Highball Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Highball" by the MVD Marquee Collection utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, the transfer appears to exhibit characteristics more aligned with older video formats, potentially suggesting telecine involvement. The color palette leans heavily towards blue, occasionally resulting in a notable "blue crush" where blue tones overwhelm each other. This contributes to an inconsistent clarity and variable detail levels throughout the film. Age-related wear and tear sporadically surface, but more prominent is the heavy grain, which fails to resolve naturally and detracts from the visual experience. Specific scenes appear out of focus, possibly due to known production challenges during filming.

Detail and definition suffer noticeably in this transfer, which reflects its origins from a late 1990s low-budget independent production. Although MVD employs sufficient AVC bitrates by utilizing a BD-50 disc for the 79-minute film, the resulting video quality barely surpasses DVD standards. The pervasive graininess compounds the soft image presentation, severely limiting clarity and resolution. Black levels are problematic, causing shadow crushing and further obscuring details.

This Blu-ray release maintains some filmic textures without overt processing but remains hampered by its source material's limitations. The lack of technical workflow details compounds the overall impression that this presentation is a relic from a bygone era of home media, rather than a modern high-definition showcase.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Highball" is characterized by its LPCM 2.0 format, supporting the film's dialogue-driven structure effectively. While not particularly ambitious in its sound design, the audio track succeeds in delivering clean and clear dialogue throughout, which is crucial given the film's reliance on verbal interactions. The stereo PCM mix, though basic, ensures intelligible dialogue, maintaining clarity and precision essential for viewer comprehension.

The mix is relatively straightforward, with modest dynamics and limited low-frequency effects (LFE). Despite the simplicity, the stereo imaging is crisp and well-executed, contributing positively to the overall auditory experience even though it doesn't offer any standout moments. Compared to other aspects like visual quality, the audio fares notably better, maintaining a professional balance throughout.

The inclusion of optional English and Spanish subtitles enhances accessibility for a wider audience. The subtitles are presented in a clear yellow font, which aids in readability without detracting from the viewing experience. Thus, while the LPCM 2.0 audio of "Highball" may not offer groundbreaking sound design, it delivers effectively on its intended purpose of supporting dialogue clarity across various playback scenarios.

The Blu-ray release of "Highball" by MVD as part of their Marquee Collection draws attention with its comprehensive array of extras that both entertain and educate. The centerpiece is "The Making of Highball," an in-depth documentary offering a revealing look into the movie's production challenges with insights from key figures such as producer Joel Kastelberg and several actors, though notably absent is director Noah Baumbach. The inclusion of various trailers enhances the nostalgic value, although varying video quality from HD to SD may affect viewing consistency. Overall, this special features section provides a valuable context that enriches the overall package for fans and new audiences alike, while the full region coding ensures broader accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Highball: A new documentary discussing the film's production with key interviews.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Mr. Jealousy Trailer
• Digging To China Trailer
• Dirty Laundry Trailer
• The Last Time I Committed Suicide Trailer

"Highball" presents an intriguing, albeit chaotic, snapshot of Gen X indie comedy reminiscent of "Clerks," though failing to achieve its cult success. Directed by Noah Baumbach during an interlude in his work on "Mr. Jealousy," this film is marked by its haphazard production, having been shot roughly within a week. Its star-studded ensemble, featuring Eric Stoltz, Annabella Sciorra, and Ally Sheedy, among others, is arguably the film's most memorable aspect. However, Baumbach eventually distanced himself from this project, opting to remove his name from the credits—a decision that underscores the film's uneven execution and choppy humor.

Essentially a loosely connected series of comedic vignettes, "Highball" chronicles the antics of a group of friends over three holiday-themed parties. The screenplay is credited to Jesse Carter, but it has a decidedly improvisational feel with moments that seem more self-indulgent than humorous. This improvisational tone occasionally pays off, particularly in scenes involving Ally Sheedy and Raw Dawn Chong who play exaggerated versions of themselves, contributing a spirited self-parody to the film's uneven laughs and Gen X bravado.

While the film's appeal might reside in the novelty of its ensemble cast and nostalgic '90s indie comedy ambiance, it ultimately lacks the clever writing and cohesion found in similar successful films of the era, such as "Swingers." Characterized by erratic performances—especially Justine Bateman's notably peculiar role—and a thinly woven narrative thread, "Highball" struggles to resonate beyond its behind-the-scenes story as an experimental side project that materialized out of leftover resources and fleeting creative whimsy.

The Blu-ray release of "Highball" presents an enticing opportunity for Noah Baumbach completists, offering a striking glimpse into the director's early, albeit disowned, indie ensemble work. Viewers should anticipate an imperfect yet engaging narrative reminiscent of sketch comedy, rather than the polished storytelling one might expect from the inclusion of cast members like Justine Bateman. The film's independent roots are evident, providing a raw, unrefined viewing experience that could appeal to fans interested in tracing Baumbach's artistic evolution.

Technically, the audio quality on the disc is satisfactory, delivering clear and consistent sound that complements the film's dialogue-heavy scenes. While the video presentation suffers from several issues—potentially stemming from the initial production quality—these do not severely detract from the overall viewing experience. The included making-of featurette adds substantial value, offering insightful context on the film's experimental approach and production challenges, which should particularly interest those studying Baumbach’s early career.

In conclusion, "Highball" on Blu-ray is a niche collectible best suited for those dedicated to understanding Noah Baumbach’s comprehensive body of work. While the director's own dismissal of the film and its technical video flaws may deter broader audiences, the fine audio quality and informative featurette make it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts and scholars.