Old School Blu-ray Review

"Old School" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer that demonstrates a commendable, if uneven, level of quality throughout its runtime. The video presentation begins with a slightly lackluster display, manifesting drab and somewhat obscure imagery that doesn’t quite showcase vibrant colors or achieve high levels of detail and texture. As the film progresses, however, there’s a noticeable improvement in visual quality. The latter segments present more lively and richer colors along with a better, though not outstanding, degree of detail and texture. The disparity in quality between the first and second halves could be attributed to the use of the same master as the earlier DVD and HD DVD versions, which might not fully leverage Blu-ray’s capabilities but still represents a solid transfer from DreamWorks.

The video transfer maintains a professional look throughout, avoiding the overly vintage appearance of some older comedies while ensuring that hues are pleasing and consistent, and flesh tones appear generally natural. There is an observed issue with contrast occasionally being too intense, which does not significantly compromise color saturation or overall depth. Detail is commendably captured in many scenes, providing a clear upgrade from previous formats in terms of clarity and detail, though some darker shots exhibit softness and a slight loss in texture. The image benefits from strong blacks and reduced grain and blemishes in its second half, enhancing the viewing experience without achieving the visual splendor of more visually arresting films. Overall, DreamWorks' efforts result in a satisfactory Blu-ray presentation that will satisfy dedicated fans of "Old School," despite its initial shortcomings and lack of visual depth throughout the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Old School" equips itself with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that, while not pushing the boundaries of auditory experience, performs competently within its comedy genre confines. The soundtrack's strength lies in its handling of dialogue and popular music tracks, which are well-spread out across the front channels, providing sufficient volume and clarity at reference level. Despite the upgrade to high-resolution audio from its HD DVD counterpart, the TrueHD mix doesn't mark a significant improvement, primarily serving to enhance the dynamic range slightly and offer a clearer separation of effects. The mix predominantly caters to a stereo feel with occasional rear channel involvement, mainly during lively party scenes and musical moments, though these are few and far between.

The audio presentation noticeably lacks in immersing the listener fully, with rear channels underused and contributing little to the overall soundstage beyond a scant ambiance and discrete effects. Bass response and presence in louder scenes are adequate, providing a fair amount of energy without overwhelming the mix. Dialogue remains the soundtrack's consistent high point, delivered from the center channel with crispness and at an optimal volume, ensuring that conversations are always clear and intelligible. However, there's an apparent missed opportunity to utilize the surround soundscape more effectively, particularly in creating a more vibrant or lifelike atmosphere during key scenes like the wedding reception band performance, which comes off as flat and somewhat uninspired.

In essence, "Old School" on Blu-ray delivers an audio experience that, while technically sound and clear, sticks firmly to the basics, offering little in the way of innovation or immersion. It's a soundtrack that does justice to the dialogue and some musical elements but falls short of engaging the listener in a more enveloping or dynamic auditory environment. This is reflective of its comedy genre positioning, where emphasis on audio spectacle takes a backseat to the clarity of dialogue and efficacy of its front channel-dominated mix.

The Blu-ray release of "Old School" delights with its array of supplemental features, tailored for avid fans and newcomers alike. The highlight is an uproarious audio commentary by writer/director Todd Phillips alongside stars Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Vince Vaughn, offering a blend of humor and behind-the-scenes insights that rivals the film's own comedy. A mix of high definition and standard definition content includes eight deleted scenes that provide additional laughs and character depth, with optional commentary adding context. The "Old School Orientation" and "Inside the Actors Studio Spoof" featurettes deliver both promotional material and a hilarious parody of the famed interview series, respectively. Outtakes and bloopers further showcase the comedic talent, though with mixed results. Completing the package are the film's theatrical trailer in high definition and three TV spots in standard definition, making for a comprehensive extras package that balances humor with a glimpse into the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A laugh-filled session with Todd Phillips, Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Vince Vaughn.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes adding depth and laughter, complemented by optional commentary.
• Old School Orientation: A closer look at the making of the film with cast and crew interviews.
• Inside the Actors Studio Spoof: A mock episode featuring Will Ferrell’s impression of James Lipton.
• Outtakes & Bloopers: A collection that showcases the comedic talent involved, though with varying success.
• Theatrical Trailer/TV Spots: The original promotional trailer in HD and three additional TV spots in SD.

"Old School" strives to etch its name alongside venerated comedy classics like "Animal House" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," presenting a blend of juvenile humor and a nostalgic yearning for the reckless freedom of college days. Directed by Todd Phillips, known for his work in "Road Trip," the film dives into the lives of three men—Mitch (Luke Wilson), Frank "The Tank" (Will Ferrell), and Beanie (Vince Vaughn)—as they attempt to recapture their glory days through the founding of a rogue fraternity. This endeavor unfolds against the backdrop of adult men grappling with the onset of mid-life crises, blending slapstick comedy with poignant reflections on aging and identity. Despite its ambitions and moments of genuine hilarity, the movie often wavers in focus, presenting a narrative that meanders through a series of comedic but disjointedly executed set pieces.

Technically, "Old School" marries classical comedic elements with a contemporary flair, attempting to balance gross-out humor with character-driven narratives. The comedic prowess of Wilson, Ferrell, and Vaughn shines through, each delivering performances that highlight their capabilities for both broad comedy and subtler, more emotional beats. Particularly notable is Ferrell’s portrayal of Frank, which layers manic energy over an underlying vulnerability, hinting at the actor's range beyond the comedic sphere. Yet, the film struggles with its ensemble cast, introducing numerous secondary characters that often fail to add meaningful depth or coherence to the overarching story.

At its core, "Old School" embodies the struggle between anarchy and order, freedom and responsibility. It crafts moments of inspired lunacy—such as its iconic "We're going streaking!" scene—set against the mundane realities of adult life. However, it falls short of achieving the cohesive blend of wit, heart, and humor that distinguished its predecessors. While it can’t be denied that the film garners laughter and entertains, especially in sequences like the gymnastics competition scored to "Chariots of Fire," it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a more impactful narrative. Despite its flaws, "Old School" secures a place as a memorable if not entirely fulfilling comedy, resonating with those yearning for one last taste of reckless youth amidst the responsibilities of adulthood.

"Old School" on Blu-ray offers a blend of nostalgia and contemporary amusement, bridging a connection to academic-oriented comedies like "Animal House" without entirely recapturing its iconic status. The film, featuring a mix of reliable performances, especially Jeremy Piven's portrayal of Dean Pritchard, delivers humor that oscillates between genuinely amusing and somewhat predictable. Despite these variances in comedic impact, the film maintains a loyal fanbase eager for high-definition indulgence. The Blu-ray provides an adequate high-definition transfer and a decent lossless Dolby TrueHD audio experience, although it doesn't notably surpass previous HD DVD offerings. Bonus content, although limited, adds a layer of appeal, ensuring fans have something extra to explore.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray do not revolutionize the home cinema experience but offer a consistent and enjoyable viewing. Visuals are clean and satisfactory, catering well to repeat viewings that the film's following will likely indulge in. The audio upgrade, while subtle, enriches the overall experience, emphasizing the soundtrack and comedic elements effectively. This release, therefore, suits those without previous versions or true aficionados of the film, rather than compelling immediate upgrades for existing HD DVD owners.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Old School" serves its purpose well by providing fans with a reliable version of a beloved comedy. While it doesn't break new ground in terms of technical enhancements or bonus material wealth, it solidifies its position within the home entertainment sphere for those dedicated to the genre. This release underscores the film's enduring appeal and ensures that its legacy continues in the best current format available, albeit without demanding urgency for those with prior high-definition versions.