Get a Job Blu-ray Review

"Get a Job" comes to Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The video quality is proficient, but it leans on the side of looking more like a well-produced television movie rather than a theatrically oriented feature film. The color palette tends towards blue hues, an unusual choice for a comedy or dramedy, but this does not detract from the overall detail levels, which remain consistent throughout. Interior shots sometimes lack shadow detail, though brightly lit office sequences stand out nicely with vivid fluorescent lighting.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer remains free of major technical issues, boasting a bright and colorful presentation. The digital source is crisp and immaculate, with no visible artifacts or defects. Although the mundane office settings do little to showcase traditionally impressive visuals, clarity and fine details are commendably sharp. Colors maintain a vibrant yet balanced spectrum without oversaturation, and contrast is well-managed with solid whites and respectable black levels. Despite its limitations as a standard low-budget comedy, "Get a Job" offers a technically solid transfer that is sharp, vibrant, and free from significant flaws.

The audio presentation of "Get a Job" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while straightforward, effectively supports the film's content. The mix offers clear and clean dialogue, ensuring that speech is always well-prioritized and free from technical issues. Ambient environmental sounds are used to create a modest sense of immersion, with background noises in settings such as coffee shops or office environments presented adequately through minor surround use.

However, the overall sound design lacks depth and texture, with limited directionality. Key effects, such as cars driving, are appropriately panned between speakers, and scenes like a drug-induced montage deliver a brief burst of more dynamic audio. There are instances of solid low-frequency effects (LFE) in some music tracks, adding a bit of range to the mix. Though not particularly enveloping or nuanced, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track suits the film's needs with no significant issues to report, offering a generic but effective listening experience.

The Blu-ray also includes optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles, which enhances accessibility for a wider audience. Despite its lack of complexity, the track provides sufficient ambiance and clarity to complement the straightforward narrative of "Get a Job." Overall, the audio mix is serviceable and does its job without any notable flaws.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Get a Job" include a mix of content that ranges from entertaining to somewhat mundane. The "Video Résumé Outtakes" provide mildly amusing moments as the cast pitch themselves in character to prospective employers, although the humor tends to fluctuate. The "Where It All Began: The Cast of Get a Job" featurette offers a standard behind-the-scenes look with complimentary interviews with the cast and crew, discussing casting choices, the film's subject matter, and working dynamics. While it provides some insights, it largely remains surface-level.

Extras included in this disc:

• Video Résumé Outtakes: Mildly amusing cast pitches.
• Where It All Began: The Cast of Get a Job: Standard behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew interviews.

"Get a Job," a film that struggled with distribution and languished for years in development purgatory, is built around a promising concept that unfortunately falls flat in execution. Premiering in 2016 after being completed in 2012, the film's premise focuses on recent college graduates navigating the harsh realities of an unstable job market. Despite a notable cast including Miles Teller, Anna Kendrick, and Bryan Cranston, the movie squanders this potentially rich setup with a disjointed narrative and lackluster humor.

The plot follows Will Davis (Miles Teller) as he faces unemployment and relationship issues with his girlfriend Jillian (Anna Kendrick), while their friends deal with similar predicaments. However, instead of deep comedy or poignant drama, what unfolds is a barrage of juvenile toilet humor and broadly written caricatures. Attempts at social satire are undermined by immature jokes and exaggerated character tropes that lack depth. Despite a stellar ensemble including Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Alison Brie, John C. McGinley, Marcia Gay Harden, and others, the script misses countless opportunities to deliver meaningful commentary or genuine laughs.

Several comedic attempts, such as gross-out gags and underdeveloped characters like a hyper-sexed office worker or a magical janitor, feel disconnected and forced. Moreover, the episodic preaching on millennials' entitlement provides no real insight into generational workplace challenges. Bryan Cranston’s efforts shine briefly but ultimately dive into absurdity, further detracting from any potential comedic value. While "Get a Job" does offer sporadic moments of amusement, such as clever asides and physical comedy bits, it largely remains a shell of what could have been a sharp, biting look at contemporary job woes. Consequently, for most viewers, it’s an uninspiring experience that likely deserved its initial shelving.

'Get a Job' showcases an ensemble cast featuring Miles Teller, Anna Kendrick, Bryan Cranston, and Marcia Gay Harden, raising expectations for a sharp and engaging comedy. Unfortunately, the film falls short, presenting a lackluster narrative that only sporadically amuses. Despite the collective star power, the script’s immature humor and attempted social satire miss the mark, rendering the film moderately entertaining at best.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is competent. The video quality is clear and clean, capturing vibrant colors and detailed visuals without any notable flaws. Audio performance is equally steady, delivering crisp dialogue and balanced soundscaping, albeit not particularly immersive. The disc is outfitted with modest supplements, though these extras are generally superficial and add limited value to the overall experience.

Overall, while 'Get a Job' benefits from a capable Blu-ray treatment, the film itself fails to capitalize on its promising premise and stellar cast. Despite some technical merits in presentation, this movie is best approached with lowered expectations. For those considering adding it to their collection, it may be more suited for a one-time rental rather than a purchase.