It's Kind of a Funny Story Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "It's Kind of a Funny Story" features a stable 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer that remains faithful to the filmmakers' vision while offering a visually engaging experience. Dominated by antiseptic greens, sterile whites, and desaturated blues, the film's color palette authentically reflects the drab environment of a psychiatric ward. Despite this intentionally muted aesthetic, lifelike skin tones, deep blacks, and occasional bursts of vivid primary colors, especially in Craig's dream sequences and rooftop scenes, add richness to the visual presentation. Notably, close-ups are often striking with well-defined textures, showing every fiber of a sweater or hair in a beard.

However, the transfer's overall detail can be inconsistent, primarily due to Andrij Parekh's cinematographic choices rather than technical flaws. While some instances of softness can be attributed to artistic focus, there have been brief occurrences where minor noise reduction appears to have been applied, causing subtle smearing. Nonetheless, these instances are minimal and do not significantly detract from an otherwise refined and well-resolved image. The transfer benefits from an exemplary technical encode, free from artifacts like banding, crush, aliasing, or aberrant noise.

In summary, while the Blu-ray presentation of "It's Kind of a Funny Story" may not be the sharpest or most vibrant on the market, its video quality is robust and true to the film's aesthetic intentions. The encoding is proficient, ensuring a clean and satisfying viewing experience with only minor flaws that are unlikely to detract from overall enjoyment.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for "It's Kind of a Funny Story" is a faithful but somewhat restrained aural representation of the film. Dialogue is generally clear and well-articulated, though some lines occasionally get lost. The LFE channel remains relatively subdued, with a notable exception when Craig's escapist fantasies activate more dynamic bass responses. Rear speaker engagement is minimal, only stepping up during moments of heightened fantasy and musical interludes. Notable musical selections, including Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure" and Maxence Cyrin's evocative piano rendition of "Where is My Mind," are rendered beautifully, providing sonic highlights in an otherwise modest soundfield.

Despite the track's overall clarity, including crisp conversational exchanges within the mental ward setting, the directionality works nicely in specific instances. For instance, the off-screen yells from a distant room add some spatial realism. However, ambient subtleties are largely absent, rendering the mix somewhat flat in quieter scenes. The rear channels and LFE come alive during musical numbers, especially during Method Man's track and Queen's "Under Pressure," providing occasional bursts of bass that contrast with the otherwise reserved atmosphere.

Overall, while Universal's 5.1 mix is not without its merits and does showcase music effectively, it falls short of delivering a fully immersive and dynamic auditory experience throughout the film. The mix provides adequate auditory fidelity but lacks consistent depth and engagement, particularly in quieter segments where ambiance plays a crucial role.

The Blu-ray release of "It's Kind of a Funny Story" features a modest selection of supplemental materials, with room for improvement in terms of depth and variety. The deleted scenes and outtakes add a layer of extra enjoyment, showcasing moments that didn't make the final cut. While the featurettes and premiere clip provide some behind-the-scenes perspectives, they feel more like an extension of the movie’s promotional campaign rather than insightful extras. The absence of an audio commentary track or more comprehensive featurettes is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film’s creative process and thematic elements.

Extras included in this disc:

A Look Inside It's Kind of a Funny Story: A short, promotional featurette with cast and crew discussing the film.

Deleted Scenes: Five notable scenes adding some context and character depth.

Outtakes: Light-hearted gag reel featuring amusing mistakes.

New York City Premiere: Quick footage from the film's premiere event.

"It's Kind of a Funny Story" is an intriguing blend of heartfelt sincerity and quirky charm, delivered through a teenage lens. Adapted by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, the film navigates the complexities of mental health with a unique mix of humor and gravitas. Keir Gilchrist stars as Craig Gilner, a teenage boy who, grappling with overwhelming academic pressures and personal expectations, self-admits into a psychiatric ward. His journey within the institution is not just about survival but discovering parts of himself he's long ignored. Supported by Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts, the movie delves into friendships, budding love, and self-acceptance, although its portrayal tends to romanticize the mental health facility experience.

The narrative oscillates between comedy and drama, often steering towards lightheartedness even in moments of crisis, which may not resonate with all viewers. Gilchrist's portrayal of Craig is both endearing and relatable, his character navigating his struggles without descending into cliched angst. Zach Galifianakis brings a subdued dramatic performance, adding depth without overshadowing Gilchrist's character arc. However, the film's attempt to balance indie charm with mainstream appeal can sometimes feel jarring, particularly through its use of cutaway scenes and animated sequences which detract more than they contribute.

While "It's Kind of a Funny Story" captures the essence of teenage turmoil amidst mental health issues, it falters when compared to heavier hitters like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" or "Girl, Interrupted." The stakes never feel genuinely high for Craig, undermining the movie's emotional engagement. Despite these shortcomings, Fleck and Boden manage to craft a story that touches on important themes pertinent to today's youth culture. Their approach might not strike a chord with everyone, but for some viewers, it will hit the right balance of humor and heart.

"It's Kind of a Funny Story" attempts to delve into the complexities of teenage mental health, but it falls short in delivering a profound or immersive experience. The film's lead, who shines in other performances, appears rather perfunctory here. His journey, while relatable to some, lacks the urgency and emotional depth often required to resonate deeply with a broader audience. The narrative, focused on personal growth within a psychiatric ward, glosses over the intricacies of mental health struggles, making it feel somewhat superficial. The added romantic subplot seems forced and generic, aiming to elicit predictable emotional responses rather than enhancing the overall storyline.

Technically, Universal's Blu-ray release of "It's Kind of a Funny Story" is commendable. The video transfer is crisp and clean, capturing the vibrant yet muted tones of the film effectively. The DTS-HD Master Audio track is robust, providing a clear and immersive auditory experience. However, the accompanying special features are minimal and do not offer additional insights that could enhance one's appreciation or understanding of the film. The lack of substantial supplementary content might disappoint those looking for more in-depth exploration or behind-the-scenes knowledge.

In conclusion, "It's Kind of a Funny Story" may appeal to specific viewers who find solace in its light-hearted approach to serious themes. The Blu-ray's technical merits make it a worthwhile rental for those curious about the film's visual and audio quality. However, its lack of narrative depth and skimpy special features may deter repeated viewings. If you feel a connection to its sweet and comedic undertones, adding it to your collection might be worthwhile; otherwise, a one-time rental should suffice.