MacGruber Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "MacGruber" by Mill Creek presents a competent but somewhat uneven visual experience. Transitioning from the Universal edition's VC-1 encode to an MPEG-4 encode, Mill Creek grapples with compression issues that impact the viewing experience. Although these anomalies are not severely detrimental, they are frequent enough to slightly mar the presentation, especially at notable timestamps like the 10-minute mark. Some elements appear softer, attributed more to the source material than the encoding. Close-up shots reveal where the 1080p resolution shines, delivering fine detail and definition in textures like skin and hair, albeit without reaching the pinnacle seen in more recent digital captures.

Color reproduction remains faithful to the filmmakers' vision, providing solid and stable hues, with reds standing out boldly, complemented by vivid bright tones. However, color grading tends to drift between warm and cool extremes, paying homage to action film stereotypes while maintaining an engaging vibrancy. The contrast is heavy and aggressive, echoing cinematic styles akin to Michael Bay's works, occasionally clipping finer details but generating an exciting dynamic to the visual style. Black levels perform admirably with decent depth, despite some instances where shadows lack pure black depth.

Mill Creek's approach to compress this relatively recent master does not severely undermine clarity but introduces occasional artifacts and blocking that distract from an otherwise sharp presentation. Despite some haze affecting detail, the film maintains a respectably firm image throughout its runtime. While this release might not astound videophiles demanding more robust performances or meticulous restoration, it satisfies with its solid effort in balancing detail, color fidelity, and overall cinematic experience.

The "MacGruber" Blu-ray audio presentation via Mill Creek offers a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, equating to the previous Universal release. This track displays a forceful dynamic range with a well-distributed surround extension, although it lacks the extreme intensity of top-tier mixes. The audio successfully envelops the listener with ample bass that accompanies action sequences, delivering crisp and sharp vocals devoid of distortion. Even amidst heavy action, dialogue remains clear and they are prioritized effectively within the mix. Notably, the soundtrack excels in action scenes with frontal emphasis and balanced usage of the surround channels.

The DTS-HD mix impresses particularly in its use of low-end frequencies, generating a deep bass that draws attention especially in explosive moments. Explosions resonate accurately, and gunfire delves into the subwoofer, producing gratifying thumps indicative of the action film genre "MacGruber" parodies. The rear channels demonstrate precise activation, vividly capturing intense sequences such as shoot-outs, with bullets panning deftly between speakers to simulate on-screen action convincingly. Although there is minimal background ambiance in quieter scenes, the audio shines during critical, high-energy moments. Overall, the soundtrack delivers substantial engagement through competent mixing and sound clarity, enhancing the satirical essence of the movie.

The Blu Ray release of "MacGruber" reviewed here offers no additional features or extras, presenting a stark contrast to Universal’s 2010 version which enriched viewers with an insightful audio commentary by Jorma Taccone, a deleted scene, and a gag reel. This current disc lacks any supplementary content, leaving enthusiasts without the anticipated unrated cut, and offering only a basic functional menu with subtitle toggling. The artwork suggesting multiple cuts was misleading as only the 90-minute theatrical version is available. Furthermore, no DVD or digital copies accompany the release, and there is a noticeable absence of a slipcover. Evaluated in terms of added content, this disc disappoints those familiar with prior releases rich with engaging extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: The disc does not include any extras or additional features.

The 2010 action-comedy "MacGruber," directed by Jorma Taccone, offers a unique blend of satire and slapstick, drawing heavily from its SNL sketch origins. Starring Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, and Val Kilmer, the film attempts to stretch the humor of a brief skit into a feature-length narrative. Unlike traditional action-parodies, "MacGruber" revels in unapologetically juvenile and raunchy humor, embracing its roots as a satire of the iconic "MacGyver." This film self-consciously indulges in over-the-top scenarios, filled with crude language and outlandish plotlines involving nuclear warheads and revenge.

Despite its intention as an homage to 80s action tropes, "MacGruber" struggles with achieving the balance needed for genuine satire. The performances see Will Forte committing entirely to the largely absurd role of MacGruber, with Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe providing contrasting comedic relief. However, the film frequently veers into extreme territory, leaning heavily on vulgarity, which occasionally dilutes situational humor and narrative coherence. Val Kilmer's presence, although adding a touch of star power, feels oddly placed within this parody setting.

Technically, "MacGruber" benefits from heightened production values compared to its sketch roots, yet it maintains a scene-to-scene flow reminiscent of a series of vignettes. Director Jorma Taccone's comedic timing shows promise, although parts of the film lack the cohesive punch found in superior parodies like "Airplane" or "Hot Shots." The overall comedic success rate is enough to keep audiences engaged, especially in scenes where the absurdity peaks. Ultimately, the film's strongest moments highlight its satirical spirit, despite occasional sloppiness, leaving viewers with a memorable impression of brash humor and unabashed silliness.

"MacGruber," released on Blu-ray by Mill Creek, attempts to entertain with its bold comedic style but ultimately splits audience reception with its aggressive pursuit of lowbrow humor. The film's dedication to pushing boundaries results in fragmented coherence, limiting its appeal to viewers who appreciate overt crassness. While the humor ensures intermittent moments of laughter, its reliance on gratuitous vulgarity without underlying substance may leave some viewers disengaged, struggling to maintain interest throughout its runtime.

Technically speaking, the Mill Creek Blu-ray presentation provides adequate video quality, though it pales in comparison to the superior release by Universal. This edition lacks supplementary features, excluding both an unrated cut and a comprehensive range of extras offered by other versions. On the brighter side, the audio quality is reasonably satisfactory, providing an immersive experience aligning with industry standards. Nevertheless, for those seeking a more enriching cinematic rendition, the Universal Blu-ray remains the preferable choice due to its enhanced value proposition.

In conclusion, the Mill Creek Blu-ray release of "MacGruber" offers an average experience that may appeal to devoted fans of irreverent comedy but fails to impress as a comprehensive package. Its lack of additional content and lesser video quality suggest that potential buyers should consider evaluating alternative releases for a fulfilling viewing experience. Ultimately, discerning viewers might find a more aligned offering in Universal's release, which caters better to those seeking richer supplementary content and refined presentation.