Baked in Brooklyn Blu-ray Review

"Baked in Brooklyn" is delivered on Blu-ray courtesy of Well Go USA, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film likely utilizes digital cinematography, presenting a generally well-detailed image. While the visual presentation offers solid detail in various scenes, the overall color palette is somewhat muted, providing a workmanlike yet uninspiring look. Close-ups showcase excellent fine detail, although murkier scenes, such as those in David's apartment, exhibit less clarity and depth.

There are no notable issues with image instability or compression artifacts throughout the presentation. The visual experience remains consistent with no technical mishaps, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. However, the lack of warmth and creative flair in the visual palette may make it feel somewhat routine. Nevertheless, for viewers focusing on technical quality and stable imagery, the Blu-ray transfer competently delivers.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Baked in Brooklyn" effectively captures the essence of the film through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though it lacks a standout quality. Dialogue remains consistently clear, ensuring that conversations are always easy to follow and well-prioritized within the mix. The soundscape's most active moments are found in urban environments and party scenes, where surround channels help create an immersive experience. However, for much of the film, the surround channels are barely noticeable, and the low-end frequencies are seldom utilized.

The audio track does manage to shine in specific areas, such as the dynamic and rich musical score that enhances several key scenes. Despite this, the overall effect is somewhat flat, mirroring the visual aspect of the film—a competent but unremarkable presentation. The soundtrack's absence of technical flaws, such as banding or digital anomalies, ensures a problem-free listening experience, but it doesn't quite elevate the film’s atmosphere to the next level.

The Blu-ray extras for "Baked in Brooklyn" provide a well-rounded and robust suite of additional content that enhances the viewing experience. The included trailers offer viewers a glimpse into the broader catalog of Well Go USA, serving not only as enticing previews but also showcasing the variety and quality of the studio’s offerings. Each trailer is presented in high definition, ensuring the best possible visual and audio quality. The automatic follow-up feature for Well Go USA releases is a thoughtful addition, making it easy for viewers to discover new films seamlessly.

Extras included in this disc:

• (HD) Trailers: Trailer (1080p; 2:16)
  Automatically includes previews for other Well Go USA releases following the film's trailer.

"Baked in Brooklyn" follows recent college graduate David Shapiro (Josh Brener) as he turns to selling marijuana on the streets of Manhattan after losing his job. Shapiro's descent into the illicit drug trade introduces him to Kate (Alexandra Daddario), leading to a tumultuous relationship marked by increasing dangers and moral complexities. Despite claiming to be an "unfictionalized" tale, the film struggles with narrative credibility and cohesion. The setup and progression are marred by improbable plot points, such as David's transformation from a soul-crushing office job to popping unknown pills at parties while avoiding marijuana, only to later dive headfirst into dealing.

The screenplay, also attributed to Shapiro, fails to provide sufficient context or motivation for key events, including David's dismissal and subsequent decision to become a drug dealer. This lack of narrative depth extends to the development of several characters, including Kate, whose transition from friend-zoning David to becoming his girlfriend is inadequately explored. Vignettes detailing David's escapades in drug dealing add little coherence, leaving potential conflicts underdeveloped and ultimately unresolved in his standup routine narrative.

The tonal inconsistencies are palpable throughout the film, oscillating between a quirky romantic comedy and a darker, semi-realistic drama without committing to either. This deviation results in a disjointed viewing experience that fails to deliver a compelling or authentic message. While Brener channels a neurotic, hyper-articulate persona reminiscent of other stereotypical characters and Daddario attempts to flesh out an underwritten role, the film ultimately flounders. It falls short of both a credible romantic narrative and a significant dramatic exploration, rendering "Baked in Brooklyn" a less than satisfying cinematic endeavor.

"Baked in Brooklyn" presents itself as an indie comedy that navigates the perils of post-collegiate life with occasional wit and charm. Emma Roberts' performance stands out, providing a magnetic anchor amidst the scattered narrative. However, the screenplay often falls short, perhaps due to the close personal involvement of writer-director David Shapiro, which may have clouded the objectivity needed to refine certain narrative deficiencies. Despite this, there are moments of quirky humor and relatable situations that manage to endear the film to its audience, albeit fleetingly.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable. The picture quality benefits from a strong color palette and respectable clarity, capturing the vibrant energy of New York City. The audio, consistent with expectations for a modern release, delivers clear dialogue and an engaging soundtrack that supports the film's light-hearted tone. While not a reference-quality disc in terms of audiovisual benchmarks, it renders the film enjoyably and without distraction, making it a viable purchase for those keen on indie comedies or fans of the cast.

In conclusion, "Baked in Brooklyn" is an endeavor with intermittent moments of charm and humor, anchored by a standout performance from Emma Roberts. While its narrative shortcomings are evident, the film's Blu-ray release presents it in a technically competent manner that should satisfy casual viewers and aficionados of the genre alike.