Bad Moms

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bad Moms" offers a visually intriguing experience that lands somewhat in the middle of the spectrum due to its intentional artistic choices. The film, captured under the guidance of cinematographer Jim Denault, employs a soft-focus approach with diffuser filters that lend a dreamlike, somewhat hazy quality to the visual narrative. This choice might recall classic Hollywood in its aesthetics, yet it doesn't significantly detract from the sharpness and clarity expected from a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode. Despite this stylistic decision, the high-definition transfer showcases fine details such as individual hairs, the subtleties of fabric textures, and even minute facial imperfections with commendable precision. The presentation in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio with its brilliantly comfortable contrast enhances visibility, ensuring that scenes remain vibrant and lively across various lighting conditions.

Colors on this Blu-ray are executed with proficiency, striking a balance that accentuates bold primary hues without overshadowing more nuanced secondary tones. This renders a visually pleasing palette that harmonizes perfectly with the film's tonal shifts—from lively comedic moments to more tender sequences. Blacks are described as rich and deep, contributing to a cinematic depth that complements nighttime scenes and darker clothing effectively. While some critiques note the occasional lack of razor-sharp detail and a propensity towards paler flesh tones under harsh lighting, these aspects seem minor when considered within the overall intention behind the movie's visual composition.

Noise levels are noted but do not disrupt the viewing experience; they are managed well, preserving the film's raw integrity. The stylistic choices made in the cinematography of "Bad Moms," from its softly diffused illumination to the color rendition and contrast management, provide a Blu-ray video presentation that navigates between artistic flourish and high-definition expectations adeptly. This balancing act results in a Blu-ray experience that, while perhaps not exploding off the screen with ultra-crisp detailing, delivers a commendable and visually engaging interpretation of the movie's spirited narrative.

The audio presentation of "Bad Moms" on Blu Ray exemplifies a surprisingly high level of quality one might not expect from a comedy of its kind, underpinned by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. This soundtrack excels in delivering both music and sound effects with impressive precision and vitality. Music, which features prominently during party scenes and montages, is particularly noteworthy. It is characterized by a boomy, bass-rich sound that harnesses the full potential of the surround setup to create an immersive experience. The music sprawls across the soundstage with an energetic zeal, occasionally dipping into the sides for a more enveloping effect while maintaining a broad, dynamic, and well-defined imaging even during the film’s quieter moments.

Sound effects, too, play a significant role in enriching the film's audio landscape. Not only does the track boast moments of engaging atmospheric sounds, such as the bustling noise of a crowded PTA meeting or the ambient office sounds in Amy’s workplace, but it also incorporates more discrete sounds with amusing directionality. The roar of a vintage sports car’s engine and the rustling of leaves add a layer of auditory texture that complements the film's visuals. The use of surround channels is not overly consistent but is effectively utilized to augment the film’s comedic and dynamic moments with clear and purposeful sound placements.

Dialogue stands as the backbone of the audio presentation, delivered from the center channel with impeccable clarity and prioritization, ensuring that every line is intelligible amidst the diverse range of background sounds. The soundtrack manages to strike an impressive balance between dialogues, music, and effects, with a punchy low-end that adds depth to the musical segments without overpowering vocals. All these elements combine to create a lossless mix that is not only fun but showcases moments of audio craftsmanship that elevate the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Bad Moms" provide a decent mix of behind-the-scenes content and additional footage that fans will certainly appreciate. The deleted scenes segment offers 16 minutes and 36 seconds of cut content, presented as a whole without the option to select scenes individually, which might frustrate some viewers looking to find specific omitted parts quickly. The gag reel clocks in at just over 6 minutes, delivering the expected laughs and flubs from the cast. Perhaps the most notable extra are the Cast & Mom Interviews, running for nearly 24 minutes, where cast members discuss various aspects of motherhood and share personal anecdotes alongside their own mothers. This section not only adds depth to the movie experience but also offers a heartwarming touch that aligns well with the film's themes. Including both a DVD copy and a digital download voucher (UV/iTunes) ensures that buyers have flexible viewing options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gag Reel: Outtakes and funny moments from the production.

• Deleted Scenes: A body of scenes that were removed from the final cut.

• Cast & Mom Interviews: Conversations featuring cast members and their mothers discussing life, motherhood, and their relationships.

Bad Moms," written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the brains behind 'The Hangover' franchise, ventures into the chaotic and humorous life of overworked moms aiming for liberation from societal expectations. The movie predominantly explores the realm of motherhood within the suburban disillusionment, echoing a mix of raunchy party humor akin to 'Bridesmaids' but with its distinct flair. The narrative follows Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis), a perpetually busy mother, whose life takes a sharp turn following her husband's virtual infidelity. Joining forces with the free-spirited Carla (Kathryn Hahn) and reserved Kiki (Kristen Bell), Amy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against the tyrannical PTA president, Gwendolyn James (Christina Applegate). This trio of mothers challenge the conventions of parenting, juggling their responsibilities with a newfound zest for life that includes both questionable decisions and heartwarming camaraderie.

Though leaning towards predictable plotlines and occasionally restrained humor, the film finds its strength in energetic performances and its exploration of modern motherhood's demands. Kunis delivers a compelling portrayal of Amy, capturing the essence of a mother on the brink, while Hahn shines as Carla, embodying the film's raucous spirit. Bell's Kiki offers an endearing glimpse into the internal conflicts many mothers face, creating a balance within the trio's dynamics. Despite its forays into lewd humor, "Bad Moms" carefully navigates its PG-13 landscape, providing laughs without alienating its audience. The film's attempt to delve into crude humor is tempered by its overarching theme of finding balance between personal desires and parental duties, coupled with a critique of the pressures placed on mothers in a judgmental society.

Evidently, "Bad Moms" oscillates between raunchy comedy and heartfelt reflection on motherhood, albeit through a somewhat sanitized lens. The film does not shy away from portraying the messy realities of parenting but wraps its narrative in a feel-good comedy that resonates with anyone tired of trying to meet impossible standards. The performances by Kunis, Hahn, and Bell elevate the movie beyond its potential clichés, injecting vitality into Lucas and Moore's screenplay. While it may not reinvent the wheel in comedy or narrative originality, "Bad Moms" triumphs as an entertaining diversion that champions the idea of embracing imperfection in parenting and in life.

Bad Moms," brought to life by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore of 'The Hangover' franchise notoriety, delves into the raucous world of overburdened moms with a penchant for rebellion. Despite its failure to completely detach from the standard tropes of contemporary comedy, it offers a sufficiently entertaining experience, marked by the spirited performances of its leading ladies: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate, and Jada Pinkett Smith. While the script may not consistently hit the mark with its humor, the ensemble's chemistry and energetic delivery often elevate the material beyond its initial promise. The Universal Blu-ray release, despite being somewhat lacking in special features, presents the film with commendable visual and auditory quality, making it an enjoyable, if not essential, viewing experience.

The Blu-ray package itself stands out for its technical presentation, boasting reference-quality video and exceptional audio that undoubtedly enhance the viewer's experience. However, it's slightly marred by a limited selection of extras that might leave enthusiasts wanting more. This shortcoming notwithstanding, the release remains a solid choice for those seeking a 'raunchy-lite' comedy flick that doesn't shy away from embracing its spirited premise of motherhood gone rogue. The film's mix of predictable plot elements with moments of genuine humor and camaraderie among its leads ultimately crafts a movie that's as much about letting loose as it is about finding oneself in the chaos of parenting.

In conclusion, "Bad Moms" on Blu-ray serves as a testament to the film’s ability to entertain and engage audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and a stellar cast performance. While it may not redefine the comedy genre or offer a plethora of special features, it delivers where it counts with impressive audiovisual quality and a spirit of fun that's hard to resist. For fans of the genre and admirers of the cast, this release is recommended, making for a fun if predictably structured movie night option.