Girl Most Likely Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Girl Most Likely" features a 1080p AVC encoded transfer presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. While the imagery does not exude high gloss or razor-sharp precision, it accurately reflects the film's overall aesthetic, characterized by a cooler visual palette. The primary colors appear satisfying albeit subdued, and lifelike skin tones offer textural details that vary slightly among the cast. Resolution holds up well, with close-up and mid-level shots revealing fine textures in people and objects within the frame. Despite this, wider shots exhibit smoother lines due to the film's inherently softer elements, resulting in average delineation.

Contrast levels are stable, with blacks present but not overly dynamic—this is acceptable given that the film seldom relies on low-light scenes where this could be more pronounced. Unfortunately, the color palette can occasionally seem dull and drained, leading to a somewhat flat and listless visual presentation. Certain scenes show pallid, almost brown flesh tones and murky shadows that detract from finer details. This is partially mitigated by moments of well-preserved fine detail, such as the precision seen in close-ups. Definition remains one of the more redeeming aspects, with excellent clarity observed in household items, buildings, and foliage.

The encoding quality is generally pristine with no significant signs of video anomalies or compression artifacts. However, occasional banding is present, especially during scene transitions and nighttime sequences. Overall, while the transfer showcases good technical capabilities and maintains a stable image quality, it lacks the vibrant coloration and sharpness expected from modern digital cinematography, resulting in a less compelling visual experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Girl Most Likely" excels in delivering clear and well-articulated dialogue, with sound effects rendered with appreciable clarity and depth, which results in a full-bodied and aurally satisfying experience. While the film is not reliant on heavy use of surround sound to convey its message, it effectively uses the entire soundstage to create an appropriate atmosphere. Low-frequency effects are judiciously employed, adding a sense of solidity to the music without overwhelming the listener. The mix is adept at placing sounds appropriately within the sound field, ensuring that each element contributes precisely to the overall acoustic environment.

Throughout the film, the lossless audio track enjoys moments of rear activity that enhance scenes with source cues or events like Lee's Backstreet Boys performance and subsequent club scene. Subtle, well-placed atmospheric sounds, such as seagulls overhead or city traffic noise, effectively utilize the rear channels to generate a satisfying and immersive soundfield. Despite its character-driven nature, which focuses much of the design in the front channels, the mid-range remains detailed and extensive, providing excellent clarity for the musical score and delivering a gratifying low-end that adds energy and weight to various song selections.

The overall fidelity of the audio is exceptional, with dynamic range typically consistent but punctuated by louder moments that stand out vividly. Dialogue scenes are supported effortlessly, ensuring that vocals remain prioritized and precise. This technical proficiency makes the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track a pleasant surprise for a small dramatic comedy, offering an engaging and well-rounded auditory experience for the viewer.

The Blu-ray extras for "Girl Most Likely" provide a modest but entertaining selection of supplementary content. The Making Most Likely featurette offers an insightful, albeit brief, behind-the-scenes look at the production, with various cast and crew interviews discussing the plot, characters, and overall filming experience. The Life in the Human Shell segment showcases a humorous and candid representation of the prototype prop in various real-life urban settings. The Gag Reel provides a lighthearted and amusing compilation of outtakes from the film, while the Deleted Scenes offer a glimpse into the material that didn't make the final cut. These extras, while standard, effectively complement the main feature and enhance the viewer's understanding and enjoyment of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Most Likely: A standard EPK piece with cast and crew interviews about the production.
• Life in the Human Shell: Footage of someone wearing a prop in New York and New Jersey.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of amusing outtakes.
• Deleted Scenes: Short scenes that were cut from the final film.

Kristen Wiig leads 'Girl Most Likely' as Imogene Duncan, an aspiring playwright whose life takes a steep dive, forcing her to retreat to her familial home in New Jersey. Despite the strong foundation laid by Wiig's performance, the film’s tone oscillates between offbeat comedy and melancholic family drama. Wiig's portrayal captures the charm and vulnerability of Imogene, a once-promising playwright reduced to writing Broadway synopses. Her performance navigates through a series of quirky vignettes, from a failed suicide attempt intended to win back her boyfriend to grappling with her dysfunctional family life.

The script by Michelle Morgan, under the direction of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who received accolades for 'American Splendor,' is laden with a mix of comedic and poignant moments. However, it suffers from predictable narrative arcs and familiar tropes, particularly in its depiction of elitist New York socialites and the stereotypical love interest role filled by Darren Criss as Lee. Despite these shortcomings, the ensemble cast shines; Annette Bening delivers an impressive performance as Imogene’s gambling-addicted mother Zelda, while Matt Dillon adds layers of absurdity as George Bouche, imbuing his claims of being a C.I.A. agent and samurai with comic bravado.

'Girl Most Likely' ventures into bittersweet territory as Imogene navigates through an emotional quagmire, ultimately rediscovering herself amidst improbable scenarios that test credulity. The film falters in its latter half, burdened by ridiculous subplot resolutions and an overly tidy conclusion. Yet, its heart remains evident through Wiig's earnest depiction and a few sharply executed humorous moments, even if the film doesn't fully utilize its talented cast or innovative premise. The film’s message, albeit somewhat trite, underscores the inevitability of facing one's roots and personal shortcomings for genuine growth.

"Girl Most Likely" arrives on Blu-ray with a mixed bag of elements that warrant a tempered recommendation. The film, which may have slipped under the radar for many, combines moments of pitch-black humor with a distinctly uneven narrative. The first half maintains engaging performances, notably from Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening, who inject comedic and dramatically nuanced layers into an otherwise flat plotline. However, the second half devolves into gimmickry, detracting from its initial promise and grounding the movie in a rather predictable territory. Despite these flaws, fans of Wiig and Bening are likely to find redeeming qualities in their performances which elevate some of the more mundane aspects of the story.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray presentation is competent but unremarkable. The video quality, described by multiple reviewers as "blah" or flat, fails to fully capture the detail and depth that high-definition formats promise. This doesn't significantly detract from the viewing experience due to the film's stylistic choices, but it does little to enhance it either. On the other hand, the audio quality shines through with better-than-expected clarity and immersion, highlighting dialogue and the film’s score effectively. Supplements included in this release are minimal, offering little additional value beyond the main feature.

In conclusion, "Girl Most Likely" is a film that might appeal primarily to dedicated fans of its lead actors. While it showcases some elements of sharp humor and strong performances, its narrative drawbacks and mediocre Blu-ray video quality mitigate its overall impact. Given these factors, it is recommended as a rental rather than a purchase, fitting best for a casual viewing rather than a home theater showcase.