Little Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC-encoded presentation of "Little" is an audiovisual treat, boasting a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that highlights the film’s bright and cheerful aesthetic. The digital photography shines with vibrant primary colors that practically leap off the screen, enhancing the film’s bubblegum cheery atmosphere. Detail levels are exceptionally high, offering razor-sharp imagery where viewers can appreciate everything from the intricate textures of clothing to the refined elements of set designs. Both cityscapes and close-up facial features are rendered with breathtaking clarity and sharpness. Despite its inherent brightness, the film maintains deep, rich black levels and excellent shadow detail.

The color palette is beautifully balanced. Vivid hues like natural greens, turquoise bicycles, and bright pink suits stand out, while flesh tones are handled with finesse, displaying a broad range of complexional detail. Whites are strikingly crisp, and the excellent contrast boosts both light and dark scenes without clipping or crushing. Minor technical issues such as occasional banding, a bit of black crush in darker scenes, and a fleeting moment of aliasing on textured pants do little to detract from the overall stellar visual presentation.

Overall, Universal delivers an impressive Blu-ray transfer for "Little", showcasing dazzling colors, exceptional detail, and strong dynamic range. While some slight noise appears in limited scenes, it does not significantly impact the viewing experience. The meticulous level of visual quality suggests that a 4K HDR release could further elevate this already near-flawless presentation.

The audio presentation of "Little" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that is effective yet straightforward, characteristic of a modern comedy mix. Dialogue is the primary focus, clear and well-prioritized in the front-center channel. Regina Hall’s energetic shouts and the engaging conversations dominate the track. Minor atmospheric details like city traffic, office ambiance, and background chatter subtly enhance the listening experience without overshadowing the central spoken content. The score, with its urban-themed music, carries substantial punch and energy, supported by a solid low-frequency extension, particularly noticeable when Jordan's car roars to life and during her music playbacks.

Engine sounds from Jordan's sports car stand out as notable technical highlights, offering depth and quality revving that adds an extra layer of immersion to the scenes. The mix handles ambient effects with finesse, creating a detailed and seamless immersive environment in varying locations such as offices, city streets, and school cafeterias. However, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track does not reach the dynamic heights some might expect; while it is proficient in delivering the essentials with precision, it lacks the expansive engagement found in more complex audio tracks like DTS:X. Nevertheless, it remains an all-around competent mix that fulfills the requirements for this type of film, ensuring that dialogue stays crisp and sound effects are effectively rendered to add directionality and dimension to the auditory experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Little" provide a satisfactory array of behind-the-scenes content and insights from the cast and crew, though they lean towards standard Electronic Press Kit (EPK) material. The highlight is the audio commentary by Co-Writer/Director Tina Gordon, offering an in-depth exploration of the film’s themes, characters, and production nuances. Additionally, fans will appreciate the engaging “Marsai Martin Presents…” featurette, in which young star Marsai Martin introduces viewers to the crew members who contributed to the movie. The disc also includes a gag reel and various short features on cast members Regina Hall and Issa Rae.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Co-Writer/Director Tina Gordon uncovers the movie in detail.
• Gag Reel: Lighthearted outtakes from the production.
• More Than a Little Talent: Insightful look at the cast’s contributions.
• Regina Goes Method: Regina Hall discusses portraying Jordan Sanders.
• Marsai Martin Presents...: Marsai Martin tours the set and interviews the crew.
• Black Momma Whuppin' Situation: Behind-the-scenes of the parking lot fight.
• Issa Rae's Assistant Survival Guide: Tips for surviving a difficult boss.

Little attempts to flip the script on established body-swap comedies, yet struggles to find a consistent tone and deliver effective humor. Directed by Tina Gordon, the film follows tech entrepreneur Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall), a bullying and self-centered company boss, who inexplicably wakes up in her 13-year-old body (Marsai Martin) after a child magician casts a spell on her. The premise, while intriguing, lacks the innovation needed to distinguish it from predecessors like Big and Freaky Friday. While the reversal concept offers potential, the execution falls short with jokes that often miss the mark and an over-reliance on clichés.

The film grapples with the challenge of making the audience sympathize with the older Jordan, whose abrasive personality is off-putting from the outset. The first act inundates viewers with her relentless negativity, making it difficult to invest in her character arc. As the narrative progresses and Jordan, now a teen, navigates middle school again while attempting to manage her company from afar, the storyline becomes somewhat more engaging. Nevertheless, the predictability undermines any sense of novelty, resulting in a formulaic plot structure that adheres too strictly to genre conventions.

Actors Regina Hall, Marsai Martin, and Issa Rae proficiently embody their roles, providing some respite through their dynamic performances. Hall captures Jordan's neurotic tyrant persona with conviction, while Martin convincingly portrays an adult's consciousness trapped in a young body. Rae's portrayal of Jordan's beleaguered assistant, April, injects much-needed humor and humanity into the film. However, despite their commendable efforts, the film remains bogged down by uneven pacing and a lackluster script that neither capitalizes on its comedic potential nor fully explores its themes of personal growth and redemption. Ultimately, Little is a sporadically amusing venture that falls short of delivering a memorable or cohesive comedy experience.

"Little" on Blu-ray offers a mixed bag of experiences but is elevated by some impressive performances. Regina Hall and Marsai Martin's portrayal of Jordan is compelling, with Martin capturing Hall's nuances perfectly, creating a believable connection between the adult and child versions of the character. Despite this, the film suffers from a weak script and poor direction, coupled with an unlikable central character that detracts significantly from audience engagement. The narrative is uneven, shifting from an off-putting first act to a lackluster middle and predictable finale.

Universal’s Blu-ray release, however, stands out with excellent technical presentation. The 1.85:1 AVC video transfer is top-notch, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The audio, offered in DTS-HD MA 5.1, immerses you well, with clear dialogue and balanced sound effects. Bonus content is modest but provides some additional context for the film. These technical merits might attract home theater enthusiasts looking for quality audiovisual experiences, but they do little to repair the film’s fundamental issues.

In conclusion, "Little" attempts to innovate within the Body Swap comedy genre but ultimately falls short due to its inconsistent storytelling and character development. While the Blu-ray’s technical presentation is commendable, it is not enough to recommend this film unless you are a committed fan of the genre or the cast. Potential viewers may find its strong audiovisual qualities appealing, but the movie itself fails to deliver a truly engaging experience. Consider skipping it unless you are seeking a simple, visually appealing way to pass an evening.