Identity Thief Blu-ray Review
Unrated Edition
Score: 60
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Identity Thief delivers solid video and audio on Blu-ray, but lacks significant extras, making it a one-time watch despite its good cast.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 72
The Blu-ray of 'Identity Thief' impresses with a pristine digitally sourced 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer featuring strong contrast, impressive black levels, and clean detail though colors remain subdued. Audio is clear with DTS-HD sound, providing solid LFE and well-mixed surrounds, enhancing key moments effectively.
Audio: 67
"The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for 'Identity Thief' delivers clear dialogue and dynamic directionality, though it's not as immersive as might be expected; LFE output impresses during action, but the overall soundscape is front-heavy and somewhat unremarkable. Subtitles and multiple language tracks are well-supported."
Extra: 36
Offering the theatrical and extended cuts, Identity Thief's Blu-ray extras include an insightful 'Making of' featurette, an engaging scene-stealing segment with Bateman and McCarthy, alternate takes, a brief Skiptracer van tour, and a short, underwhelming gag reel.
Movie: 37
Identity Thief's Blu-Ray offers a technically robust package with an unrated version and digital copy, but the film itself suffers from Melissa McCarthy's overwhelming comedic presence and an uneven script that falls between forced humor and ineffective drama.
Video: 72
The Blu-ray presentation of "Identity Thief" features a commendable digitally sourced 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that capitalizes on the strengths of the Arri Alexa camera with a strong, stable contrast and superb black levels. The resolution effectively captures finer details across various elements, including people and places, providing an overall depth that stands out. While the film's real-life colors do not pop as much as one might expect, this appears to be a deliberate artistic choice by the cinematographer. Skin tones remain accurate and consistent throughout, contributing to a natural viewing experience. Despite some inherent softness, the textures are nicely resolved, with clean and refined edges.
The video transfer largely avoids common pitfalls such as compression artifacts, banding, aliasing, and other anomalies. There is only a minor issue with crush, but it does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The film's fine veneer of grain is preserved, maintaining its film-like aesthetic. Overall, "Identity Thief" delivers a robust video performance that aligns with the original digital master, making it an impressive release visually.
Audio: 67
The audio presentation of "Identity Thief" on Blu-ray offers a satisfactory DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, while not overly dynamic, effectively balances dialogue, music, and sound effects. Dialogue is consistently clear and intelligible, free from any prioritization mishaps or noticeable defects like popping or hissing. The surround mix exhibits commendable directionality, occasionally utilizing rear speakers to enhance off-screen voice effects, although the overall sound design remains front-heavy and conversational in nature.
LFE output, though not overpowering, provides ample support during action scenes, lending some oomph when required. Rear speaker usage is relatively engaging for a film of this type, seamlessly integrating ambient noises without overshadowing the main audio elements. The track successfully compartmentalizes the various sound cues, ensuring that every slap, punch, and engine rev is distinctly heard and harmoniously balanced within the overall soundscape.
Additional audio options include Spanish and French DTS Digital Surround 5.1 tracks and a Descriptive Video Service track for the theatrical version. Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French. While the audio might not exhibit the sheer power or enveloping nature expected of a high-octane action movie, it remains proficient in delivering a clear and engaging sonic experience that enhances the comedic and dramatic moments of the film.
Extra: 36
The Blu-ray release of "Identity Thief" includes a solid set of extras that enhance the viewing experience by offering behind-the-scenes insights and humorous moments from the production. The most substantial featurette is "The Making of Identity Thief," which provides a 17-minute talking-heads overview of how the film was created, albeit in a somewhat promotional style. "Scene Stealing" focuses on the comedic talents of Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. The "Alternate Takes" segment showcases additional improvised scenes, adding to the laughs. "The Skiptracer's Van Tour" presents a brief yet interesting tour of Robert Patrick's character's van. Unfortunately, the gag reel is disappointingly short at less than a minute, leaving much to be desired.
Extras included in this disc:
- Theatrical and Unrated Cuts: Includes both 112-minute theatrical version and 121-minute unrated cut.
- Scene Stealing: Capturing the humor of Identity Thief.
- The Making of Identity Thief: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurette.
- The Skiptracer's Van Tour: Robert Patrick hosts a vehicle tour.
- Alternate Takes: Additional improvised scenes.
- Gag Reel: Brief bloopers and outtakes.
- Digital Copy
- UV Copy
- DVD Copy
- Trailers: Collection of trailers and short advertisements for various comedies.
Movie: 37
"Identity Thief" presents a compelling idea at first glance, drawing significant inspiration from classic road trip comedies like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and "Nothing To Lose." The plot centers on Denver resident Sandy Patterson (played by Jason Bateman), who discovers that his identity has been stolen by Diana (Melissa McCarthy), leading him on a chaotic journey from Colorado to Florida. Along the way, the film juggles a mix of comedic hijinks and heartwarming moments but only manages to be mildly amusing. Despite the promising concept, the narrative feels weighed down by unnecessary contrivances and mixed genre signals, ultimately failing to maintain a consistent tone.
While Bateman's performance is marked by his characteristic wry sarcasm, playing the ever-trusting yet desperate Sandy, McCarthy's portrayal of Diana becomes overbearing, leading to "McCarthy overkill." Her role feels more effective in small doses, as seen in "Bridesmaids," rather than as the leading force in a full-length feature. The supporting cast, including Robert Patrick as the relentless Skiptracer and T.I. and Genesis Rodriguez as bounty hunters, add layers of complexity but cannot elevate the film beyond its inherent limitations. The blend of humor and attempted heartfelt moments seems forced, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
The film's execution falters with awkward transitions from slapstick comedy to unconvincing drama, leaving the audience uncertain about how to engage with the characters. The screenplay's failure to make Diana likable or relatable results in a disconnect that paralyzes both the comedic and dramatic elements. Despite sporadic moments of laughter and a few entertaining scenes, "Identity Thief" remains a missed opportunity that struggles to rise above other similar-themed comedies. The cast's efforts are let down by a script that can't fully realize its potential, ultimately delivering an uneven and uninspired movie.
Total: 60
"Identity Thief" on Blu-ray offers a mixed cinematic experience that relies heavily on its leading actors, Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman, to carry an otherwise forgettable comedy. Although it does not fulfill the high expectations set by some of its stars' previous works, it retains a certain charm that makes it enjoyable at least once through. The video quality on this Blu-ray is commendable, delivering a crisp 1080p image that captures the zany misadventures with clarity and precision. The accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track bolsters the overall experience, providing clear and immersive sound that enhances the narrative.
However, where the Blu-ray falters is in its supplemental content. The lack of substantial extras or in-depth behind-the-scenes material feels like a missed opportunity to elevate this release. Instead, the extras included are relatively sparse and do not add significant value to the overall package. This omission might imply more a lack of investment from the creators rather than a deliberate strategy to retain a focused viewing experience. Prospective buyers might find themselves contemplating whether this disc is worth adding to their collection or if it should be relegated to a rental-only status.
In conclusion, "Identity Thief" on Blu-ray provides a decent home viewing experience, propelled primarily by strong performances from its leading actors and solid audiovisual quality. However, the absence of engaging supplemental content limits its appeal and rewatchability. For fans of McCarthy and Bateman, it might still be worth a look, but for others, a rental might suffice.
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 90
Color and contrast are true to Gordon and DP Javier Aguirresarobe's intentions, skintones are quite natural, primaries pack heat, and black levels are satisfying....
Audio: 80
Neither is backed by the sort of power or prowess that might grant the experience a measure of true sonic authority, but able-bodied dynamics and notable directionality are present, accounted for and gainfully...
Extras: 30
The Making of Identity Thief (HD, 17 minutes): Both cast and crew come together for this talking-heads behind-the-scenes featurette, which is as good as the supplemental material gets....
Movie: 40
Oh, the blustering, red- faced rage monster antagonizes Sandy -- incessantly -- and anyone who crosses her path, but Gordon and screenwriter Craig Mazin commit to the impossible early and often: convincing...
Total: 60
The film fares well on Blu-ray at least, with a solid video presentation and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, but a relative absence of extensive supplemental content suggests a lack of confidence...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
If I have one complaint about the picture, it's an aesthetic one – as the colors seem to be a little drab and subdued when you'd think they would "pop" a little more....
Audio: 80
Also offered up on this release are Spanish and French DTS Digital Surround 5.1 tracks, as well as a Descriptive Video Service track – although the latter is only available for the theatrical version of...
Extras: 0
Less than a minute's worth (48 seconds to be precise) of bloopers and outtakes from the movie....
Movie: 40
Before the above takes place, it's important to note Sandy's work situation, which puts a "ticking clock" on the events that unfold in the film....
Total: 60
However, chances are most will choose not to sit through this one more than once (unless you want to see both the rated and unrated versions), and the lack of any significant or noteworthy extras on this...
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 90
Skin-tones are generally right on but the films real life colors are its only downfall as they never pop off the screen....
Audio: 86
Skin-tones are generally right on but the films real life colors are its only downfall as they never pop off the screen....
Extras: 50
Capturing the humor of Identity Thief (HD) The Making of Identity Thief (HD) The Skiptracer's Van Tour (HD) Alternate Takes (HD) Gag Reel (HD) Digital Copy (HD) UV Copy DVD Copy...
Movie: 40
Of course along the way there are road bumps, people chasing them, silly situations and the requisite bit of unfulfilling sappy heart any self respecting comedy seems to need to throw in these days....
Total: 67
Triad InRoom Gold LCR's Triad OnWall Silver Surrounds 2 Triad Silver OmniSubs Panasonic TC-P65VT60 3D 1080p 3D Plasma Marantz NR1603 Receiver Sony PS3 (HDMI Audio/Video)...
Director: Seth Gordon
Actors: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho
PlotSandy Patterson, a mild-mannered accounts representative living in Denver, discovers his identity has been stolen by a woman in Florida who is living a lavish lifestyle under his name. As his life unravels with maxed-out credit cards and arrest warrants, Sandy struggles to convince the authorities of his innocence. With his mortgage and job on the line, and knowing the police cannot prioritize his case, Sandy decides to take matters into his own hands. He travels to Florida to confront the imposter and bring her back to Denver to clear his name, promising his boss that he'll return in a week to keep his job.
Upon locating Diana, the unapologetic identity thief, Sandy finds himself entangled in a series of misadventures. Diana is initially unwilling to come quietly, leading Sandy to forcibly bring her along on a chaotic road trip back to Denver. Throughout their journey, they encounter various challenges and evildoers—including bounty hunters and gangsters—stemming from Diana's fraudulent activities. As the pair faces these obstacles, they begin to understand more about each other, blurring the lines of their adversarial relationship. The trip tests their resolve and sparks unexpected changes in both of their lives.
Writers: Craig Mazin, Jerry Eeten
Release Date: 08 Feb 2013
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish