Bring It On: Fight to the Finish Blu-ray Review

Universal's 1080p/VC-1 transfer of "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" presents a mixed bag of visual elements that range from commendable to disappointing. Colors are bold and lively, making certain sequences pop with vibrancy, while black levels are rich and well-resolved. Skintones appear warm and natural, contributing to a pleasing aesthetic. However, the contrast is inconsistent, often dipping at inopportune moments or becoming overheated, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. Textural detail also fluctuates; some scenes showcase crisp details and sharp edges, whereas others appear soft and lack clarity. Despite these inconsistencies, the transfer largely avoids problematic digital nuisances like artifacting, banding, and edge enhancement.

Detail reproduction is another area where the transfer oscillates. Scenes featuring detailed close-ups or hair strands stand out with sharpness and clarity, but establishing shots often fall flat, appearing pale and dull. The anomaly is particularly pronounced in scenes that seem recycled from older works. Motion blur and background blurriness contribute to a two-dimensional feel in several instances, further detracting from an overall cohesive visual presentation. Color banding, especially noticeable in sky shots, and some light aliasing issues in specific sequences also point to inherent flaws in this transfer.

Overall, while the vibrant palette and generally clean image quality in "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" offer some merit, the video presentation suffers from notable disparity in detail and contrast that videophiles will undoubtedly find perplexing. The absence of widespread digital interference is a plus, but this is a Blu-ray presentation that leaves as many questions as answers in terms of visual fidelity and consistency.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" is notably underwhelming, leaving much to be desired in terms of audio performance. The mix is disappointingly front-heavy, resulting in a limited and flat listening experience. Dialogue is sharply amplified but lacks natural tones, often coming across as pinched or distorted. Lines rarely get lost amidst the cheerleading chaos, but this is achieved by suppressing other sound elements whenever dialogue is present. Moreover, the LFE output, while present and strong, fails to leave a lasting impression, and the rear speaker activity remains too passive to enrich the soundscape.

The soundtrack exacerbates these issues with its odd balance, featuring soft bass levels that overpower the mids and highs. The audio consistently feels stuck in midrange territory, detracting from the overall dynamic range. Unintended spoken word pops and imprecise dialogue syncing further mar the listening experience. Panning effects are mechanically swift but lack finesse, and there is an evident deficiency in accuracy and dynamics throughout crowded scenes, which come off as flat and devoid of life. Overall, the film's audio presentation fails to engage, making it difficult to immerse oneself fully in the viewing experience.

Despite these shortcomings, it's worth noting that younger fans of the film may overlook such technical flaws. Nonetheless, discerning viewers will likely find the audio mix lacking the depth and precision expected from a Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" boasts an array of supplemental content, primarily presented in high definition, though overall quality remains unremarkable. Key extras include deleted scenes that underscore their omission with subpar quality and forced humor. "Practice Round" gives insight into the dance preparations, while "Backstage Pass" offers a shallow dive into character motivations and cultural relevance. Christina Milian's video journal, though fragmented and cumbersome, caters to her fans. The Mun2 feature, "The Chicas Project: Flip This," caters to a niche audience with limited appeal. Collectively, these extras could use a polished approach to match the film’s energetic premise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Superfluous cuts that add little value.
• Practice Round: Insight into dance and cheerleading practice.
• Backstage Pass: Brief behind-the-scenes look with cultural discussion.
• On Set with Christina Milian: Nine-part video journal hosted by Milian.
• Mun2: The Chicas Project: Flip This: A Latin-themed cheerleading feature.
• BD-Live Functionality

'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' is a direct-to-video sequel that attempts to revive the cheerleading saga but falls short on nearly every front. The series, which once had a modicum of charm, has clearly succumbed to the law of diminishing returns, with each sequel increasingly scraping the barrel for content. This film follows the standard formula: Mina (Christina Milian) and her friend Gloria (Vanessa Born) whip an underdog cheer squad into shape to compete against their elitist adversaries led by Avery (Rachele Brooke Smith). Despite its predictable storyline, the production values are somewhat higher than a high school student film; however, the performances are generally subpar, with exaggerated line deliveries and melodramatic expressions that leave little to enjoy.

The script strains credibility with stilted dialogue and forced gestures. Teenage viewers, the target demographic, might find some surface-level appeal, but even they would struggle to look past the superficial nonsense presented. The film's attempt at inclusivity falls flat and veers into racially insensitive territory, portraying offensive stereotypes that detract significantly from any potential enjoyment. Character interactions often feel forced and unnatural, notably between Lina and her love interest, Evan (Cody Longo), leading to an almost laughable portrayal of high-spirited competition.

Sadly, the movie fails to deliver on its basic premise, with the critical cheerleading showdown reduced to an incoherent montage that neglects the build-up entirely. The film's message—that overcoming adversity means giving up if things become too difficult—is unpalatable and uninspiring. For a franchise that once had a legitimate place in the teen genre roster, 'Bring It On: Fight to the Finish' unmistakenly signals that it’s time to retire the pom-poms for good. This installment will likely leave both new viewers and longstanding fans disappointed, yearning for the original spark that made the series noteworthy.

"Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" falls substantially short on various essential fronts of home entertainment. The film's video transfer struggles with inconsistencies, often presenting a lackluster visual experience. A shallow DTS-HD Master Audio track fails to invigorate the overall sonic performance, lacking depth and clarity. Compounding these technical shortcomings is the film's weak content, which neither engages nor entertains, making it difficult to justify any critical acclaim.

The supplementary materials included with this Blu-ray release are equally disappointing. They lack depth and offer minimal value addition, diminishing the appeal for potential buyers or enthusiasts looking for enriching extras. It is clear that Universal’s allocation of resources here missed the mark, prioritizing quantity over quality. This approach does not bode well for a market increasingly demanding high standards in both content and presentation, especially from established franchises.

In conclusion, Universal's decision to release "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish" in its current state is perplexing at best. The disc's mediocre audio-visual quality, paired with insipid special features, renders it an unworthy addition to any collection. The movie's quality and the execution of its Blu-ray presentation together suggest that skipping this release might save both time and money. Hence, if it must be seen, renting could be a practical alternative over purchasing.