Barbershop Blu-ray Review

The "Barbershop" Blu-ray presentation by MVD Marquee Collection features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While not confirmed as a new transfer, it showcases commendable detail levels, particularly noticeable in textures such as the ribbing on clothing. The transfer maintains a generally organic appearance with very minor grain resolution issues. MVD Marquee's release, despite the mixed track record of MGM's high-definition catalog preservation, offers a surprisingly vivid display, albeit with some faded and dowdy colors.

That said, the Blu-ray's performance in darker scenes introduces some murky visuals and grain field challenges. However, the transfer avoids significant compression problems and shows no signs of excessive digital manipulation. These factors contribute to a reasonably high-quality presentation that respects the film's original look while offering an improved viewing experience compared to previous releases.

The audio presentation of "Barbershop" on Blu-ray, delivered via DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, provides a laudable experience that adeptly captures the bustling ambiance of its titular setting. The prevalent use of source cues enhances this immersive mix, with surround activity peaking during more crowded scenes, although it may wane occasionally. The fidelity across the frequency spectrum is commendable, supporting everything from the potent thumps of the soundtrack's bass to the lively atmosphere of the barbershop, especially when emotions flare. Notably, dialogue is rendered with clarity and precision, ensuring that conversation-driven scenes remain engaging and intelligible on this robust track.

Additionally, the Blu-ray includes multiple audio options such as English 5.1 DTS-HD and English 2.0 LPCM, offering versatility for different listening preferences. Both tracks deliver sound without any detectable issues, though the 5.1 configuration shows a marginal superiority in depth and richness. The inclusion of a Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital track further broadens accessibility. Coupled with subtitles available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, this release ensures a comprehensive and accommodating auditory experience for a diverse audience.

The Blu Ray of "Barbershop" provides a comprehensive array of extras that delve into both the making of the film and the cultural significance of barbershops. The supplements include multiple featurettes such as "The Final Cut," which explores the barbershop's role in black culture, along with "Set, Press, and Style," detailing production design, and "Finishing Touches," focusing on character-specific hairstyles. Additional content includes interviews with real barbers in "Hairdos and Don'ts," various deleted scenes with optional commentary, bloopers, and outtakes, and a music video featuring Fabolous, P. Diddy, and Jagged Edge. Although the disc's navigation could be more user-friendly—as it lacks a 'Play All' option for deleted scenes and occasionally misbehaves—this extensive collection of extras provides valuable insights into the film's production and cultural context.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Final Cut: Cast and crew discuss the importance of barbershops in black culture.
• Set, Press, and Style: Aspects of production design.
• Finishing Touches: Actual hair designs for various characters.
• Hairdos and Don'ts: Interviews with real barbers and customers.
• Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary by Tim Story.
• Bloopers and Outtakes: Humorous behind-the-scenes moments.
• Barber Banter Featurette: Reminiscences about barbershop experiences.
• Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery: Collection of on-set photos.
• Trade It All Music Video: Featuring Fabolous, P. Diddy, and Jagged Edge.
• Audio Commentary: Participation by Director Tim Story and key production members.

"Barbershop" is, at its core, about community, uniquely spotlighting the barbershop's role in African American neighborhoods. This 2002 film is a heartfelt exploration of communal bonds and the changing landscape of urban business, particularly the barbershop owned by Calvin Palmer, Jr. (Ice Cube). The film effectively contrasts sweet, if occasionally barbed, interactions with an undercurrent of mounting pressures and financial instability. Calvin’s decision to potentially sell his inherited establishment to the villainous Lester Wallace (Keith David) adds depth to the narrative, underscoring the tension between preserving community heritage and facing economic realities.

The film oscillates between authenticity and cartoonish exaggeration, most notably seen in the antics of the bumbling would-be thieves, J.D. (Anthony Anderson) and Billy (Lahmard Tate). Their struggles to handle an absurdly heavy ATM add a comedic layer reminiscent of live-action cartoons. Additionally, characters like the explosive Terri Jones (Eve) enrich the narrative with their vivid personalities. Despite its raucous humor and hyperbolic situations, "Barbershop" provides a realistic portrayal of a diverse community where not all characters are paragons of virtue. This nuanced representation may challenge those expecting a sanitized depiction but ultimately enriches the film's authenticity.

Moreover, "Barbershop" blends its episodic structure with poignant underlying drama. The character-driven vignettes create spaces for actors to shine while driving home themes of cultural identity and social responsibility. However, the film glosses over certain gritty aspects, like the unexplained financial woes despite a bustling shop. Despite this, "Barbershop" resonates through its robust comedic appeal and heartfelt subtext, supported by a stellar cast. The film’s success and its sequels illustrate its impact, capturing both humor and heart within its slice-of-life storytelling approach.

The Blu-ray release of "Barbershop" showcases MVD’s commitment to delivering a technically sound and thoroughly engaging experience. The video transfer is both clean and sharp, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the Barbershop with clarity. The sound mix, while not groundbreaking, adequately supports the film's lighthearted banter and occasional bursts of activity, ensuring a well-rounded audio-visual presentation. The performances, though often intentionally cartoonish, add to the film's charm and provide a consistently entertaining viewing experience punctuated by laugh-out-loud moments.

One of the notable strengths of this Blu-ray release is its comprehensive set of extras, successfully ported over from previous DVD editions. The audio commentary features director Tim Story and key members of the production team, providing insightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes that enhance appreciation for the film’s cultural and creative context. The 40-minute documentary, divided into four segments, delves into various facets of the film’s production and its significance within black culture, offering viewers an in-depth look at elements such as production design and character styling. Additional features include a series of deleted scenes with optional commentary, a charming Barber Banter featurette, music video content, bloopers, and a selection of trailers for both the main feature and other MVD releases.

In conclusion, "Barbershop" may not hit all the intended thematic marks but remains a consistently entertaining film filled with wry humor and charming performances. The technical merits of this Blu-ray release are strong, with high-quality video and sound complemented by a wealth of supplementary content that fans will appreciate. MVD’s release is recommended for both long-time supporters and new viewers alike.