Why Him? Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Why Him?" from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment boasts a generally excellent video transfer, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p format in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Shot on the Arri Alexa, the film captures the sharp and clear visuals for which this technology is renowned. The bright, sunny California setting effectively boosts the vibrancy of the palette, especially during outdoor scenes, while even indoor shots within Laird's ultra-modern mansion maintain high detail levels despite varied lighting conditions. However, specific scenes, such as the softly shot yoga sequence or the dimly lit party scene, do exhibit expectedly less fulsome detail.

The energetic palette lends a vivacious array of warm secondary hues, with radiantly saturated primaries such as reds and greens enhancing the movie’s lively and happy-go-lucky atmosphere. Kris Kachikis's cinematography delivers exquisite contrast and sparkling whites, while accurately-rendered blacks provide appreciable gradational differences. The intricate details in clothing, Laird's unusual interior design, and the lush foliage are all finely captured, adding to the 1.85:1 image's strong cinematic quality. Facial textures are also rendered with life-like precision, particularly notable in the older cast members.

Despite these strengths, the digital transfer is not without its flaws. Occasional moments of mild softness and poor resolution are apparent, seemingly due to blown-up images or forced close-ups from different-sized original shots. Minor issues such as too-hot highlights and negligible aliasing along sharp edges do appear, though they are not significantly detrimental to the overall presentation. These imperfections are minor distractions from an otherwise highly detailed and vibrant viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Why Him?" offers an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that conduits a distinct sonic energy, thriving on a myriad of source cues steering the surround channels. Crowd scenes at Laird's home and a significant party sequence underscore this dynamic sound palette. Dialogue clarity remains impeccable throughout, with unexpected low-frequency enhancements surfacing at select moments, augmented by playful sound effects. The mix highlights excellent fidelity and an extensive dynamic range particularly for a comedy genre, ensuring a vibrant auditory experience.

Detailed yet immersive, the soundtrack surpasses expectations courtesy of its active rear channels, delivering an enveloping soundfield accentuated by the exotic animal sounds from Laird's sanctuary and the intermittent bustling of his employees within his home. The audio mix crafts a welcoming spacious soundstage where front channel action prevails, embedding precise directionality and distinguished imaging. This clarity in imaging holds value especially during scenes with sudden bursts of activity, such as a helicopter landing or when KISS music electrifies the environment. The dialogue remains crisp and clear, successfully conveying the nuanced emotional variance between Bryan Cranston and James Franco’s characters. Additionally, the deeply resonant low-end performance enriches the overall sound design and song selections, bestowing the audio track with a pronounced and weighty presence.

The Blu-ray extras for "Why Him?" offer an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the film's production, characters, and behind-the-scenes antics. The gag reel is particularly noteworthy, delivering laughs arguably on par with the film itself. The featurettes such as "47 Minutes on the Can" and "Barb Fleming: America's Mom" provide detailed insights into specific scenes and characters, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the movie's craft. The package is rounded out by an extensive set of deleted scenes and an informative audio commentary by the director and co-writers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Why Him? Gag Reel: Comedic outtakes from the film.
• 47 Minutes on the Can: Behind-the-scenes of the toilet scene.
• Why Gustav?: Montage of Gustav’s moments.
• Barb Fleming: America's Mom: Profile of Megan Mullaly's character.
• Lou the Entertainer: Focus on Cedric's role.
• Richard Blais: Twisted Chef: Brief look at the chef character.
• Deleted Scenes: Nine excised scenes.
• Audio Commentary: Discussion by John Hamburg, Ian Helfer, and William Kerr.
• Gallery: Auto and Manual Advance options for images.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer.

"Why Him?" offers a comedic foray into the well-worn 'meet the parents' genre, intertwining familiar tropes with a crude and irreverent twist. Bryan Cranston stars as Ned Fleming, a conservative CEO of a printing business, who is uneasily introduced to his daughter's outrageous boyfriend, Laird (James Franco), an eccentric tech millionaire. The film’s core thrives on the clash between Ned's traditional values and Laird's freewheeling, obscenity-laced lifestyle. This humorous friction is accentuated by Laird’s incessant vulgarity and over-the-top attempts to connect with Ned, dragging viewers through a comedic maze of cultural and generational dissonance.

Director John Hamburg injects the predictable narrative with a blend of crass humor and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The screenplay, credited to Ian Helfer and Jonah Hill, exploits gross-out gags and frequent crude jokes but finds balance with clever dialogue and unexpected bursts of sincerity. Key performances bolster the film’s appeal—Cranston seamlessly transitions between exasperation and genuine bewilderment, channeling his refined ability to convey nuanced discomfort. Franco’s portrayal of Laird is both enthusiastic and endearing, his lack of social decorum juxtaposed with an earnest desire for familial acceptance.

The supporting cast adds necessary depth and charm to the film. Megan Mullally brings understated hilarity as Barb, Ned's supportive wife, while Keegan-Michael Key excels as Gustav, Laird's eccentric estate manager, echoing the amusing dynamics reminiscent of The Pink Panther's Clouseau and Cato. Technical aspects like the film’s setting in sunny Palo Alto stand out, stripping away clichéd holiday sentimentality and providing a vibrant backdrop for the ensuing chaos. While "Why Him?" may not redefine the genre, its unique blend of raunchiness and heart ensures an entertaining ride through familiar comedic territory.

"Why Him?" on Blu-ray blends familiar formulas with fresh, comedic performances to deliver an enjoyable experience despite its predictable plot. The film revolves around the classic meet-the-parents trope, featuring Bryan Cranston as the overprotective father and James Franco as his daughter's inappropriate, yet well-meaning fiancé. The chemistry between Cranston and Franco is palpable, providing a dynamic contrast that fuels much of the film's humor. Supporting roles from Megan Mullally and Keegan-Michael Key further bolster the cast, each bringing their own flair to the raunchy narrative.

The Blu-ray offers excellent video quality, showcasing vibrant colors and crisp details that enhance the viewing experience. The audio presentation is equally impressive, with clear dialogue and well-balanced sound effects that immerse the audience in the film's various antics. However, it's worth noting that the supplemental content is somewhat underwhelming, lacking depth and variety which might disappoint those seeking extensive behind-the-scenes insights.

In conclusion, "Why Him?" is a film that exceeds modest expectations through strong performances and solid technical presentation. While its comedy leans towards the juvenile, it manages to be charming and often genuinely funny. With this Blu-ray edition, viewers can enjoy a visually and aurally satisfying experience, though extras enthusiasts might find the bonus features lacking. Recommended for fans of goofy, light-hearted comedies and those looking for an easy-going movie night.