Bruce Almighty Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Bruce Almighty" has been a topic of mixed feelings due to its 1080p/VC-1 transfer. Released in the early days of high definition, this edition improved upon the DVD release but failed to meet expectations that have since been set by other high-definition presentations. The film, a 2003 comedy spectacle, showcases a mix of visual quality across its runtime. Skintones lack consistency, appearing natural in certain scenes but often fading or appearing flushed, failing to reveal detailed textures especially in close-ups. The contrast ratio is erratic, bouncing between overblown and underwhelming, which, coupled with a sometimes problematic balance of brightness levels, results in scenes with poor black levels and occasional black crush in exterior shots. Despite these flaws, the transfer does exhibit moments where colors are vibrant and depth of field is noticeable.

However, the technical issues are too significant to overlook. Sharpness varies dramatically from scene to scene, making some parts appear refined while others seem as though they've undergone an unwelcome softening process. This inconsistency is further marred by artifacts that occasionally dance across the screen, edge enhancement that detracts from the image integrity, and random spikes in grain and noise that disrupt the viewing experience. Moreover, issues such as telecine wobble and wavering contrast further degrade the visual presentation, leading to a disjointed experience.

Despite its shortcomings, certain interior sequences manage to look pleasing with good color reproduction and acceptable clarity, showcasing what the transfer could have been with a more thorough and dedicated remastering effort. Ultimately, while it remains a step up from its DVD counterpart and provides a baseline HD experience with sparse moments of visual fidelity, "Bruce Almighty" on Blu-ray leaves much to be desired. The release underscores the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul to truly bring out the divine visual potential this film can offer on the high-definition format.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track on "Bruce Almighty's" Blu Ray presentation doesn't mark a significant upgrade from its earlier HD DVD counterpart, having maintained much of the original mix's qualities and flaws. Dialogue remains clear and easily understood, although it tends to come across slightly compressed, lacking the full clarity one might anticipate from a lossless audio track. The effects, though more dynamic due to the remaster, are predominantly front-loaded, creating a sound environment that, while decently immersive with ambient noise such as birdsong and urban life in the rear channels, doesn’t utilize the full potential of its 5.1 setup to envelop the viewer.

Despite these shortcomings, the soundtrack delivers a satisfactory experience, especially considering the genre's typical audio presentation standards. The mix is notably active, with dialogue consistently sharp and front-stage dominance creating a solid base for the film’s audio. The low-frequency effects add unexpected depth at times, contributing to a more dynamic auditory experience. John Debney's score and selective ambient sounds provide moments of immersion, enhancing scenes with well-placed mood-setting cues. Although the audio occasionally feels flat and lacks convincing spatial distribution, leading to a sense of artificiality in populated scenes, it manages to maintain an engaging atmosphere throughout.

In summation, while "Bruce Almighty" on Blu-ray won’t attract audiophiles seeking a reference-quality sound mix, it performs respectably within its comedic frame. The soundstage may lean heavily on the front channels and not fully exploit the immersive possibilities of its 5.1 surround sound design, but it still offers an adequately engaging listening experience with moments of well-executed auditory depth and environmental ambience.

The extra presentation of the "Bruce Almighty" Blu-ray edition delivers a rather unremarkable compilation of special features, largely echoing the set found on its HD DVD counterpart without bringing anything new to the table. The collection is helmed by a technical yet somewhat tedious audio commentary from director Tom Shadyac, which, despite providing a few insights into working with Jim Carrey, often fails to captivate. Accompanying the commentary is "The Process of Jim," a brief look at Carrey's method that ultimately feels disjointed and lacks depth. The package is rounded off with 30 minutes of deletable scenes—offering optional directorial insight that does little to enhance their value—and 7 minutes of outtakes that, while intended to be humorous, fall short of expectations. Notably absent is the theatrical trailer, a minor omission given the overall mediocrity of the extras on offer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Tom Shadyac shares his thoughts and technical insights, though these often lack engagement.
• The Process of Jim: A 6-minute feature that attempts to showcase Jim Carrey's comedic process with mixed results.
• Deleted Scenes: With 30 minutes of content including optional director's commentary, this feature fails to significantly contribute to the appreciation of the film.
• Outtakes: A 7-minute compilation that strives for humor but ultimately feels lackluster.

Bruce Almighty" emerges as a peculiar offering from the annals of Hollywood comedy with its fair share of celestial charm and earthly blunders. The film notably benefits from the magnetic screen presence of Morgan Freeman, embodying God with an enchanting blend of authority and warmth, and Steve Carell, whose comedic brilliance shines bright, particularly in scenes that remain etched in memory long after the movie concludes. However, the centerpiece, Jim Carrey, defaults to his established repertoire of over-the-top antics and elastic facial expressions, delivering a performance that oscillates between genius and tedium, seemingly underscoring the film's struggle to find a harmonious tone.

At its core, "Bruce Almighty" narrates the tale of frustrated Buffalo news reporter Bruce Nolan, played with frenetic energy by Carrey, who after a calamitous day, is inexplicably bestowed with divine powers by God (Freeman). This premise serves as fertile ground for exploring themes of responsibility, desire, and humility. Despite its lofty ambitions, the movie often stumbles, getting mired in simplistic humor and Carrey's penchant for physical comedy, which at times feels misplaced within the broader narrative.

Director Tom Shadyac manages to weave in enough humor and moral questions to keep audiences engaged, crafting a narrative arc that sees Bruce grapple with his omnipotence’s unintended consequences. Yet, the film's execution betrays a missed opportunity for deeper commentary, opting instead for easily digestible gags and predictable plotlines. While Carrey's performance may cater to his established fan base, it’s Freeman and Carell who elevate "Bruce Almighty" beyond its formulaic structure, offering glimpses of what could have been a more nuanced exploration of faith and fallibility.

Bruce Almighty" on Blu-ray delivers an experience that encapsulates the essence of Jim Carrey's hallmark contortionist humor, set within the intriguing premise of a man playing God. The film itself possesses its share of memorable moments that showcase Carrey's comedic prowess. However, the overall package presented by the Blu-ray edition leaves much to be desired. The video transfer is noticeably average, failing to significantly surpass the quality observed in Universal's standard DVD release. This aspect may deter enthusiasts seeking a visually definitive version of the film. Additionally, the DTS-HD Master Audio track does not offer a remarkable auditory experience, presenting another missed opportunity to elevate the film's immersive qualities.

Supplemental content on this Blu-ray is equally underwhelming, comprising a collection that can only be described as truncated. This lack of comprehensive extras may disappoint fans accustomed to more lavish presentations of their favorite films. For avid followers of Jim Carrey's work, the Blu-ray disc does provide a platform to enjoy his performance in "Bruce Almighty," albeit without the enhancements typically expected from high-definition formats. Conversely, casual viewers or those new to the film might find the overall presentation too lackluster to warrant more than a rental, especially when considering the availability of superior quality options in the market.

In conclusion, while "Bruce Almighty" on Blu-ray manages to bring Jim Carrey's unique comedic style to the forefront, its presentation is marred by a mediocre video transfer and an audio track that does little to impress. Coupled with a disappointing array of supplemental features, this release struggles to offer a compelling reason for purchase beyond the most devoted fans of the film. Those in search of the ultimate viewing experience for "Bruce Almighty" may find themselves waiting for a more polished and feature-rich edition to fulfill their expectations.