You Again Blu-ray Review

Disney's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of "You Again" offers a striking visual experience that doesn't disappoint. The film is rendered with a vibrant, summery palette that is replete with warm colors, dynamic primaries, and natural skintones. The contrast remains strong and stable throughout, contributing to a pristine image with no visible artifacting, banding, or aliasing issues. Remarkably, the presentation avoids edge enhancement and noise reduction, ensuring a clean and proficient display. Even though there are occasional instances of filmic softness and less-than-stellar shots, the overall detail is excellent. Fine textures are notably resolved, and almost every edge maintains sharpness, making the video presentation the undisputed highlight of the release.

"You Again" also benefits from being filmed on a Panavision Genesis HD camera, enabling a near-reference 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.40:1) that reveals intricate details, from individual hairs and fabric of costumes to elaborate interiors and architectural specifics. The color palette is bold and eye-catching, adding significant animation and energy to the comedy. Flesh tones are healthy and natural, with textural complexions that appear robust. The contrast is spot-on, striking an optimal balance without the drawbacks often associated with shooting in HD. The black levels are rich and provide superb gradational detail, enhancing the image’s dimensionality. Shadow details also remain discernible in emotionally intense scenes. Although the film lacks a truly film-like appearance and can sometimes exhibit a slightly sterile, soap-opera effect, this negligible issue does little to detract from an otherwise fantastic viewing experience. Overall, the Blu-ray video presentation of "You Again" comes highly recommended for its impressive technical prowess.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "You Again" delivers a functional audio experience that is hindered by its flat and uninspiring sound design. The dialogue is bright and clear, effects are organic, and Nathan Wang's music fills the soundfield adequately. However, the low-frequency effects (LFE) tend to be shallow and unimpressive, failing to add weight where it is needed most. Rear speaker activity is disappointingly minimal, resulting in a predominantly front-heavy soundstage with limited immersion and movement. Dynamics, cross-channel pans, and directionality are adequate but lack the finesse and presence that could elevate the audio experience.

The lossless mix features good channel separation and well-prioritized vocals, contributing to a clear and articulate presentation. However, bass response remains surprisingly average even during pivotal scenes intended to heighten the auditory experience. Notably, the wedding rehearsal scene felt hollow and unengaging due to insufficient rear presence and weak low-end performance. Despite its balanced dynamic range, the soundstage occasionally comes across as bland and flat, resembling a TV speaker output. While the DTS-HD Master Audio track works adequately for a comedy of this nature, it does little to leave a lasting impression on the listener.

The Blu-ray edition of "You Again" offers a modest array of supplemental materials that may appeal to fans of the film. Highlights include a substantial collection of deleted scenes with optional director introductions, providing insights into the editing process. However, other extras like the brief and directionless "Ask the Cast" or the somewhat amusing "Funny or Die" segment might not hold much value for everyone. Despite the mixed quality, all extras are presented in high definition, enhancing overall viewing quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Eleven hit-or-miss scenes with optional director introductions.
• Following Fickman: On Set with the Director: A behind-the-scenes look at Andy Fickman's directorial approach.
• Ask the Cast: A very short and aimless Q&A session with the actors.
• Funny or Die: A mock interview conducted by funnyordie.com.
• Blooper Dance Party: Five minutes of laughter with the cast.

"You Again" is a misguided attempt at a comedy, starring Kristen Bell in yet another disappointing role. Known for her strong performances in "Veronica Mars" and solid comedic work in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," Bell stumbles through a role that seems beneath her talents. Her character, Marni, is a former high school outcast turned successful PR executive, returning home to find her brother's fiancée is her former high school nemesis, Joanna (Odette Yustman). Unfortunately, this setup leads to a series of uninspired gags and over-the-top antics that fail to deliver genuine laughs. The film's veteran cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, and Betty White, cannot salvage the overly contrived script and direction.

Director Andy Flickman's energetic yet unfocused approach only amplifies the disarray. His attempt to inject high-energy antics into every scene results in performances that feel forced and uncomfortable to watch. Scriptwriter Moe Jelline's first feature film screenplay unfortunately exacerbates the situation by treating its female characters as stereotypes rather than multi-dimensional people. The resulting humor often borders on distasteful and lacks substance. Characters lurch from one mean-spirited exchange to another, producing an atmosphere more grating than funny. On-screen dynamics among Bell, Curtis, Weaver, and White highlight the squandered potential of a powerhouse cast constrained by a shoddy narrative framework.

In essence, "You Again" fails to capitalize on the talent at its disposal, offering viewers little in terms of cohesive storytelling or engaging comedy. The production's frantic pace and contrived plot twists come across as desperate rather than amusing, rendering the film a significant misstep for all involved. The few moments of entertainment come primarily from Betty White, whose charm momentarily elevates the material—but even she can't save what amounts to a chaotic and ultimately forgettable film.

"You Again," directed by Andy Fickman and starring Kristen Bell, offers a compelling case study in missed comedic opportunities despite an ensemble cast with strong potential. While the film aspires to deliver laughs through its premise of rehashed high school rivalries, it largely falls flat, veering into uncomfortable and unfunny territory. Bell and her co-stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver, are undeniably talented but appear hamstrung by a narrative that lacks the wit and coherence needed for effective comedy.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release boasts impressive visual and audio quality. The high-definition picture presentation is near-reference quality, showcasing vivid colors and excellent detail that highlight the intended aesthetic of the film. Accompanying this is a technically sound DTS-HD Master Audio track. Although clear and well-mixed, the audio ultimately does little to enhance the viewing experience, leaving viewers underwhelmed given the film’s comedic shortcomings.

The supplemental features included in this Blu-ray edition, while decent, fail to compensate for the film’s overall lackluster impact. Though there is a range of additional content, it doesn’t significantly elevate the viewer's experience or add substantive value to the release.

In conclusion, "You Again" may appear visually appealing in high definition, but don’t let the technical finesse sway you. The film itself is fundamentally flawed: tedious, unamusing, and poorly conceived. Despite an admirable picture presentation and decent audio, the Blu-ray release doesn't justify a purchase. This film is best avoided to save both your time and money for more rewarding cinematic endeavors.