The Proposal Blu-ray Review
Score: 53
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
While Bullock and Reynolds shine in 'The Proposal,' its predictable plot and average Blu-ray transfer with limited extras make it better suited for a rental than a purchase.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 54
"The Proposal" on Blu-ray delivers vibrant colors and detailed images despite an uneven 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer with fluctuating skin tones, some muted contrasts, and occasional softness. While the visual presentation varies in quality, it generally avoids technical artifacts like noise, crush, and banding.
Audio: 62
The Proposal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in delivering crisp dialogue and a full-bodied soundstage, with environmental ambiences like sirens and rustling branches enhancing the immersive experience. While the LFE and rear speakers are subdued, the mix’s clarity and depth make it a standout among romantic comedy releases.
Extra: 33
The Blu-ray of 'The Proposal' offers a serviceable, but ultimately thin supplemental package featuring stilted commentary, modest deleted scenes, an unused alternate ending, a bland gag reel, and a digital copy—all presented in stunning HD and tailored primarily for dedicated fans.
Movie: 60
The Proposal offers a formulaic, predictable romcom bolstered by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds' charming performances, an amusing supporting cast, and decent Blu-ray presentation, though its derivative script and standard direction limit the film's potential.
Add your review
Let everyone know how you liked The Proposal: Blu-ray
Your review will appear on this page
Video: 54
"The Proposal" on Blu-ray offers a visual presentation that treads a varied path, delivering both commendable and problematic elements. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer exhibits a diverse color palette, ranging from the reserved and inanimate to richly vivid hues that align well with the mood and setting of the scenes. However, the color stability could be inconsistent, particularly with skin tones that oscillate between natural, bronzed, and occasionally chalky appearances. Despite these fluctuations, black levels and shadow delineation are notably deep, providing good perceptibility in low-light scenes. Image sharpness and detail are generally impressive, enhanced by a pristine quality that adds to the overall dimensionality and creates a "looking through a window" effect.
The transfer sometimes struggles with maintaining consistent contrast and brightness, leading to a slightly colder, flatter image than current standards might dictate. This is particularly evident in brighter scenes where the elevated brightness slightly mutes the overall contrast. Nonetheless, artifacts such as source noise, crush, and banding are kept to a minimum, resulting in a clean viewing experience free from distracting enhancements. While some scenes tend towards softness, the detailed textures and sharp delineations manage to render most frames satisfactorily. It's a proficient technical presentation from Disney that doesn't exhibit any major flaws like edge enhancement, though videophiles may notice the occasional lapse in image consistency.
Audio: 62
The Proposal's audio presentation on Blu-ray boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that is commendably executed, although not extraordinary. The film, being a romantic comedy, doesn't necessitate an extensive dynamic range or intensive surround usage, but benefits significantly from the higher fidelity provided by lossless audio. Dialogue is consistently clear and full-bodied, with defining tonal characteristics and a prominent soundstage position. This clarity extends to subtle sound effects, music, and ambient noises which are rendered with superior depth and precision.
The overall sound mix remains front-heavy, with dialogue and primary audio elements securely anchored up front. However, environmental ambiences such as city sounds or the serene sounds of the countryside are skillfully integrated into the rear channels. Contributions from the LFE channel and rear speakers are subdued but effective, adding a gentle sense of dimension to the audio landscape. Aaron Zigman's score is seamlessly woven into the mix, enhancing scenes without overwhelming them.
While deep bass frequencies are understandably limited given the film's genre, the soundscape remains engaging, with environmental effects such as rustling branches and lapping water providing convincing immersion. Despite not being a sonic showcase, The Proposal's audio track handles its demands with finesse and maintains clear, crisp audio throughout. The result is a solid audio experience that complements the film effectively.
Extras: 33
The Blu-ray extras for "The Proposal" deliver a mix of insightful and somewhat frivolous additions that, while not groundbreaking, provide some added value for rom-com enthusiasts. The audio commentary by director Anne Fletcher and writer Peter Chiarelli offers production insights but is laden with genre-justifications and a conversational tone. The deleted scenes, albeit unessential, give context to character dynamics and plot points, complemented by optional commentary. The alternate ending, wisely discarded for its tonal inconsistency, also includes the creators' reflections. Lastly, the set antics outtakes showcase a mix of humorous and mundane moments from the cast.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Director and writer discuss film production details.
- Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary explaining character development.
- Alternate Ending: Optional insights on the discarded conclusion.
- Set Antics: Outtakes and humorous moments from the set.
- Digital Copy: Standard definition version for portable media devices.
Movie: 60
The Proposal delivers a familiar yet entertaining romantic comedy experience, driven primarily by the engaging performances of Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The film revolves around Margaret Tate (Bullock), a high-powered book editor facing deportation, who pressures her beleaguered assistant Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) into a sham engagement to stay in the United States. Their impromptu journey to Andrew's hometown in Alaska, where they must convince his quirky family and a skeptical immigration agent of their love, triggers a slew of comedic situations and emotional transformations.
While the plot adheres to standard romcom conventions, the on-screen chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds elevates the film beyond its formulaic roots. Bullock's portrayal of the imperious Margaret carries shades of her past roles in "While You Were Sleeping" and "Miss Congeniality," yet she imbues the character with a modern edge. Conversely, Reynolds provides an inspired twist by playing the subordinate role usually reserved for actresses in this genre. Their interactions, from initial disdain to inevitable affection, inject authenticity into their otherwise predictable relationship arc.
Despite the film's reliance on genre clichés and occasional forays into overly contrived slapstick (highlighted by scenes involving a pilfering bird and an eccentric forest ritual), director Anne Fletcher and screenwriter Pete Chiarelli manage to sustain a brisk pacing that keeps the narrative engaging. Supporting performances from Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, and Craig T. Nelson add welcome layers of humor and warmth, ensuring that "The Proposal" remains an enjoyable, if not particularly groundbreaking, addition to the romantic comedy canon.
Total: 53
The Blu-ray release of "The Proposal" presents Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in a familiar yet moderately entertaining rom-com setting. While the movie lacks originality, often feeling like a mash-up of genre staples, Bullock and Reynolds' undeniable chemistry elevates the film. Disney’s Blu-ray edition features a decent video transfer that provides clear visuals and vibrant colors. The audio quality is robust, delivering a strong DTS-HD Master Audio track that enhances the viewing experience with crisp dialogues and immersive ambient sounds. However, the array of extras is limited, offering only a modest selection that might not justify a purchase for everyone.
Despite the commendable efforts from a talented cast, "The Proposal" struggles to distinguish itself from other romantic comedies due to its predictable script and conventional direction. The Blu-ray format does little to elevate the experience beyond standard expectations. The video quality is satisfactory but doesn't push the boundaries of high-definition playback available today, maintaining an average performance both visually and sonically. Additionally, the high MSRP of $45 may be a deterrent for potential buyers who are not die-hard fans of the genre or the lead actors.
In conclusion, while "The Proposal" on Blu-ray offers competent technical specifications and a charming lead duo, it falls short in providing a memorable or groundbreaking rom-com experience. The limited number of extras and steep price point make it a consideration primarily for avid romantic comedy enthusiasts. For most viewers, a rental would be a more prudent option to enjoy this pleasant, yet formulaic, romantic comedy.
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 70
Detail is sharp and satisfying, delineation is strong, and textures, while a bit mushy here and there, are generally pleasing....
Audio: 80
As you might expect, the LFE channel and rear speakers are subdued, but never far removed from the experience....
Extras: 40
The two share stories about writing the script, casting, the on-set chemistry of the actors, changes made to the film along the way, improvisation, the final edit and more....
Movie: 70
Apparently, all it takes to alter someone's personality is three days in a quaint Alaskan town, poor cellular service, and a steady parade of embarrassing encounters....
Total: 70
Ultimately, romantic comedy fans will be quick to voice their approval, but everyone else should check out the film before considering a purchase....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
A few scenes err toward the soft side, but on the whole, detail and depth levels are good, and close-ups enjoy a welcome hint of dimensionality....
Audio: 80
Of course, most of the audio is securely anchored up front, but accents such as sirens and street noise during the city sequences bleed into the rears, and when the action shifts to the countryside, chirping...
Extras: 40
Surprisingly thin on supplements (this type of film begs for a slick EPK), 'The Proposal' offers a few morsels for fans, but nothing spectacular....
Movie: 60
The opening montage of Margaret arriving at her office as the frantic minions scramble to professionally present themselves is a direct rip-off of a similar sequence in 'The Devil Wears Prada,' but Bullock,...
Total: 60
Average video and audio and a paltry array of supplements (not to mention the steep $45 MSRP) should dissuade all but the most enthusiastic genre devotees from purchasing this pleasant marital masquerade....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 88
A variety of colors are effectively used in this film to help set the tone/setting based upon the mood of the scene and characters within it....
Audio: 82
This isn't the type of film that requires extended dynamic range, frequent surround use or deep bass but it certainly benefited from lossless audio's higher fidelity....
Extras: 30
Audio commentary with director Anne Fletcher and writer Peter Chiarelli (HD) 3 deleted scenes with optional commentary (HD) Alternate ending with option commentary (HD) Set antics: Outtakes and other absurdities...
Movie: 60
After proposing a few demands of his own, the mismatched couple heads to Alaska where they have four short days to convince his quirky family and a very skeptical immigration agent that their charade is...
Total: 65
THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)...
Director: Anne Fletcher
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
PlotMargaret Tate is a high-powered book editor living in New York City who faces deportation to Canada due to an expired visa. To avoid this, she convinces her overworked and beleaguered assistant, Andrew Paxton, to marry her. Reluctantly agreeing, Andrew bargains for a promotion and a book deal in return. The couple travels to Andrew’s hometown in Alaska to meet his family, pretending to be engaged.
Margaret struggles to adapt to the warm and quirky family dynamics, contrasting sharply with her own cold and detached personality. As they keep up the charade, various humorous and challenging situations arise, causing both of them to reevaluate their lives and feelings towards each other.
Writers: Peter Chiarelli
Release Date: 19 Jun 2009
Runtime: 108 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English