The To Do List Blu-ray Review

"The To Do List" Blu-ray presentation by Fox and Sony showcases an admirable video quality that is both visually striking and faithful to the film’s original aesthetic. The 1080p transfer shines with a high bitrate encoding that brings out a film-like quality, where the detail in close-ups is particularly discerning, revealing the nuanced intricacies of the images onscreen. The color reproduction is outstanding, with rich and deeply saturated primaries standing out amidst a vivid and warm spectrum of secondary hues, accurately representing the period setting of the story. Furthermore, the contrast between stable blacks and bright scenes, along with natural flesh tones and a commendable level of complexional differentiation among characters, contributes to a visually balanced and pleasing experience.

Technical merits of the Blu-ray disc indicate a satisfying execution in terms of image clarity and color rendition. Bright shades, such as the greens and yellows of graduation robes and the azure of pool waters, are rendered robustly and naturally. The transfer maintains a crisp and defined image, ensuring clothing textures, facial details, and environmental elements are well articulated, even if not reaching the heights of real-life tactility. Black levels and flesh tones are evenly balanced, contributing to an image that, despite occasional banding, stands as a proficient example of modern HD Blu-ray presentations.

Contributing to its commendable video accolades, the nearly flawless AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer of "The To Do List" excels in delivering high levels of detail, vibrant color, and exceptional depth. The careful handling of bright neon colors avoids oversaturation, maintaining an even color balance that complements the image's overall integrity. With impressive fine details in facial features, clothing textures, and background elements consistently on display, the Blu-ray not only captures but enhances the film’s lifelike yet cinematic essence. This presentation stands out as surprisingly impressive, especially considering the film’s modest budget, delivering an exceptional viewing experience that both respects and amplifies its source material.

"The To Do List" Blu-ray release offers a captivating audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, catering to the demands of both audiophiles and nostalgic moviegoers alike. The soundtrack plays a pivotal role in immersing viewers into the film's period-specific ambiance, utilizing a palette of retro hits from artists like Spin Doctors, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, and MC Hammer, which sound remarkably crisp and vibrant, far surpassing their original recordings. The mix delivers excellent spacing, robust presentation, and an impressive bass that ensures these timeless tracks resonate well within a modern home theater setup. Furthermore, the soundtrack's fidelity to clear and distinct dialogue ensures that the narrative's comedic beats land effectively, prioritizing the spoken word with front-center placement that captures the nuances of each character's delivery.

Aside from its musical and vocal clarity, the soundtrack excels in creating an enveloping atmosphere that enhances the film’s key settings and scenarios. From the buoyant energy of a high school kegger to the bustling activity of a fast-food restaurant kitchen, ambient sounds and background music are meticulously balanced to evoke a sense of place and time that enhances the viewing experience. This attention to atmospheric detail, combined with the dynamic range of the soundtrack, places viewers squarely in the film's various environments, making for a more engaging auditory experience.

Overall, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's work on "The To Do List" Blu-ray audio track is commendable. This audio mix does not just serve the film's dialogue and impressive catalog of period-specific music well but elevates the entire experience through its detailed atmospheric sounds and excellent dynamic range. It’s a testament to how a well-crafted audio track can complement the visual elements of a film, underpinning the nostalgic journey with authenticity and technical finesse.

The Blu-ray extras for "The To Do List" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the making and humor of the film, combining informative and entertaining content that's sure to appeal to fans. The highlight is the lively audio commentary by writer/director Maggie Carey and actor Bill Hader, offering insights into filmmaking processes, character development, and amusing anecdotes. Additional features include HD deleted scenes that provide extended storylines and additional laughs, "Maggie Carey: Directing Her To Do List" where Carey shares her inspirations and experiences, and "Dirty Mouth," a montage of the film’s crudest humor. "The Re-Do List" gag reel offers light-hearted outtakes, while the inclusion of an Ultraviolet Digital Copy ensures that fans can enjoy the movie on multiple platforms. These extras enrich the viewing experience by offering a deeper understanding of the film's creative journey and delivering extra laughs.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Maggie Carey and Bill Hader: Engaging track offering filmmaking insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Includes "Driving to the Party Extended," "I'm Sneaking Out," and "New Computer."
• Maggie Carey: Directing Her To Do List: Carey discusses her inspirations and the film's production.
• Dirty Mouth: A montage highlighting the film's explicit language.
• The Re-Do List: A fun collection of outtakes and bloopers.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Allows for digital streaming or download.

"The To Do List," anchored by a captivating performance from Aubrey Plaza, attempts to rewrite the rules of the teen sex comedy through its unique, female-centric lens. Set in 1993, writer-director Maggie Carey delivers a narrative grounded in the experiences of class valedictorian Brandy Klark, who compiles a comprehensive list of sexual explorations to embark upon before college. This fresh perspective is imbued with a slice of '90s nostalgia, from its soundtrack to visual gags that encapsulate the era. The film's ambition to invert genre norms and deliver laughs within a period-specific context sets a promising stage, albeit one that doesn't fully leverage its potential for insightful commentary or robust humor.

Carey's directorial debut takes ambitious swings with its subject matter, juxtaposing Brandy's academic acumen against her sexual inexperience in a society that both obsesses over and stigmatizes female sexuality. The ensemble cast, featuring Rachel Bilson, Bill Hader, and Donald Glover, adds depth and comedic heft to Brandy's journey. However, the movie often stumbles, relying on surface-level period references and sexual humor that sometimes feels at odds with its more enlightened premise. Despite this, there are undeniable moments of humor and charm that peek through, largely thanks to Plaza's commitment and a few standout supporting performances.

Technical aspects of "The To Do List" are noteworthy, with the film's visual presentation paying homage to the early '90s aesthetic without becoming overly reliant on it for laughs. The soundtrack smartly utilizes era-specific hits to underscore its pivotal moments, adding a layer of authenticity and fun. Yet, the movie's exploration of sexual awakening and its impact on personal growth threads a delicate line between progressive and perfunctory, never quite achieving the groundbreaking status it aspires to. Ultimately, "The To Do List" is a commendable effort with notable flashes of brilliance and a compelling central performance, but it doesn't consistently hit the comedic or thematic marks it sets out to achieve.

"The To Do List" on Blu-ray delivers a mixed bag in terms of content and overall viewing experience. On the one hand, the film attempts a humorous take from a female perspective, aiming to channel the spirit of classic comedies like "American Pie." However, it falls short by heavily leaning on clichéd and bawdy humor without injecting the necessary freshness or emotional depth, resulting in a piece that might not resonate across a broad audience. The performances, including those from notable talents such as Aubrey Plaza, Clark Gregg, and Connie Britton, while competent, are bogged down by a script that fails to fully utilize their comedic potential. The movie's polarizing tone, marked by an overt preference for specific political figures, may further narrow its appeal, splitting viewers between those who might find it entertaining and those who will choose to pass.

Technically, Sony's Blu-ray release shines with excellence in both video and audio quality, making for an impressive home viewing setup. The calibration and testing on high-end equipment, including the JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector and Marantz AV8801 Audio/Video Processor, among others, reveal the release's commitment to providing a top-tier cinematic experience. The assortment of extras included in the Blu-ray package adds value, though it might not compensate for the film's thematic and narrative shortcomings.

In conclusion, "The To Do List" Blu-ray exemplifies solid technical production values, with near-perfect picture quality and robust audio delivery. Yet, the film's content might not find universal acclaim due to its divisive approach to comedy and character development. It represents a case where technological prowess in presentation cannot fully uplift a story that lacks depth and universal appeal. This Blu-ray is likely best suited for those with specific taste in humor or die-hard fans of the cast, making it a potentially worthy rental rather than a must-own.