Miss You Already Blu-ray Review

Miss You Already" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, predominantly shot using the Arri Alexa with occasional sequences captured on an iPhone. This detail-oriented digital transfer offers clear representation, particularly through extreme close-ups that highlight fine details despite extensive color grading. While sharpness and clarity are commendable, the overall visual impact tends toward the conventional, lacking in significant pop or vibrancy.

Colors in this Blu-ray presentation skew towards cooler hues, favoring blues and grays, and establishing an atmospheric tonal consistency that aligns with the narrative's emotional elements. The film's production design, ranging from Milly's pristine home to Jess's boathouse, is well-rendered with a crystal-clear depiction of fine details. However, darker scenes sometimes suffer from subpar shadow detail and a slightly murky quality that diminishes the depth and richness of the visuals. Despite these minor drawbacks, black levels maintain a mostly deep, inky presence that aids in creating a sense of spatial depth.

The transition between standard film footage and scenes shot on an iPhone introduces noticeable quality shifts, justified contextually but slightly jarring visually. No significant problems related to image instability or compression artifacts detract from the viewing experience, ensuring a stable and consistent presentation throughout the duration of the film. This strong, albeit modestly outstanding 1080p Blu-ray transfer effectively supports the emotional gravity and intimate focus of "Miss You Already.

The audio presentation of "Miss You Already" on Blu-ray is characterized by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which effectively serves the film's intimate, dialogue-centric nature. Given the movie's focus on conversational interactions rather than action-packed sequences, the surround channels are utilized primarily for ambient environmental effects and support from Harry Gregson-Williams' score. While the rear and side channels are employed subtly rather than for any grand auditory immersion, they contribute to the overall atmospheric feel without distracting from the main element—the dialogue.

The dialogues are rendered with exceptional clarity and precision, occupying the front and center channels predominantly and ensuring that the viewer can follow the narrative effortlessly. Drew Barrymore's narration, along with other spoken elements, is consistently delivered with clean separation from environmental sounds. The directional use of audio ensures that every line of dialogue remains intelligible, though it doesn't promise a dynamic aural experience. Overall, while this audio mix may not offer groundbreaking sound effects or extensive surround sound utilization, it excels in providing a well-balanced and effective listening experience that aligns perfectly with the film's quiet, poignant storytelling.

The Blu-ray Extras for "Miss You Already" offer a solid collection of additional content, effectively blending informational and entertaining segments. The filmmaker commentary by Director Catherine Hardwicke, Jeff Toy, and Jamie Holt stands out for its breadth and depth, delivering both the technical aspects of the film’s production and its thematic underpinnings. The various segments encompass supplemental footage and music videos, each adding value and insight into the movie-making process. However, some features like the standard EPK fare in "With Love: Making Miss You Already," while informative, do not provide much beyond the basics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Insightful commentary from Director Catherine Hardwicke, Jeff Toy, and Jamie Holt.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary: Standard scenes that didn’t make the cut.
• With Love: Making ‘Miss You Already’: Basic EPK feature with behind-the-scenes look.
• The Crazy Ones by Paloma Faith Music Video: Music video.
• There’s a Place by The All American Rejects Music Video: Music video.
• On Set Selfies: Quick collection of on-set selfies.
• A Director’s Lookbook for Milly’s Party: Compilation of stills with director’s comments.

"Miss You Already," directed by Catherine Hardwicke, showcases powerful performances by Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore, portraying lifelong friends Milly and Jess. Despite the film's overly revealing title, which diminishes suspense, the narrative offers a poignant look into their intertwined lives. The story dives quickly into Milly’s diagnosis with an aggressive form of breast cancer, juxtaposing her fight with Jess’s ongoing difficulties in conceiving a child. The plot development might seem predictable, from chemotherapy struggles to emotional decisions about wigs, but the authentic portrayal by Collette captures Milly’s complex emotions with minimal dialogue. Barrymore, in contrast, balances the film with her role as the supportive friend, although Jess’s pregnancy storyline sometimes feels tangential given Milly’s dire circumstances.

Hardwicke's direction brings a verité touch to the film through a mix of shaky cam techniques and even shots reportedly taken with her iPhone, lending an intimate feel to the characters’ close bond. However, her stylistic choices never overshadow the raw performances, where the nuances of friendship and marital strain play out convincingly against a backdrop of life-altering challenges. The supporting cast, including Dominic Cooper and Paddy Considine as the husbands, aptly aligns with the film's emotional tenor, while Jacqueline Bisset brings a touch of comedic relief as Milly’s mother without undermining the gravitas of the situation.

While "Miss You Already" does little to innovate within the 'best friend facing terminal illness' genre, it stands out through its leads' heartfelt performances and Hardwicke's competent direction. For viewers willing to embrace its straightforward narrative, the film offers an emotionally charged experience underscored by genuine chemistry between Barrymore and Collette. Despite its predictable arc, the execution ensures that each tearful moment hits its mark, making "Miss You Already" a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas.

"Miss You Already" arrives on Blu-ray with strong technical merits that showcase the film’s visual and auditory elements. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has delivered a solid A/V presentation, ensuring that the film’s vibrant cinematography and emotive sound design are well-preserved for home viewing. While the Blu-ray does not boast an extensive array of extras, the included features add valuable context to the making of the film and provide additional engagement for viewers.

The performances by Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette are standout aspects in an otherwise familiar narrative. Although the plot lacks originality, echoing sentiments and themes explored in films like "Beaches," it compensates with genuine emotional depth brought to life by its leading actresses. The chemistry between Barrymore and Collette adds an authentic layer to the portrayal of friendship and personal struggle, making it a compelling watch. The direction and screenplay, though somewhat predictable, manage to deliver moments of heartfelt sincerity that will resonate with viewers.

For those seeking a film that delivers a powerful emotional experience, "Miss You Already" achieves this effectively, despite its conventional storyline. Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release ensures that viewers can appreciate the movie’s artistic and technical efforts from the comfort of their home. Whether you’re in it for a three-hankie weeper or exceptional performances, this Blu-ray offers enough to make it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Those wanting an unabashed three-hankie weeper will find more than enough to keep them engaged in “Miss You Already,” even if the film traffics in material seen in numerous prior films (including Beaches). Technical merits are generally strong for those considering a purchase.