The Rebound Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Rebound" defies the expectations usually associated with direct-to-video releases. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer showcases sharp, colorful cinematography that retains the feel of its 35mm origins through a fine-grained film stock. This results in consistently natural and intended visuals, free from egregious Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement. The transfer impressively maintains clarity across both brightly lit and darker scenes, ensuring skin textures, clothing fabrics, and intricate details in both close-ups and wide shots are well-rendered. Occasional softness in some scenes does not detract significantly from the overall crispness.

The film's color balance is commendable, with warm, consistent skin tones and rich neutrals complemented by sporadic bursts of vivid color, particularly evident in a vibrant night club scene and a neon-lit bowling alley. The black levels are strong and impactful without sacrificing detail, avoiding common pitfalls such as noise, aliasing, or artifacting. The over-bright lighting typical of modern rom-coms is managed well, avoiding flat or excessively punchy contrast. Overall, "The Rebound" delivers a fantastic Blu-ray video presentation that exceeds expectations for a film that bypassed a theatrical release in the U.S.

The Blu-ray release of "The Rebound" is presented with a typical lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track. The overall mix is characterized by clarity and stability, although it occasionally lacks energy—a common trait among romantic comedies given the genre's minimal reliance on intense, effects-laden sound design. The rear channels provide subdued ambient noises, such as New York street sounds and club chatter, offering extra depth to the soundscape without becoming overpowering. Clint Mansell's score, while not his most forceful or dynamic work compared to his previous compositions for "Requiem for a Dream" and "Black Swan," fits well within the context of this film. Dialogue remains the focal point of the mix, consistently clear and easily understandable. English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available for additional support.

However, there are some noticeable issues with specific scenes in the audio track. The film's opening fills the speakers with loud pop music, a strategy maintained throughout, occasionally at the expense of dialogue clarity. Notably, a montage around the 37-minute mark features music that overshadows the dialogue significantly, though this is an isolated incident. Another audio peak occurs just before the climax with another loud montage, necessitating a volume adjustment due to its intensity. The majority of sound effects are confined to the front channels, limiting the dynamic potential of the surround sound experience. Despite these shortcomings, the audio mix remains decent and functional, if not remarkable.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Rebound" are limited but provide some insight into the film's production. The primary feature is segmented interviews with the cast and crew, including significant screen time with Catherine Zeta Jones. The contributors discuss their motivations and perspectives on the film, but the content is largely promotional and lacks substantial depth. Despite being professionally presented, this sole feature doesn’t offer much for viewers seeking a deeper behind-the-scenes understanding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cast and Crew Interviews: Interviews with Catherine Zeta Jones, Bart Freundlich, Art Garfunkel, Justin Bartha, Joanna Gleason, Kelly Gould, and Andrew Cherry, focusing on their experiences and motivations for the film.

"The Rebound," directed by Bart Freundlich, finds itself in the dusty archives of romantic comedies due to its tonal inconsistencies and mediocre execution. Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones as Sandy, a recently separated 40-year-old mother, the story follows her journey to Manhattan, where she juggles raising her kids and working at a cable sports network. Amidst chasing her renewed ambitions, Sandy hires 25-year-old Aram (Justin Bartha), a post-collegiate drifting barista with a troubled past, as her babysitter. The film oscillates between gross-out humor and melodramatic romantic overtones but fails to convincingly deliver on either front. Zeta-Jones brings charisma and an impressive performance, but even her best efforts can't salvage the lackluster script and direction.

Ultimately, "The Rebound" suffers from episodic storytelling that lacks cohesion; it’s light on genuine comedic elements and heavy on predictable romantic tropes. Early parts of the movie are punctuated with misplaced crass humor, invoking confusion about its true genre—whether a Judd Apatow-esque raunchy comedy or a feel-good romantic drama. As Sandy and Aram’s tentative romance unfolds, the movie tackles themes of age disparity and societal expectations but stumbles under the weight of underdeveloped subplots and inconsistent pacing.

While there’s chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Bartha, the film’s misguided attempt to blend slapstick humor with heartfelt moments results in an uneven narrative. The storyline touches upon deeper issues such as infidelity, parenting, and self-discovery, yet fails to deeply engage with these themes, leaving audiences neither fully entertained nor emotionally invested. What starts with potential spirals into a montage of clichéd scenes and forced resolutions, making "The Rebound" a forgettable entry in the rom-com genre despite its stellar cast.

"The Rebound" on Blu-ray, despite its promising premise and star-studded cast, ultimately falls short in delivering a memorable romantic comedy experience. While Catherine Zeta-Jones delivers a solid performance, the film suffers from uneven direction and a lackluster script. The story itself, about two people on their respective rebounds finding love amidst their significant age difference, had the potential to offer something fresh. Unfortunately, execution faltered, leaving the final product feeling disjointed and formulaic.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer performs well in terms of video quality, offering sharp and detailed visuals that enhance the viewing experience. However, the audio quality does not rise to the same standard and leaves room for improvement. The special features are minimal, comprising a basic set of cast and crew interviews that feel more like an Electronic Press Kit than genuine bonus content. This added content fails to enrich the overall package or provide significant insights into the film's production.

In conclusion, while Catherine Zeta-Jones remains a captivating presence on screen, "The Rebound" itself does not serve her talents well. The film's stale narrative and inconsistent tone make it hard to recommend, even to diehard fans of the actress. For those curious about Zeta-Jones's performance, a rental might be worth considering; however, for most viewers, this Blu-ray is best passed over.