Post Grad Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Post Grad" provides a solid, satisfying experience thanks to its consistent and well-executed 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. Colors are rendered naturally, from the bright tones of Ryden's marching band uniform to the teal scarf adorning the grandmother. Skin tones maintain a natural appearance, though occasionally they exhibit a slight over-tanned look. The black levels are deep and even, without any noticeable loss in shadow detail, which is particularly commendable for a film predominantly set in daylight. Grain structure is intact, providing a filmic feel without becoming intrusive. While the clarity is generally above average, there are moments where sharpness dips slightly, likely due to minor focus issues.

The transfer features finely detailed textures, capturing the intricate patterns and fabric textures of clothing as well as facial details, including the rough stubble of Rodrigo Santoro and the lines on Michael Keaton's face. The cinematography tends to suffer from a flat, overly bright lighting which is common in studio comedies, preventing the image from achieving substantial dimensionality or presence. However, there are no apparent issues with banding, blocking, or artifacts, making this Blu-ray technically proficient and devoid of distracting visual defects.

Overall, "Post Grad" on Blu-ray is a competent transfer that excels in color accuracy and fine detail. While it may not stand out as a showcase disc, it presents the film with clarity and precision that aligns well with its straightforward narrative style.

The audio presentation of "Post Grad" on Blu-ray employs a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while competent, lacks sophistication. Dialogue clarity is commendable, bright, and discernible, occupying the forefront of the mix. However, there is a noticeable deficiency in immersive elements. Surround channels are minimally engaged, predominantly relegated to ambient sounds such as light office chatter or environmental background noises like ocean roars. Despite these inclusions being clear and clean, they contribute little to setting a compelling auditory scene.

The music, including pop tracks and Christopher Beck's score, filters through the surround channels modestly, with a decent low end that provides fullness when the music intensifies. However, sound effects such as the metal crunch of a car crash lack substantial heft. While functional, the audio experience does not elevate the overall feel of the film—a sentiment common to dialogue-centric, non-action genres. Overall, it is a mixed bag: proficient in its technical execution but lacking the immersive touch that could have enhanced viewer engagement.

The Blu-ray extras of "Post Grad" offer a plethora of additional content, although their presentation in standard definition (SD) is a letdown. These features encompass deleted and alternate scenes that were rightfully cut, combined with promotional and advisory content that mildly supplements the film's themes. Highlights include Real Life Advice with the film's lead actors and Know Your Strengths: Career Advice. A few interactive elements like Find Your Match and What Not to Wear add a hint of engagement but feel rather superficial. Notably, the music video feels disjointed with awkward film clips mixed into the performance. There's a lack of commentary from the filmmakers, which might have added depth to this section. The addition of various trailers rounds out the package, albeit somewhat perfunctorily.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Ten scenes that were excluded for good reason.
• "One Day" Music Video by Jack Savoretti: Features awkwardly integrated movie clips.
• Real Life Advice with Alexis Bledel and Zach Gilford: Actors share their post-graduation experiences.
• Know Your Strengths: Career Advice: Career tips from Marcus Buckingham.
• How Not to Get a Job: A top ten list of employment pitfalls.
• A Guide to Moving Back Home: Tips for recent graduates moving back with parents.
• Dress for Success: Insights into the film's costume design.
• Find Your Match! The Best Job for You: An interactive job suggestion quiz.
• What Not to Wear: A quiz about corporate fashion sense.
• Post Grad Confidential: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's development.
• Trailers: Previews of various other films.

In "Post Grad," Alexis Bledel stars as Ryden Malby, a recent college graduate navigating the tumultuous transition from academia to the workforce. Initially promising a relatable and timely exploration of post-college life amidst a sinking economy, the film quickly derails into a predictable and contrived rom-com. The core narrative follows Ryden's struggle as she returns home after losing her dream job at a major publishing house to her nemesis. Supported by her quirky and eccentric family, including Michael Keaton as her dad Walter and Carol Burnett as her blunt and quirky grandmother, the movie attempts to inject humor but ends up feeling disjointed and superficial. Despite its initial thematic relevance, the plot is laden with unnecessary subplots and quirky characters that serve more as distractions than contributors to the storyline.

The narrative suffers significantly from its lack of cohesion and forced quirkiness, making it an often tedious viewing experience. Scenes like Ryden's uninspired job-hunting montage, her misguided fit into a marching band uniform, and the unprecedented love triangle with Adam (Zach Gilford) and a Latin infomercial director (Rodrigo Santoro) dilute the film’s authenticity. Moreover, the film's dialogue is distractingly poor, failing to emulate the dynamic script that characterized Bledel's "Gilmore Girls" success, while sloppy editing only exacerbates continuity issues—like transitioning from an electric guitar to an acoustic mid-performance. Even commendable cast performances can't salvage the narrative disarray or elevate its unsettled tone from insidiously saccharine sentimentality.

Ultimately, "Post Grad" attempts to blend real-world economic struggle with typical rom-com elements but stumbles in marrying these themes effectively. The emotional depth and humor fall flat under directionless storytelling and superficial charm. The film's predictable rom-com resolution further diminishes any potential feminist appeal, casting doubt on its portrayal of a fulfilling post-graduate life amidst dire economic times. Despite a stellar cast, the film fails to deliver on either meaningful commentary or genuine entertainment.

"Post Grad" presents a charming premise that initially hooks viewers with its exploration of the challenges faced by new graduates in a tough job market. However, this potential is ultimately squandered as the narrative meanders into an unfocused romantic comedy. Despite some interesting casting choices and occasional moments of wit, the story fails to develop a cohesive structure, leaving audiences craving more depth and continuity.

The Blu-ray release delivers high-quality audiovisuals, which is one of the film's few redeeming aspects. Nevertheless, the lackluster set of standard-definition extras does little to enhance the overall value of this package. While the A/V presentation may warrant a rental for some, it is unlikely to justify a permanent spot in most collections.

In conclusion, "Post Grad" ends up being a missed opportunity—an initial hook marred by poor execution and disjointed storytelling. For those seeking substantial entertainment or a meaningful narrative, consider skipping this title. Its appeal might be limited to moments of curiosity rather than genuine engagement.