it into the final cut.
• Behind the Scenes: A detailed look into the making of the film, focusing on visual effects, costuming, and set design.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer of "Tooth Fairy".
• Sneak Peeks: Previews for "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Flicka 2," and "The Sound of Music".

The Tooth Fairy," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the disillusioned Derek Thompson, a minor league hockey player known for his aggressive play, lands itself in a unique spot among family movies—somewhere between an attempt at heartwarming entertainment and a missed opportunity for genuine humor. The film’s premise revolves around Thompson's cynical disbelief in fairy tales, leading to his ironic punishment: becoming a real tooth fairy. With a cast including Julie Andrews, Ashley Judd, and Billy Crystal, one might expect a delightful concoction of comedy and fantasy, yet the movie struggles to find its footing amidst a clutter of clichés and predictable plotlines.

Technically, the presentation of "The Tooth Fairy" on Blu-ray does not suffer from any significant faults—the visuals and audio quality meet the expectations for high definition home entertainment. Special effects, such as Derek's transformation and his clumsy adaptation to his fairy duties, are executed well enough to entertain the targeted younger audience. However, the movie's reliance on physical comedy and the spectacle of seeing Johnson in a fairy costume wears thin without a strong narrative to support it. Billy Crystal and Stephen Merchant offer brief moments of levity, but even their talents cannot elevate the material beyond its inherent limitations.

Despite The Rock's undeniable charisma and ability to carry lesser films, "The Tooth Fairy" fails to fully utilize his comedic or dramatic strengths, resulting in a performance that feels half-hearted. The film's humor often misses the mark for both adults and children, with scenes that drag on too long for the fleeting attention spans of its intended audience. Moreover, its overabundance of subplots leads to a convoluted resolution, leaving viewers with a sense of artificiality rather than genuine warmth or satisfaction. In sum, while "The Tooth Fairy" might offer sporadic entertainment for very young viewers, it lacks the charm and wit to make it a memorable addition to the family movie genre.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Tooth Fairy" finds itself skirting the line between passable entertainment and a somewhat unfortunate missed opportunity. The movie, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, delivers a family-friendly narrative with moments of comedic relief, primarily through the efforts of Stephen Merchant and Billy Crystal. Despite its premise which might not appeal to everyone, the film provides a handful of chuckles and manages to avoid the trap of becoming overly obnoxious, a merit when compared to contemporaries like "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel." Technically, the Blu-ray edition shines with impressive video quality and a reasonable selection of supplemental features, though it's hard to imagine many diving into these extras with much enthusiasm.

The consensus among parents might lean towards acquiescence more than eagerness. If your children have shown an insatiable desire to own this movie, and their behavior merits a new DVD, "Tooth Fairy" might serve as an innocuous addition to your collection. The visual presentation is commendable, though the audio output doesn't rise to the same level, described by some as slightly subpar. This discrepancy, however, is unlikely to detract significantly from a child's viewing experience. This release seems to fulfill a niche demand rather than presenting a compelling purchase for the average viewer.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Tooth Fairy" is best reserved for those with a specific interest: parents seeking to appease their children. Its standout technical quality does add value, making it a tolerable, if not entirely regrettable, addition to family movie night, assuming expectations are tempered. For everyone else, the film is unlikely to offer enough to warrant a place on the shelf. It's an unremarkable but serviceable option in the vast sea of family entertainment options.