Dirty Grandpa Blu-ray Review

"Dirty Grandpa" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Shot digitally with the Arri Alexa XT Plus, the film benefits from its sunny locations, offering an appealing and natural palette, though some outdoor and beach scenes exhibit a softness with washing out due to intense sun exposure. Close-up shots deliver commendable detail, from textures in architecture and landscapes to intricate details like hair and stubble. However, some wider or long shots can appear hazy, with backlit scenes particularly suffering from soft imaging and washed-out backgrounds.

The film's color reproduction is vibrant, especially in sunlit scenes, with noticeable highlights of radiant blues and lush greens during pool and beach scenes. However, white balance issues are present, leading to overly bright whites that can wash out edges and finer details. Black levels are mostly deep and inky, although certain night scenes in clubs fall short of expected depth. The Blu-ray does not exhibit compression issues or image instability, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

Depth of field is effectively showcased, especially in scenes set on a golf course where midrange shots exude a three-dimensional quality. While CGI elements, like those seen during the strongman contest, detract from the visual integrity due to their poor quality being accentuated by high-definition. The skin tones throughout the film remain lifelike and natural. Overall, despite some technical shortcomings such as occasional banding and softness in certain scenes, "Dirty Grandpa" offers a visually engaging experience on Blu-ray, marked by vivid colors and solid detail in closer shots.

The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in "Dirty Grandpa'' offers a solid auditory experience with some notable highlights and areas of improvement. The primary draw rests in its dynamic range and fidelity, which are commendable. Sound immersion is notably effective during the numerous party scenes where surround effects, such as yells from partygoers and the pulsating rhythms of hip-hop tracks, engage the listeners from all directions. During quieter moments, dialogue is generally clear, though there are occasional lapses where it becomes slightly less perceptible.

This audio mix provides an expected and predictable sound design for a comedy of this nature, concentrating a majority of the audio front and center, which aligns well with its genre-specific demands. The low-frequency extension (LFE) particularly shines during high-energy scenes, thanks to a vigorous subwoofer response that accentuates the soundtrack's punchy beats and vibrant musical selections, creating an immersive party-like atmosphere. However, the rears could benefit from more consistent engagement beyond these musical interludes, as they primarily come alive during specific soundtrack hits.

Although not groundbreaking, the track remains reliable and problem-free throughout. The film’s heavy reliance on dialogue-heavy scenes means there are fewer moments where audio can truly stand out, but when required, it delivers an adequate auditory performance that is fitting for the genre. Overall, the soundtrack of "Dirty Grandpa" fits well within expectations for a comedy Blu Ray presentation, providing both clarity and an engaging atmosphere when called upon.

The Blu-ray release of "Dirty Grandpa" delivers an engaging selection of extras that provide both entertainment and behind-the-scenes insights. The package includes an "Audio Commentary" titled Filthy Filmmakers Who Have No Shame, featuring the director, producers, and writer, offering a candid and humorous commentary on the film's production. Additionally, The Filthy Truth: The Making of Dirty Grandpa explores the fun dynamics on set, highlighting the cast's interactions, especially with Robert DeNiro. The mock audition featurette, Daytona Heat, adds a humorous layer with the film's fictional cops, and Lessons in Seduction serves as a quirky guide from Lenore's character on interacting with older men. The character spotlight segment, I Got Nothin' to Hide: A Look at Daytona's Most Vibrant Drug Dealer, delves into the persona of Pam. Lastly, a brief Gag Reel caps off the extras with outtakes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filthy Filmmakers Who Have No Shame: Audio commentary featuring the director, producers, and writer.
• The Filthy Truth: The Making of Dirty Grandpa: Insightful behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Daytona Heat: Mock audition of the film's cops.
• Lessons in Seduction: Lenore's playful guide on seducing older men.
• I Got Nothin' to Hide: A Look at Daytona's Most Vibrant Drug Dealer: Character focus on Pam.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes.

"Dirty Grandpa," starring the legendary Robert De Niro and the charismatic Zac Efron, delivers an uninspired and often tasteless attempt at comedy. The film, directed by Dan Mazer and scripted by John Phillips, stumbles in its execution by relying heavily on vulgarity without the substance or creativity to support it. De Niro, an actor synonymous with cinematic excellence, opts for a stark departure from his storied roles, reverting to a character reminiscent of his "Focker" series days, albeit with a more explicit vocabulary. Efron plays the uptight lawyer Jason, dressed in pastels and weighed down by clichéd tropes that seek to highlight his rigidity.

The plot follows a predictable trajectory. Jason and his grandfather Dick (De Niro) embark on a road trip after the death of Dick's wife, where they encounter a series of superficial adventures. Along the way, they meet characters like Lenore (Aubrey Plaza), whose purpose seems solely to add eye candy rather than narrative depth. The screenplay feels disjointed, with weak attempts at humor that fail to capitalize on its R-rated ambition. The film lacks meaningful character development or genuinely engaging dynamics, ultimately rendering its comedy hollow and ineffective.

In terms of technical execution, while the Blu-ray release offers pristine visual and audio quality, it cannot mask the film's shortcomings. "Dirty Grandpa" showcases a set of missed opportunities, with its crude humor poorly timed and its performances underutilized. The narrative fails to provide insight into the main characters' motivations or establish any genuine sentimentality. Although De Niro and Efron attempt to inject life into their roles, the material they are given falls flat, making "Dirty Grandpa" a regrettable chapter in both their careers. For audience members expecting anything but superficial gags and forced laughter, this film will likely be a disappointment.

"Dirty Grandpa" is a raunchy comedy featuring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron that delivers mixed results. The plot is predictable, failing to excite beyond its basic premise, and the humor often falls flat. While the narrative lacks originality, some viewers may still find enjoyment in its everyday appeal and familiar comedic beats.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation is generally strong. However, video quality does not stand out, presenting an adequate but unimpressive visual experience. Audio performance similarly provides just enough to get by, lacking any groundbreaking quality.

In conclusion, "Dirty Grandpa" is an easily skippable entry in both actors' filmographies, bolstered somewhat by solid technical presentation on Blu-ray. While it could be a worthwhile watch for die-hard De Niro fans or as a casual rental, it is far from a must-own title. Proceed with tempered expectations if you do decide to add it to your collection.