Rumor Has It... Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Rumor Has It..." on Blu-ray demonstrates a commendable attempt at high definition that nonetheless falls short of expectations set by more contemporary releases. Utilizing the MPEG-2 compression, an early standard in the Blu-ray format, the film is presented with a level of detail that, while adequate, does not quite reach the visual fidelity and depth that current viewers may be accustomed to. There is a general softness to the image, coupled with colors that, although vibrant and well-saturated at times, often appear somewhat processed, leading to a lack of the texture richness and visual pop one might hope for. This results in a presentation that is justly described as decently sharp, yet unmistakably dated in its overall execution.

Contrast and brightness issues further mar what could have been a more striking HD experience. Comparisons with its HD DVD counterpart reveal notable differences in these areas, with the Blu-ray version suffering from a darker overall appearance that dampens the vibrancy of the image and muddles finer details. This darker cast leads to scenes where highlights and subtle textures become less discernible, negatively impacting the three-dimensional depth that high-definition content can offer. Additionally, compression artifacts are more pronounced on the Blu-ray, introducing instances of noise and blockiness that distract from the clarity of the film. These technical shortcomings are somewhat surprising given Warner's early Blu-ray efforts and might disappoint viewers with a keen eye for high-definition nuances.

Despite these challenges, "Rumor Has It..." retains a level of visual appeal on Blu-ray that cannot be discounted entirely. The film showcases fine textures and deep blacks at various points throughout its runtime, contributing to moments that genuinely benefit from the high-definition treatment. However, the inconsistencies noted in brightness, contrast, and artifacting do detract from what could have been a more uniformly excellent visual experience. As such, while the film remains watchable and occasionally impressive in its Blu-ray incarnation, it serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent to early HD transfers and the evolutionary nature of home entertainment technology.

The audio presentation of "Rumor Has It..." on Blu-ray, encoded in a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 at 640kbps, serves an adequate audio experience that's true to its early release era before the adoption of lossless audio became a norm. Although the soundtrack does not feature an overly ambitious sound design or groundbreaking use of the surround spectrum, it presents a clear, well-balanced mix that shines particularly during its diverse musical selections, ranging from big band tunes to indie pop tracks. The dynamic range is commendable with sounds that feel natural and vibrant, much akin to its visually polished presentation. Yet, it is important to note that while music and dialogue are crisp—thanks to the well-centered dialogue and smart directionality, especially noticeable in scenes with active background parties—the overall surround activity remains modest with only sporadic use of rear channels for ambient noises.

Despite its limitations, the audio track impressively handles dialogue, which is critical for a dialogue-heavy script like "Rumor Has It...". Jennifer Aniston's narration and the myriad of conversations are reproduced with exceptional clarity, ensuring that every quip and one-liner lands with the intended effect. The surround mix benefits from intelligent placements of voices and music, creating a sufficiently immersive environment during key scenes without overstepping the film's relatively low-key sonic demands.

Ultimately, while not pushing the boundaries of what Blu-ray can offer in terms of audio fidelity, "Rumor Has It..." delivers a solid audio experience. It maintains a professional quality throughout, with no detectable hiss or dropout issues, making it a satisfactory listening experience that supports the film's narrative and aesthetic without distraction. This soundtrack may not dazzle with audacious soundscapes or aggressive surround sound usage, but it handles its source material with competence and a clear understanding of its requirements and limitations, aligning well with the film’s modest sonic ambitions.

The Blu-ray edition of "Rumor Has It..." offers a disappointingly sparse collection of extras, with the only real bonus being the film’s theatrical trailer. This is particularly notable given the film's lack of success and the disinterest shown by its creators. The absence of expected special features such as a making-of documentary, multiple audio commentaries, deleted scenes, bloopers, or interactive Graduate landmarks map underscores this release's minimal effort. Additionally, broader issues with Blu-ray menu navigation persist, exemplified by slow access times and a lack of interactive features standard on other formats, further detracting from the user experience. This release leaves much to be desired for those hoping for an in-depth exploration of the film or a seamless navigational experience, aligning it more with a missed opportunity rather than a valued collector's item.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original theatrical trailer.

Rumor Has It...," directed by Rob Reiner, is a film that attempts to leverage its connection to the classic "The Graduate" but ends up meandering through its runtime without much impact. The movie introduces us to Sarah Huttinger, played by Jennifer Aniston, who discovers her family may have inspired the iconic 1967 film. As she digs deeper into her past, hoping to uncover hidden truths and perhaps her real father's identity, the narrative becomes entangled in its own ambitions. Despite the intriguing premise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The screenplay, penned by Ted Griffin, struggles to stitch together a coherent homage or sequel to "The Graduate," resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

The performances, particularly from Aniston, are commendable but overshadowed by the film’s lackluster direction and script. Shirley MacLaine and Kevin Costner bring a certain depth to their roles, but even their efforts cannot salvage the film from its narrative shortcomings. The supporting cast, including Richard Jenkins and Mark Ruffalo, adds little to the overall impact due to the film's failure to utilize their talents effectively. The movie’s attempt at humor and drama feels forced and uninspired, making it hard for the audience to connect with the characters or care about their dilemmas.

Behind the scenes, "Rumor Has It..." suffered from production issues, including the firing of original director Ted Griffin and several key actors being replaced. These changes might have contributed to the disjointed feel of the final product. Although the film brings out a few laughs and maintains a light-hearted tone, it ultimately fails to capture the spirit or wit of "The Graduate." The result is a forgettable experience that neither honors its source material nor stands on its own as a compelling narrative. Despite having all the ingredients for a successful homage, including a talented cast and a beloved reference point, "Rumor Has It..." proves that a good idea alone is not enough to ensure a movie's success.

Rumor Has It..." on Blu-ray encapsulates an engaging, albeit slightly underwhelming cinematic experience, paired with a contentious format battle that leaves consumers pondering the trade-offs between price and quality. The film itself threads a narrative that is as whimsically charming as it is frustratingly shallow, failing to fully immerse its audience into Sarah's (the protagonist's) journey. Despite competent performances from its star-studded cast, the movie flounders amidst a screenplay that too often resorts to sitcom-esque tactics, lacking the emotional depth and nuanced humor characteristic of director Rob Reiner's more acclaimed works. A satisfactory but forgettable viewing experience looms for those seeking light-hearted humor without the expectation of a lasting impact.

In the realm of technical presentation, the Blu-ray release of "Rumor Has It..." invites an intricate analysis when juxtaposed against its HD DVD counterpart. Surprisingly, a discerning eye will unveil differences in visual fidelity between the two formats, with HD DVD edging out its competition through a rendition that is closer to the original filmic texture and boasts superior detail. Nevertheless, the Blu-ray disc presents a financially more palatable option being approximately $5 cheaper than the HD DVD/DVD combo, a point of consideration for consumers sensitive to price over peak quality. The economic advantage of the Blu-ray version, however, cannot wholly usurp the nuanced superiority in image quality professed by the HD DVD format, positing a dilemma between affordability and audiovisual excellence.

In conclusion, while "Rumor Has It..." on Blu-ray offers an accessible entry into its whimsical narrative and star-driven performances, it falls short of delivering a memorable cinematic masterpiece or an unequivocally superior home media experience. The debate between Blu-ray and HD DVD versions underscores a broader conversation about value in the digital age—a choice between cost efficiency and a higher caliber of viewing pleasure. Ultimately, this release serves as a testament to the complexities of modern media consumption, where decisions extend beyond content to encompass the nuances of format and price.