The Edge of Seventeen Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Edge of Seventeen," shot digitally and presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, boasts a mostly proficient 1080p transfer using the MPEG-4 AVC codec. The video quality is commendable, with the image clarity satisfying the requirements of the movie and the expectations for the format. Detailing is adequate, capturing the essence of facial features like pores, pimples, moles, and wrinkles with satisfactory precision. Clothes and environmental textures, such as those found in Mr. Bruner's classroom or Nadine's bedroom, are depicted with enough detail to reveal basic fabric qualities and decoration sharpness. The colors are neutral yet punchy, with attire and certain settings, like booths and rides at a carnival, offering a visual treat against the deep, accurate blacks of nighttime scenes. There's a specific mention of minimal compression artifacts and an overall commendable representation of flesh tones without any noticeable issues.

However, the transfer is not without its shortcomings, primarily noted in scenes under lower lighting conditions where noise becomes more pronounced, occasionally rising to unsightly levels. This issue does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience, as detail in brighter scenes or adequately lit environments retains its vibrancy, although it prevents the picture quality from reaching reference standards. Black levels throughout the movie are deep and true, enhancing the visual depth without leading to crush or an undesirable lightness. While it may not set a new benchmark for Blu-ray video quality, it delivers a solid viewing experience that complements the film's aesthetic and narrative context.

Overall, while "The Edge of Seventeen" doesn't offer a reference-quality video presentation on Blu-ray, it provides an image that is largely pleasing and well-suited to the film’s digitally captured essence. The balance between color saturation, detail in both character close-ups and wider environmental shots, and deep black levels ensure a visually engaging experience despite some noisier segments in dim lighting. It stands as a solid representation of modern digital photography on Blu-ray, albeit with room for improvement in low-light performance.

The audio section of "The Edge of Seventeen" Blu-ray benefits from the inclusion of a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack, offering a solid auditory experience that complements the film's content well. Despite the film's focus on the nuances of teenage life rather than action-packed sequences, the audio track meticulously balances its components to ensure a rich and immersive auditory environment. Music plays a significant role, presented with depth and robustness that envelops the listener. The use of the additional rear channels enhances the sense of immersion, allowing for a more precise ambient presence in various scenarios such as parties with their deep musical bases, and everyday environments where background sounds like chatter and clatter are brought to life with remarkable clarity.

Dialogues, the film's core given its genre, are crisply relayed through the center channel, ensuring that every word is clear and well-prioritized over the background elements. While the surrounds are mainly tasked with amplifying the movie's soundtrack and providing ambient noises, they do so effectively, maintaining overall balance and contributing to a nuanced yet not overwhelming soundscape. Whether it’s the subtle sounds of a backyard pool or the more lively din of an amusement park, each element is integrated with finesse, bolstering the visual storytelling with auditory precision.

Supporting audio features include a Descriptive Video Service for visually impaired audiences and subtitles in English SDH and Spanish, ensuring accessibility. Although the 7.1 setup might initially seem excessive for a film grounded in reality rather than fantastical elements, it underscores a commitment to delivering a quality auditory experience. From well-defined instrumental sounds and lyrics in musical sequences to the lifelike clarity of environmental atmospherics, the audio track enhances the viewing experience without overwhelming it, attesting to a well-considered auditory design appropriate for this introspective teen comedy.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Edge of Seventeen" consists of a gag reel and a selection of deleted scenes, alongside a DVD copy and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy. The gag reel, disappointing in its humor, captures the cast—most notably Woody Harrelson and Hailee Steinfeld—in a series of bloopers that doesn’t extend beyond the occasional laugh, hinting at its limited rewatch value. The deleted scenes offer a slightly more engaging content, presenting three distinct vignettes: "Nadine Asleep in Mr. Bruner’s Classroom," "Mona's Interior Monologue," and "Nadine Needs the Bathroom Key," with the option to view them selectively or consecutively. Though brief, these scenes add depth, showcasing moments not seen in the film's final cut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers featuring the cast members.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes "Nadine Asleep in Mr. Bruner's Classroom," "Mona's Interior Monologue," and "Nadine Needs the Bathroom Key.

The Edge of Seventeen" emerges as a poignant and humorous exploration of the turbulence of adolescence, captured with remarkable insight by director and screenwriter Kelly Fremon Craig. Anchored by a standout performance by Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine, the film traverses the landscape of teenage angst and the quest for identity amidst the chaotic backdrop of modern youth. Steinfeld's portrayal delves deeply into Nadine's complexities, oscillating between moments of raw vulnerability and biting sarcasm, evoking an authenticity that resonates with anyone who recalls the bittersweet trials of growing up. The narrative deftly balances the universal struggles of friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery, without descending into cliché or caricature, thereby painting a vivid, if gritty, picture of adolescent life.

Supporting performances, particularly by Woody Harrelson as Mr. Bruner and Haley Lu Richardson as Krista, anchor the narrative, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth. Harrelson’s portrayal of the sardonic yet caring teacher offers a nuanced counterpoint to Nadine’s turmoil, embodying the film's heart amidst its exploration of teenage despair and resilience. Meanwhile, the dynamic between Nadine and Krista encapsulates the volatile nature of high school friendships, heightened by the former’s isolation and familial tension.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray enhance the viewing experience, with flawless visual and audio presentation that immerses the audience in Nadine's world. The vivid imagery and nuanced sound design complement Craig’s directorial vision, making "The Edge of Seventeen" not only a critical observation of teenage life but also a cinematic achievement. Despite its modest box office performance, the film distinguishes itself through its thoughtful storytelling and character development, promising viewers a refreshingly genuine take on the coming-of-age genre.

The Edge of Seventeen" emerges as a commendable effort in the realm of teenage dramas, straddling the line between light-hearted humor and poignant storytelling with grace. Despite not attaining iconic status akin to the revered high school films of the 80s, it stands out due to its authentic performances, direction, and script. The film's ability to effortlessly oscillate between eliciting hearty laughs and drawing tears is a testament to its quality and the potential to morph into a cult classic over time. However, it's disheartening to acknowledge that this gem received a lukewarm reception at the box office, underscoring a gap between its intrinsic value and its commercial recognition.

The Blu-ray release of "The Edge of Seventeen" exhibits a respectable technical presentation, with video and audio quality that fulfill standard expectations without surpassing them. The primary letdown, however, lies in the special features—or the conspicuous lack thereof. A notable absence of in-depth bonus content, such as an audio commentary, significantly diminishes the package's appeal for cinephiles and fans alike. While the film itself is highly recommended for its substantive narrative and commendable craftsmanship, the Blu-ray offering feels somewhat incomplete, leaving enthusiasts yearning for more insight into the film's creation and impact.

In conclusion, while "The Edge of Seventeen" Blu-ray delivers on providing access to a well-crafted and emotionally resonant narrative, it falls short in enhancing the viewing experience with additional contextual materials. This release is undoubtedly recommended for those seeking a quality film that navigates the complexities of adolescence with humor and heart. However, for collectors and ardent fans craving a deeper dive into the film's behind-the-scenes dynamics and cultural footprint, this edition leaves something to be desired.