Little Fockers Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/VC-1 transfer of "Little Fockers" is a mixed but generally respectable presentation in high definition video quality. The color palette leans towards overstated primaries with a pleasing array, though skin tones can veer from lifelike to overly bronzed, giving a sun-soaked appearance that occasionally looks unnatural. The contrast is dynamic, sometimes leading to bright scenes being washed out, but it also enhances the vividness of primary colors. Dark scenes are handled well, with respectable black levels and good visibility in low-light sequences. Image sharpness is generally high, with well-defined textures and refined edges, particularly noticeable in close-ups where details like fine eyebrows and pores stand out.

Technically speaking, the video transfer remains cleanly rendered without significant compression artifacts, banding, or aliasing. However, some inconsistencies are evident—certain interior scenes appear flat and murky, and occasional soft shots detract from the overall crispness. The presentation does not suffer from artifacting or glaring technical hitches, but intermittent oversaturation does occur. While the transfer is not devoid of flaws—such as a few soft shots and some undesirable ringing—it remains mostly satisfying. Critical elements like the files in Jack's lair and artwork in Greg's office are rendered with precision without many interruptions.

Despite these mixed attributes, the high definition presentation fulfills its criteria adequately. It may not be suitable as demo material, but it aligns well with the filmmaker's intentions and should suffice for general viewership. This Blu-ray transfer encapsulates a typical modern comedy aesthetic, managing to offer an engaging visual experience with minor distractions. Overall, while "Little Fockers" may not be a standout example of high definition video quality, it achieves a solid and acceptable standard for home viewing.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for 'Little Fockers' provides a competent but unremarkable audio experience. Dialogue predominates from the front and center channels, with well-defined clarity that anchors the vocal elements distinctly within the room. However, the score by Stephen Trask, though lively and immersive, periodically overshadows the dialogue, creating moments where voices unduly compete with the music. This is particularly evident during the opening sequence.

Surround activity is present but understated, with occasional spatial cues and directional sounds that adequately contribute to the scene's ambiance without being disruptive or overly aggressive. The LFE output adds depth on suitable occasions but lacks consistent impact. Overall, the front-heavy nature of the mix suits the genre, making it serviceable for fans of the series despite its lack of excitement.

In summary, while the track isn't groundbreaking, it effectively handles its source material. Stephen Trask’s score is the highlight, enveloping the soundfield with playful percussion and rhythms. Rear channels are generally quiet barring some activity during specific scenes such as the party. Although not a standout auditory experience, it ensures a satisfactory and clear presentation for a dialogue-driven comedy.

The Blu-ray extras for "Little Fockers" deliver a mixed bag of content that should interest fans of the franchise. Key highlights include behind-the-scenes featurettes, several deleted and alternate scenes, and a gag reel that entertains more than it drags. The standout feature is "The Making of the Godfocker," which provides insights from director Paul Weitz and the main cast, although it falls into the typical promo-style interview format. The disc also includes exclusive short interviews with Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, and Owen Wilson, adding a bit more depth to the offering. Overall, while the content isn't groundbreaking, it provides some additional amusement and context for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate opening: Wedding dream & morning wakeup.
• Alternate ending: Tree house.
• Deleted scenes: Ten scenes adding context but limited laughs.
• Gag reel: An amusing 2-minute outtake reel.
• The making of the Godfocker: A 15-minute behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Blu-ray Exclusive: Bob & Ben: A 4-minute featurette.
• Blu-ray Exclusive: Ben & Owen: A 5-minute featurette.
• Bout time: A 4-minute look at the climactic fight scene.
• The Focker Foot Locker: Compilation of every utterance of "Focker."
• Pocket BLU: Mobile app functionality.
• My Scenes: Bookmarking feature.
• My Movies: Stream or rent additional Universal movies.
• BD-Live: Online content service.
• Bonus DVD of Little Fockers
• Digital Copy

"Little Fockers," the latest installment in the "Focker" franchise, revisits the comedic dynamics between Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) and his intimidating father-in-law, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro). The film aims to capitalize on the humorous tension that characterized its predecessors, "Meet the Parents" and "Meet the Fockers." However, despite Director Paul Weitz inheriting the series from Jay Roach, "Little Fockers" suffers from a noticeable decline in comedic freshness. This sequel returns with an ensemble cast featuring Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Owen Wilson, Jessica Alba, Laura Dern, and Harvey Keitel. Yet, even with this talented lineup, the movie struggles to deliver the kind of laughter audiences have come to expect.

The plot centers on Greg trying to earn Jack's trust as a potential successor for the family patriarch role—dubbed the "Godfocker." Misunderstandings with a flirtatious drug rep (Jessica Alba) and Greg's continued tension with Jack lead to predictable and uninspired scenarios. Unfortunately, the comedy feels forced and repetitive. Iconic scenes of Jack's surveillance and interrogation tactics fail to introduce any new sparks. The film attempts humor through situational gags involving erectile dysfunction and elite private school admissions—none of which provide enough substance to elevate the narrative above mediocrity.

Supporting characters suffer from underdeveloped side stories that add little to the main arc. Hoffman and Streisand’s limited presence fails to recreate their charming moments from earlier films, while Alba's performance only distracts. Owen Wilson’s comic relief feels overstretched and Kevin Rawley's eccentricity becomes tiresome. In this outing, even dramatic talents like De Niro are reduced to uninspired slapstick, straying far from their illustrious filmographies. Ultimately, "Little Fockers" does not capture the wit and warmth its predecessors occasionally did, making for a disappointingly stagnant addition to the series.

"Little Fockers" fails to reinvent the comedic formula that made "Meet the Parents" a memorable hit. Instead, it retreads familiar ground with lackluster results. The Blu-ray release from Universal, although technically superior to the film itself, doesn't quite warrant an immediate purchase. The video transfer is commendable, though not flawless, and the DTS-HD Master Audio track performs adequately within the genre's constraints. While the supplemental content is somewhat limited, it manages to deliver enough to entertain dedicated fans of the franchise.

The movie's comedic value is disappointingly low, failing to elicit consistent laughter and instead evoking a sense of dismay and missed opportunity. From an A/V perspective, the Blu-ray offers a middle-of-the-road experience typical of mainstream comedy releases. The additional features, while present, don't add significant value to an already underwhelming package and are largely forgettable.

In conclusion, "Little Fockers" on Blu-ray is best approached with tempered expectations. The technical merits of the Blu-ray do little to salvage the uninspired content of the film. For most, it will be worth a rental rather than a purchase. However, staunch fans of the franchise might find just enough to make it worthwhile.