Stuck in Love. Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Stuck in Love" offers an impressive high-definition transfer that excels in several key areas. Although the 1.78:1 aspect ratio deviates from the original 2.35:1 theatrical presentation, the image does not appear cropped, and the overall experience remains immersive. This transfer showcases a superbly balanced and naturally brilliant color palette, bringing out vibrant shades and true-to-life textures. The level of detail is remarkable, capturing everything from facial lines and clothing textures to the intricate patterns on concrete and bricks. Moreover, home interiors are depicted with striking authenticity, maintaining a consistent and engaging visual fidelity.

Technically, the transfer delivers deep and accurate black levels which contribute to excellent shadow delineation, while skin tones are well-balanced though slightly pale in a few areas. The video quality is further enhanced by the absence of significant issues like banding, noise, or aliasing. The digital shooting of the movie translates exceptionally well to Blu-ray, producing crisp and detailed visuals that make the most of HD capabilities. Despite minor discrepancies with aspect ratio conformity, the video quality of "Stuck in Love" on Blu-ray remains top-notch and showcases a fantastic overall production by Millennium.

"Stuck in Love" features a competent Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, providing an impressive auditory experience given the film's dialogue-heavy, lower-budget nature. The music is presented with clarity and occupies a naturally wide stage, complemented by occasional surround elements and a well-defined low end. The sound design intelligently utilizes realistic atmospherics, adding depth and immersion to scenes, notably seaside settings with rolling waves and ambient noise in bar and restaurant scenes. A standout moment occurs in chapter seven, where the gentle patter of rain on a car roof is distinctly audible. Front-and-center sound elements, particularly dialogue, are consistently clear and accurately positioned, ensuring that viewers grasp every spoken word without distraction.

While the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is without any technical faults, the soundtrack does not extend beyond standard expectations for a rom-dram heavy on dialogue. Rear speaker activity is minimal, limited mostly to background music and the original soundtrack, lacking substantial directionality. An English 2.0 Dolby track and subtitles in English SDH and Spanish are also available, providing additional accessibility options. Despite the standard presentation, the balance between dialogue and soundtrack remains precise, ensuring the dialogue's crispness is never overwhelmed by musical elements. Millennium’s presentation, though unremarkable in its ambition, reliably serves the movie’s audio needs.

The Blu Ray extras for "Stuck in Love" provide a substantial and engaging behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation, offering both fans and film enthusiasts interesting insights. The primary features include a comprehensive making-of documentary where cast and crew discuss various aspects of the film, from script qualities to character development and director Josh Boone's on-set interactions. Additionally, the disc features an informative and dynamic audio commentary by Boone and actor Nat Wolff, detailing film production stages, cast performances, and shooting experiences. These valuable extras enhance the viewing experience and deepen one’s appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of 'Stuck in Love': Interviews with the cast and crew about the story, characters, and on-set experiences.
• Audio Commentary: Lively track by Writer/Director Josh Boone and Actor Nat Wolff discussing the film’s production and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Previews: Additional Millennium Entertainment titles and original theatrical trailer.

In "Stuck in Love," Writer/Director Josh Boone masterfully examines the complexities and nuances of familial ties through the lens of a broken family striving to reconnect. The film revolves around Bill Borgens (Greg Kinnear), a semi-famous novelist who pines for his ex-wife, Erica (Jennifer Connelly), while trying to guide his children, Samantha (Lily Collins) and Rusty (Nat Wolff), both aspiring writers, through their own romantic and professional struggles. Samantha shuns emotional attachment, diving into a string of one-night stands, while Rusty yearns for a committed relationship with his complicated classmate, Kate (Liana Liberato). The film paints an intricate picture of how the different family members cope with love and loss, all while navigating their personal growth.

The screenplay delves deep into the themes of love, time, and growth, offering a balanced depiction of modern life. Boone's script succeeds in presenting characters that undergo substantial evolution, even if their paths are riddled with awkwardness and occasional humor. The varied performances elevate the narrative; Kinnear's portrayal of a man struggling to move on is particularly poignant, and Collins captures the transformation of a young woman learning to reevaluate her attitudes towards love. Wolff and Lerman deliver stellar performances, bringing depth to their roles as the hopeless romantic and Sam's love interest, respectively.

While the film does have its moments of brilliance, it's not without its flaws. Certain characters, especially Bill and Samantha, may come off as self-centered and unsympathetic to some viewers, detracting from the overall emotional resonance. Despite these shortcomings, Boone's personal touch lends authenticity to the story, which is enriched by a fantastic cast and engrossing character arcs that explore the unpredictable and intricate nature of life and love.

"Stuck in Love," directed by Josh Boone, is a film that garners mixed reactions. On one hand, it offers an absorbing storyline with smartly constructed characters that make for an engaging viewing experience. From the beginning, the film showcases a well-defined narrative that remains consistently surprising and doesn’t always follow predictable paths. Some viewers may find the characters relatable, or at least captivating in their raw and realistic portrayal of life's complexities. Millennium Entertainment’s Blu-ray release benefits from fantastic video quality, solid audio, and a couple of worthwhile extras.

However, the film has notable shortcomings. Many characters come across as self-important and pretentious, which diminishes the audience's emotional investment in their journeys. Despite efforts from a capable cast, including a standout supporting performance by Logan Lerman, the character arcs often feel mired in shallowness. This sense of detachment can leave viewers struggling to connect with the story and its characters on a deeper level.

In conclusion, "Stuck in Love" is a film that may resonate strongly with some while falling flat for others. Its real-life charm and significance can be compelling, yet its self-indulgent characters and narrative lapses might detract for those seeking more relatable human experiences. The Blu-ray release is technically proficient, elevating the viewing experience. Overall, it's a recommendation with reservations.