The Ringer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Ringer" exhibits a commendable 1080p HD transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, presenting an overall impressive visual experience that is occasionally restrained by the film's age. The AVC encoding maintains detail remarkably well at 34 MBPS, capturing fine nuances such as the wrinkles on Johnny Knoxville’s face and the texture of fabrics. Colors are particularly pronounced, with vibrant reds, yellows, and blues that pop off the screen, all while maintaining natural skin tones. Depth is consistently solid, providing a three-dimensional effect that separates characters from their backgrounds effectively.

Blacks in "The Ringer" are generally deep and inky, though not without moments where they lack full solidity. Despite this, the exposure remains consistent across wider shots, ensuring sharpness does not wane and textures retain clarity. Minor filtering has introduced a slightly video-like quality to the image, yet it doesn’t detract significantly from the presentation. Fortunately, no instances of banding, aliasing, or other compression issues have been detected, affirming a technically sound transfer.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray video quality of "The Ringer" holds up well for an older catalog title. The richness and vibrancy of the color reproduction align perfectly with the film's campy tone, thereby enhancing the viewing experience. While it may not be the epitome of Blu-ray sharpness, the clarity and depth it offers are more than satisfactory, ensuring fans will find it a visually pleasing presentation.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for "The Ringer" delivers a clear and precise listening experience, albeit one that leans heavily on the front channels. Dialogue reproduction is excellent, maintaining crystal clarity and free from any distortions such as pops, cracks, or hissing. This ensures that conversations are easy to understand and are well-anchored in the center channel. The soundtrack and score, particularly the contributions from Mark Mothersbaugh, offer more dynamic presence, adding emotional depth to key scenes. However, this mix remains front-dominant, with limited utilization of rear channels, which could have added a more immersive feel.

The sound effects and ambient noises are effectively rendered but are predominantly channeled through the front speakers. This results in a soundstage that lacks the full surround immersion one might expect, though it does not detract substantially from the overall listening quality. Instances of rainfall and other such effects do add some dimensionality, yet they are relatively sparse. Low Frequency Extension (LFE) engages sporadically, coming alive mainly during Special Olympic track events and certain comedic moments. The subwoofer's contribution, while present throughout, is particularly notable in specific high-energy scenes rather than consistently driving the low-end throughout the film.

Given that this is a comedy from its era, one can somewhat forgive the front-heavy presentation. It aligns with genre expectations where dialogue takes precedence. Surround sound elements do make brief appearances during scenes like bar sequences or sporting events but remain minimal. Still, accurate and strong sound effects paired with a supportive yet non-dominant musical score help maintain an engaging audio experience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the audio track presents a solid, if somewhat front-biased, auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "The Ringer" includes a commendable selection of informative and engaging extras. The Audio Commentary features director Barry W. Blaustein, writer Ricky Blitt, producer Bobby Farrelly, and actors Johnny Knoxville, Ed Barbanell, and John Taylor. This track provides entertaining insights and fun anecdotes from the production. The Deleted Scenes are rough but add depth to minor characters, spanning around 19 minutes with scenes like a debate over handicapped parking and additional dorm shenanigans. The Making Of segment offers a concise yet impactful look at the film's production, emphasizing its collaboration with the Special Olympics. Finally, the Theatrical Trailer is also included. While the content is satisfying, the addition of a Digital Copy would have been appreciated.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Entertaining and insightful commentary by the cast and crew.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of rough but additional character moments.
• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's respectful production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the movie.

"The Ringer" (2005) starring Johnny Knoxville, directed by Barry W. Blaustein and produced by the Farrelly brothers, is a comedic film set against the backdrop of the Special Olympics. Despite the risky premise—a man pretending to be mentally disabled to compete in the games for a cash prize—the movie manages to strike a balance between humor and sensitivity. Knoxville’s portrayal of Steve Barker, who poses as “Jeffy Dahmor,” falls short of convincingly fooling his fellow athletes, but his performance brings enough charm and comic relief to remain engaging. The script by Ricky Blitt navigates potentially offensive territory with a surprising level of respect and good-natured silliness.

The plot unfolds as Steve, motivated by financial strain to cover medical expenses for his friend Stavi, gets roped into his uncle Gary's dubious scheme to win bets by exploiting the Special Olympics. The movie's success rests not just on Knoxville's antics but also on the strong supporting cast, including real Special Olympic athletes who deliver the film's most memorable and genuine moments. Katherine Heigl adds warmth as Lynn, the volunteer who becomes Steve’s love interest, while Brian Cox is effective as the unscrupulous Uncle Gary. The film works hard to use its contentious setup to shed light on camaraderie and personal growth rather than mockery.

Although "The Ringer" is predictably formulaic, filled with montages and conventional romantic subplots, it accomplishes a modest success in delivering laughs without compromising its heartfelt message. Knoxville's interactions with the other athletes reveal a transformation in his character, moving from selfish deception to genuine friendship and respect. Filled with stereotypical yet harmless humor, "The Ringer" steers clear of deep satire, offering instead a feel-good comedy that anyone can enjoy. While it won't make waves for originality, its respectful approach and well-crafted storytelling lend it an unexpected charm that's worth the watch.

"The Ringer" on Blu-Ray is a mixed bag that offers a blend of charm and predictability. The feature includes a few standout moments, such as a shower room dance party, a dorm-wide water fight, and climactic sporting events where the bond between protagonist Steve and his fellow athletes is palpable. The script wisely carves out space to showcase Steve's character development, evident when he objects to derogatory slurs, providing a touch of enlightenment amidst the humor. Despite Johnny Knoxville's unpolished acting ability and occasional slapdash execution, the movie finds an amiable tone and delivers decent laughs, although some gags do feel over-the-top and forced.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-Ray release shines with its video presentation. The picture quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that bring the film's lively scenes to life. However, the audio, while serviceable, fails to leave a lasting impression and could benefit from a more dynamic sound mix. The included extras are minimal but entertaining enough to warrant a look. Despite these technical achievements, the film's overall charm may not hold up well on repeated viewings unless you are a die-hard Johnny Knoxville fan.

In conclusion, "The Ringer" isn't an enduring classic but offers an amiable viewing experience with a few laudable messages. Blaustein's direction narrowly avoids disaster by navigating through its comedic and heartfelt moments effectively. Though far from groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable watch with bursts of humor and charm. Renting before buying is recommended unless you are particularly fond of Knoxville's brand of humor and the film’s unique blend of camaraderie and tomfoolery.