She's Funny That Way Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "She's Funny That Way" from Lionsgate Films is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, derived from a digital source shot on the Arri Alexa. This presentation offers a generally pleasing visual experience, marked by a warm and nostalgic glow that pervades many of the interior scenes. The image quality showcases excellent sharpness and clarity, particularly in the more naturally lit or graded sequences, allowing for superb levels of fine detail in close-ups. Contrast is typically strong, contributing to a balanced and vibrant image, though some dimly lit scenes exhibit a slight haze.

The color palette is lush and well-timed, with black levels appearing rich and deep and whites maintained without blooming. Although several long sequences have been color graded with a thick, buttery yellow ambiance, which does somewhat detract from the fine detail, it aligns well with director Peter Bogdanovich's stylistic choices. Exterior shots filmed on location in New York City retain an organic immediacy that authentically encapsulates the urban environment's flavor. The pristine digital presentation is notably free of grain, nicks, marks, or scratches, rendering a smooth, slick visual that is highly appealing.

The textures and patterns of costumes come through clearly, and close-ups effectively highlight facial features, rendering particularly glamorous portrayals of the female cast. The Blu-ray transfer maintains stability without any compression issues, resulting in an excellent viewing experience that complements the film's nostalgic and comedic tone.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "She's Funny That Way" delivers a competent but unremarkable audio experience. The track handles the film's largely dialog-driven scenes with clarity and precision, ensuring excellent fidelity and comprehensibility even during rapid-fire exchanges. While dynamic range remains somewhat narrow, the soundscape offers crisp and distinct audio for incidents such as face slapping and chin punches. Surround activity is limited but present, mainly through subtle ambient noises in scenes set in bustling restaurants or on busy New York streets.

Although the track lacks significant bass, it captures Edward Shearmur's music score and period songs performed by Fred Astaire with notable fidelity and tonal depth. There’s a clean, distortion-free listening experience with no surface noise. Brief moments of immersive surround activity occur during crowded theater rehearsals, adding intermittent depth to the often-muted soundscape. Ultimately, this is a reliable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that consistently delivers clear, well-modulated sound without any extraordinary enhancements.

The extras on the "She's Funny That Way" Blu-ray provide a limited but insightful glance into the behind-the-scenes process, though some features fall short of expectations. The commentary track with Peter Bogdanovich and Louise Stratton, despite its potential, tends to be underwhelming and sporadic, offering few valuable insights beyond superficial remarks on New York locations and some casting decisions. The behind-the-scenes featurette, while containing upbeat anecdotes and laudations for Bogdanovich's direction, tends to lack depth and substance, playing more like a promotional piece. Fans might find more entertainment in the original theatrical trailer, though it’s somewhat chaotic and brief.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Peter Bogdanovich and Co-Writer/Producer Louise Stratton: Sporadic and tentative, with few enlightening moments.
• Behind the Scenes of She's Funny That Way: A 17-minute EPK featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• She's Funny That Way Trailer: The film's original preview with a high-energy montage.

Peter Bogdanovich's attempt to recapture the spirit of screwball comedy with "She's Funny That Way" is a mixed bag, brimming with the zany elements characteristic of the genre while also falling prey to several narrative pitfalls. The film centers around stage director Arnold Anderson (Owen Wilson) and his convoluted relationships, especially with call girl-turned-actress Isabella Patterson (Imogen Poots). While moments of humor sparkle intermittently, the film suffers from an overstuffed plot and disjointed narrative flow—a quality exacerbated by its reliance on a framing device involving Isabella recounting past events to a reporter. This structure creates a lurching, hiccuping experience that disrupts the film's pacing.

The ensemble cast, including Kathryn Hahn, Rhys Ifans, Jennifer Aniston, and Will Forte, inject curiosity into their roles but are often left navigating a script laden with contrived coincidences and lackluster dialogue. Set pieces aiming for farce falter as the film leans heavily on characters interacting via phone conversations, undercutting the frenetic energy one expects from such comedies. Crucial plot elements stretch credulity, particularly the central premise of Anderson's altruistic payouts to prostitutes. Despite Bogdanovich’s deliberate nods to Golden Age classics like "What's Up, Doc?" and "Cluny Brown," "She's Funny That Way" never quite captures the heart and spontaneity of its predecessors.

Technical elements such as the use of 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio ensure a sharp, immersive viewing experience on Blu-ray. However, these high production values cannot mask the intrinsic narrative weaknesses. While the film offers some nostalgic value through its classic references and occasional chuckles, it ultimately feels more like an earnest yet uneven homage rather than a successful revival of the screwball comedy genre.

"She's Funny That Way" aims to evoke the spirit of classic screwball comedies but falls short due to a superficial plot and underdeveloped characters. Despite an admirable effort from a talented ensemble cast, the film fails to deliver consistent humor or maintain any meaningful momentum. The narrative stumbles over forced situations and thinly veiled attempts at comedy, which ultimately hampers its appeal.

The Blu-ray release does, however, excel in technical aspects. The video transfer is clean and sharp, with vibrant colors capturing the whimsical tone of the film. The audio mix is equally solid, providing clear dialogue and an engaging soundscape that complements the visual style. These technical merits might appease those who value high-quality home entertainment standards.

In conclusion, while "She's Funny That Way" features occasional humorous moments and a commendable technical presentation, it lacks the substance and consistency of truly memorable screwball comedies. Fans of individual actors may find it worth a watch, but even enthusiasts of the genre might consider revisiting classic hits rather than investing time in this middling effort. For potential buyers, the Blu-ray’s strong technical performance could justify a purchase, though expectations for the narrative should be tempered.