Very Bad Things Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "Very Bad Things" is notably impacted by its reliance on an aging master. The 1.85:1 framed image does not show significant improvement over the old DVD, with evident filtering wiping away enhanced details and introducing smeared faces and haloing. Grain appears noisy and unrefined, presenting a swarming effect in various scenes. The color palette leans towards a burnished red/orange typical of late 90s releases, and black levels are consistently murky. These technical issues indicate the use of an older scan without modern refreshes, which limits the overall visual fidelity.

Despite these shortcomings, there are instances where detail is moderate, particularly in backgrounds, avoiding the severe smears seen in previous DVD versions. While primary colors lack the vibrancy expected from high-definition transfers, and skin tones appear bloodless, close-ups manage to retain some texture, making perspiration and skin surfaces somewhat pronounced. The AVC encoded image does offer occasional solid delineation, but overall, the presentation lacks the natural film-like quality that a newer scan would provide.

In summary, Shout Factory’s Blu-ray of "Very Bad Things" offers an average visual experience heavily dictated by the constraints of an older scan. While there are elements that surpass the capabilities of the ancient DVD release, issues such as filtering, noisy grain, and muted colors overshadow these improvements. Viewers seeking high-definition detail and vibrant colors may find this release wanting due to its dated source materials.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio presentation of "Very Bad Things" offers a sharp and well-defined auditory experience that effectively captures the film’s underlying tension and chaos. Dialogue is clear and pronounced, ensuring that the furious exchanges and aggressive interactions between characters are vividly communicated. Surround presence is robust, with ambient noises and atmospheric details enhancing the overall sense of immersion. The sound design intelligently utilizes the soundstage, providing a clean and fluid score that creates an expansive feeling within a mix that could otherwise feel confined.

The LFE channel notably adds depth and weight to the audio landscape, particularly during key moments such as dramatic impacts and physical altercations. The body falling downstairs, along with the collision involving Michael’s minivan, resonates with impactful thuds, contributing to the visceral experience. The surround channels adeptly handle atmospheric elements and occasional panning effects, such as whooshing sounds during editorial transitions and ambient suburban environmental noise, ensuring a dynamic and engaging audio experience throughout the film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Very Bad Things" delivers a rewarding selection of extras brimming with insightful and entertaining content. Noteworthy highlights include new audio commentary by film critics Witney Seibold and William Bibbiani, which offers an engaging critique of the film. Interviews with actors Jeremy Piven and Daniel Stern provide personal anecdotes and intriguing behind-the-scenes tales. Piven shares his experiences working with director Peter Berg and the cast dynamics, while Stern humorously explores his unique prop usage and the film's challenging humor. Additional features like the still gallery and theatrical trailer enhance the depth of this Blu-ray's offerings, making it an essential for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary With Film Critics Witney Seibold And William Bibbiani: Insightful critique and background information.
• NEW Interview With Actor Jeremy Piven: Personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.
• NEW Interview With Actor Daniel Stern: Humorous memories and exploration of film’s humor.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional preview.
• Still Gallery: Collection of film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

Peter Berg’s 1998 directorial debut, Very Bad Things, showcases the director's ambition to leave a distinct mark in the dark comedy genre but struggles with cohesion and humor. The film revolves around Kyle (Jon Favreau), who is about to marry the demanding Laura (Cameron Diaz). Eager to escape his Bridezilla's clutches, Kyle embarks on a chaotic bachelor party in Las Vegas with his friends Mike (Jeremy Piven), Charles (Leland Orser), Adam (Daniel Stern), and Robert (Christian Slater). The night goes horribly wrong when Mike accidentally kills a stripper, setting off a chain of tragic and violent events. As the group conspires to cover up their crime, paranoia and guilt lead to further mishaps and fatalities.

Berg attempts to explore the darkly humorous potential of morally depraved characters, but his execution falters. The frantic tone and relentless pace ultimately strain the audience's engagement over its 100-minute runtime. Despite a talented cast delivering solid performances—with Christian Slater's portrayal of the manipulative and morally bankrupt Robert being particularly notable—the film suffers from misguided direction and writing. Unlike other successful black comedies, Very Bad Things struggles to elicit genuine laughter, often resorting to crude and tasteless jokes. Berg's heavy-handed directorial style exacerbates the lack of nuanced humor, making many scenes feel excessively chaotic rather than comically dark.

Technically, Berg exhibits potential with dynamic camerawork that matches the frenzied atmosphere of the narrative. The film's initial setup promises a gritty and engaging storyline, but this devolves as repetitive violent incidents dominate screen time. The adrenaline-charged bachelor party scenes are quintessentially Berg—unrestrained and manic—but without a tempered approach, the relentless tension becomes exhausting rather than thrilling. While Very Bad Things offers moments of impressive tension and performances, it misses the mark as a cohesive dark comedy, reflecting a raw and untamed first effort by Berg.

"Very Bad Things" attempts to deliver a shock-value black comedy that, ultimately, falls short on multiple fronts. Directed by Peter Berg, the film starts strong, with humor and intrigue in the initial 20-30 minutes and a captivating final five. However, what lies between can only be described as messy and disjointed. Berg’s efforts to bring this dark comedy to life seem to suffer from a lack of cohesive vision and refined execution, leaving a film that some might consider a cult classic yet still difficult to fully enjoy. The cast, featuring Jon Favreau, Christian Slater, Cameron Diaz, and others, unfortunately does not elevate the uneven narrative.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release doesn't quite salvage the experience either. Despite offering brand-new extras that provide insight and engagement for dedicated fans, the visual quality is lackluster due to the absence of a new scan. The video transfer is disappointingly subpar considering modern Blu-ray capabilities. However, the audio fares better; the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 tracks deliver robust soundscapes that complement the film's chaotic tone. Subtitles in English SDH are also available for clarity.

In conclusion, "Very Bad Things" may cater predominantly to its existing fan base rather than attracting new admirers. With its mixed execution, disappointing video quality despite solid audio, and added extras, this Blu-ray release offers a mostly nostalgic but flawed experience for those who appreciate its chaotic essence.