Everybody Wants Some!! Blu-ray Review

The 1080p video presentation of "Everybody Wants Some!!" on Blu-ray provides a thoroughly satisfying high-definition viewing experience with commendable refinement and clarity. Shot digitally with the Arri Alexa, the transfer boasts natural, vibrant colors and flesh tones with ample saturation and vivid textures. The era-specific elements, such as colorful t-shirts, lime green kitchen cabinets, and a plethora of late 70s/early 80s props like old TVs and VCRs, are rendered with excellent clarity, offering a tangible feel to the period setting. Complementing these visuals are naturally deep black levels and a remarkable absence of video anomalies or compression issues, making for a seamless viewing experience.

The overall aesthetic is enhanced by the film-like quality of the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Facial features and hair are finely detailed, reflecting meticulous efforts to revive the look of the period's baseball players. The golden-hued color palette effectively invokes the summer vibe of the late 70s and early 80s, while maintaining accurate and healthy skin tones. The production design’s intricate details such as worn-down wallpaper, wooden accents, and chipped paint further immerse viewers in the nostalgic ambiance. Notably, the image remains free from distracting noise or banding, ensuring that contrast and depth remain consistently engaging without any haloing or blooming artifacts.

Paramount's transfer elevates the film's visual narrative through its crisp, immersive reproduction, transporting viewers to the past with impressive authenticity. The high degree of clarity in low-light sequences, combined with deep, inky black levels, contributes significantly to the three-dimensional depth of the image. The detailed recreation of everyday props and environmental textures highlights the lived-in feel of the college house setting, marking this Blu-ray release as a visually rich and technically proficient representation of Richard Linklater’s nostalgic ode to a bygone era.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Everybody Wants Some!!" is primarily driven by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which delivers a well-balanced and clean auditory experience. Dialogue is articulated clearly and maintains a front-center presence, ensuring important plot points conveyed through casual conversation are easily understood. This clarity is crucial given the film's dialogue-heavy nature. Music often dominates the front soundstage, adding dynamism and immersion, especially during scenes set in the disco hall or other music-centric environments.

Though the aural perspective leans toward the front channels, there is a subtle yet effective use of surround channels that adds depth and liveliness to the audio mix. These surround elements provide a limited but effective sense of spatial envelopment, notably in party scenes or crowd settings, creating an engaging sense of dimension. Sound effects, such as those on the baseball field or at parties, are well-defined and enhance the overall listening experience.

What stands out significantly is the film’s soundtrack featuring iconic rock, funk, country, and early rap tunes from 1980. These musical pieces not only elevate the audio quality but also immerse viewers in the era, contributing to the film's nostalgic charm. While the mix may appear understated during dialogue-driven moments, it stretches its legs adeptly when the music kicks in, making the audio track a standout feature. Despite a primarily front-dominant arrangement, the track opens up beautifully when needed, establishing "Everybody Wants Some!!" as a noteworthy auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Everybody Wants Some!!" offer a well-rounded collection of featurettes and deleted scenes that provide additional insight into the film's creation. The highlight is "More Stuff That's Not in the Movie," which at 25 minutes, showcases an extensive array of outtakes and raw footage, emphasizing the improvisational nature of the filming. "Rickipedia" offers an engaging glimpse into Richard Linklater's deep knowledge of the era depicted, while "Baseball Players Can Dance" and "Skills Videos" reveal the cast's preparation in both baseball and dance, underscoring their commitment to authenticity. "History 101: Stylin' the 80s" offers a quick look into the meticulous efforts to recreate the iconic 80s style through makeup, wigs, and vintage clothing. A bonus DVD and a digital HD copy add convenience for various viewing preferences.

Extras included in this disc:

• More Stuff That's Not in the Movie: Extensive outtakes and raw footage from the set.
• Rickipedia: Writer/Director Richard Linklater’s encyclopedic knowledge of the era.
• Baseball Players Can Dance: Cast preparation in baseball and dance.
• Skills Videos: Showcasing cast’s athletic talents.
• History 101: Stylin' The 80s: Recreating the period's style through makeup and costumes.
• Bonus DVD: Additional physical media option.
• Digital HD Copy: Convenient for multiple device viewing.

Richard Linklater’s "Everybody Wants Some!!" offers a delightful blend of humor and nostalgia anchored in the early 1980s collegiate experience. This slice-of-life period comedy chronicles the boisterous antics of a college baseball team over several days, capturing their casual, carefree existence just before classes begin. The narrative smartly foregoes a conventional plot, opting instead for snapshots of camaraderie and revelry. Linklater’s talent shines in crafting multi-dimensional characters that resonate beyond their jock archetypes, reflecting deeper themes of personal growth and self-discovery. Backed by an infectiously toe-tapping soundtrack, the film's authenticity is accentuated through meticulous 80s stylistic recreation, making it a relatable and engaging outing for audiences who cherish life's innocent yet pivotal moments right before stepping into adulthood.

Blake Jenner’s portrayal of freshman pitcher Jake guides us through a whirlwind initiation into his new world of competitive sports and unrestrained freedom. Supporting characters such as Glen Powell’s charismatic Finnegan, Tyler Hoechlin’s intense McReynolds, and Zoey Deutch’s charming Beverly, enhance the ensemble’s chemistry, grounding the film in realistic depictions of collegiate dynamics. The impeccable balance of playful banter, subtle character development, and transient moments enables the viewer to emotionally invest in this lively cast. Importantly, the performances never verge into caricature, allowing each unique persona to be recognizable and memorable, bringing depth to the ostensibly lighthearted narrative.

Linklater continues his expertise in capturing the transient quality of youth through his precise writing and direction. Though the film’s unhurried pacing and lack of a traditional plot might initially seem aimless, they mirror the unpredictable journey of college life—the fun, chaos, and philosophical musings it entails. "Everybody Wants Some!!" subtly critiques societal norms and youthful priorities while celebrating the formative friendships and experiences that shape one’s passage from adolescence to maturity. This contemplative approach enriches the film's playful exterior, encouraging multiple viewings to fully appreciate its layered storytelling and relatable nuances.

"Everybody Wants Some!!" stands as a delightful exploration of the college experience, capturing the vibrant essence of youth and camaraderie. Richard Linklater's direction offers insightful glimpses into characters who are both flawed and deeply relatable, reminiscent of individuals from our own pasts. This film serves as a thematic cousin to "Dazed and Confused," portraying a group of young men navigating the exhilarating and uncertain first week of college. While it may lack some of the magical elements found in "Boyhood," its engaging script and superb performances make it an enjoyable journey through nostalgic territory.

Paramount's Blu-ray release delivers an excellent audiovisual experience, with a pristine A/V transfer that showcases the film's vibrant cinematography and nuanced sound design. The video quality is superb, preserving the film's colorful palette and sharp details. Audio performance is solid, ensuring that both dialogue and soundtrack are clear and immersive. However, the collection of extra features is somewhat limited in scope. While entertaining and informative, they leave room for a more in-depth special edition release in the future, perhaps by Criterion.

In conclusion, "Everybody Wants Some!!" is a highly recommended purchase for fans of Richard Linklater's work and those who enjoy a well-crafted portrayal of youthful exuberance. Though it may not offer groundbreaking insights, it excels in capturing the spirit of an unforgettable time in life. The Paramount Blu-ray delivers solid technical quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. Whether revisiting your college days or simply seeking an enjoyable film, "Everybody Wants Some!!" promises a fun and engaging experience.