Happy Times Blu-ray Review

Artsploitation Films presents "Happy Times" on an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25, maintaining its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Cinematographer Ziv Berkovich captures an impressive range of lighting conditions, from vividly bright daytime interiors to dramatically lit night scenes. This digitally shot feature exhibits a sharp and glossy aesthetic, underlining the sleek visuals of the mansion setting. The digital cinematography showcases strong detail and a clean, high-definition look, although a middling AVC encode results in occasional banding and a slight haze in background elements during complex shots.

The feature is encoded at an average video bitrate of 23998 kbps across its 93-minute runtime, accompanied by eight scene selections. Despite these minor encoding issues, "Happy Times" offers a high-impact visual presentation that aligns well with its dark comedic tone. Twilight sequences take on an intriguing aqua and dark gray palette, particularly noticeable when the mansion's electricity is shut down, adding to the narrative tension. Overall, the meticulous attention to lighting renders a striking and vibrant viewing experience that underscores the film's unique atmosphere.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Happy Times" provides a compelling sound experience with its Hebrew and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (3019 kbps, 24-bit) and a secondary lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (448 kbps). The film features a D-Cinema 48kHz 5.1 mix predominantly in Hebrew, incorporating elements of Spanish and English. While the first half of the film is dialogue-heavy and may necessitate increasing the volume for clarity, the dynamics shift significantly once the action intensifies, utilizing satellite speakers effectively. Notable sound design elements, such as the amplified helicopter sounds that reflect Avner’s PTSD, highlight the thoughtful use of the 5.1 mix. Traditional Israeli folk songs and Spanish ballads further enrich the auditory atmosphere.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track excels in delivering clear dialogue and believable surround cues, contributing to a robust sense of space within the soundstage. Though not particularly flashy, the mix offers decent dynamics and stout sound design, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. For non-Hebrew speakers, two subtitle options are available: English SDH for all dialogue, which is highly recommended, or English subtitles solely for Hebrew dialogue. The latter option is less comprehensive but sufficient given the movie’s sparse English lines. Both subtitle formats are consistently displayed in a rare pink font within the scope presentation, adding a unique visual element to the subtitles.

The Blu-ray extras for "Happy Times" offer a concise yet engaging collection of additional content that enhances viewer enjoyment. The selection includes alternate and deleted scenes, offering new perspectives and additional context to certain characters. There is also a humorous Blooper Reel featuring the cast breaking character, which adds a light-hearted touch to the otherwise intense narrative. Additionally, trailers for other Artsploitation releases are included, providing insights into similar genre titles. The scenes and features maintain high audio-visual quality, preserving the professional standard expected from such releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Scene 26: Alternate Cut: A different version of a scene with Aliyah and Noya, featuring English dialogue and subtitles.
• Scene 32: Deleted: An excised scene between Aliyah and Avner discussing kickboxing.
• Blooper Reel: A collection of outtakes featuring actors flubbing lines and breaking into laughter.
• Trailer Reel: Includes previews for "Beasts Clawing at Straws," "The Dead Ones," "Red Christmas," and "An Exquisite Meal."

"Happy Times," directed by Michael Mayer, is an acerbic blend of black comedy and horror, centered around a dinner party hosted by an Israeli-American couple, Sigal (Liraz Chamami) and her husband Yossi (Ido Mor), at their expansive Brentwood mansion. As family, friends, and business associates gather, tensions quickly escalate. The setting transitions from children's playful nerf gun chases to adults engaging in vitriolic exchanges. The narrative effectively employs the confines of the mansion to heighten the claustrophobic atmosphere, with well-orchestrated character dynamics becoming swiftly chaotic, manifesting ultimately in physical confrontations.

The movie's success lies in Mayer and co-writer Guy Ayal's incisive script, rich with sharp commentary on socioeconomic status and cultural disputes within the Jewish community. Characters like Yossi’s tech executive friend Avner (Alon Pdut) and the socially awkward cousin Michael (Michael Aloni) provide fertile ground for dialogue that critiques religious customs and personal beliefs. One highlight includes a clever confrontation with LAPD officers, showcasing Hila (Iris Bahr) leveraging her legal prowess in a moment of dark humor. These scenes accentuate the film’s satirical edge, although the momentum falters when it shifts from biting satire to gratuitous violence.

While the early acts hold attention with relatable dysfunction and sparkling wit, the descent into excessive violence marks a tonal shift that might alienate some viewers. As character disputes turn into outright carnage, involving everything from shofars to medieval crossbows, "Happy Times" sustains its pitch-black humor. However, the predictability of its final act and lack of sympathetic characters may detract from its overall impact. Despite these pitfalls, the ensemble cast's performances imbue memorable depth into their roles, maintaining engagement through sheer force of personality.

The Blu-ray release of "Happy Times" showcases a pitch-black horror comedy that merges sly cultural humor with chaotic violence. Directed by Michael Mayer, the film begins with sharp wit, leveraging Jewish customs and insider jokes to create a uniquely engaging experience. However, as the story progresses into the second half, it adopts an omnipresent ultra-violence that may not resonate with all viewers. The unknown indie cast delivers surprisingly effective performances, pulling off the darkly comedic narrative with commendable skill.

From a technical standpoint, Artsploitation Films provides a solid transfer that maintains high picture quality and robust uncompressed audio. Although the extras are minimal—limited to a few alternate scenes and a gag reel—the inclusion enriches the viewing experience to some degree. The lack of a group commentary featuring Mayer and the cast is a missed opportunity, as their insights likely would have added considerable value.

In conclusion, "Happy Times" entertains with its captivating blend of humor and horror, despite its uneven tonal shift in the latter half. While the slapstick violence may deter some, the film thrives on its witty cultural satire. For those curious, it earns a recommendation as a rental for the first viewing.