What Happens in Vegas Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "What Happens in Vegas" arrives in a 1080p, 2.35:1 framed transfer. This transfer is rather mixed, with stark contrasts in quality across different scenes. Noteworthy is the natural, film-like quality found in many moments, showcasing eye-catching detail in both foreground and background objects. However, this positive aspect is balanced by several shortcomings, particularly an inconsistent fine detail that renders certain scenes flat and lacking in texture. Close-ups fail to deliver the nuance typically expected from high-definition media.

Color reproduction is another area of contention. The palette is characterized by bright and over-exaggerated hues that, while vibrant, often appear unnatural. Primaries are overly hot, with greens leaning towards neon and yellows, and flesh tones erring towards an orangey, burnt look, contributing to an overall artificial aesthetic. This exaggerated color scheme appears director-intended but can border on distraction for viewers. Black levels are deep yet suffer from crushing, resulting in reduced shadow detail.

Technically, the Blu-ray boasts a clean AVC MPEG-4 encode on a BD-50 dual-layer disc, free from significant encoding issues aside from minor edge enhancement. Nighttime scenes emerge as the most visually pleasing segments, with deep blacks that help counterbalance the harsh contrast and mushy daytime colors. Daylight scenes frequently display a yellow cast, adding a somewhat sickly feel to the overall visual experience. Despite these inconsistencies, Fox has ensured no major technical flaws in the transfer, leaving the viewer with an adequately detailed and decently clean presentation.

The audio presentation of "What Happens in Vegas" on Blu-ray, delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (48kHz/24-bit), offers a robust yet conventional experience for its genre. Dialogue is rendered with clarity and prominence, maintaining its significance as the lifeblood of the romantic comedy. The soundtrack’s dynamics are notably potent, delivering plenty of depth and punch to the music and busier scenes. Surround sounds are employed judiciously, enhancing scenes like the realization sequence in chapter four with an engaging surround effect that traverses the room. Low bass, particularly noticeable in the pulse-pounding beats of the film’s music, is articulated well and sounds great throughout.

Despite its strengths, the track exhibits both typical and distinct characteristics. The audio presentation is front-heavy, with distinct but moderate use of surrounds and subwoofer, more so than many movies of this sort. Moments such as the screaming scene in chapter five are less refined, coming across as garbled and undefined. The soundtrack's boisterous nature incorporates deep bass and dance music effectively but can become irksome with frequent yelling and screaming. During quieter scenes, like the breakfast scene in chapter eight, ambient sounds are harnessed well to create an atmospheric effect but the soundstage remains compact and never fully opens up. Overall, while technically sound, the track can be highly annoying at times.

Fox has provided a soundtrack that is polished and moderate in engagement. Discrete effects appear sporadically during early casino scenes and in party moments, with the frequent pop/party songs feeling somewhat underwhelming in their presence. However, tech specs hold up well with clean highs and appropriate low bass for the material. While not extraordinary or noteworthy, the audio mix ensures the dialogue remains distinct and well-balanced as its most prominent feature.

The Blu-ray extras for "What Happens in Vegas" offer a blend of light-hearted and technical content, mostly presented in HD. The audio commentary by director Tom Vaughn and editor Matt Friedman is detailed but may not captivate all viewers, leaning heavily into the film's technical aspects and edits. The interactive "Bottoms Up!" drinking game adds an entertaining twist, while the gag reel and deleted/extended scenes provide additional laughs. "From the Law Firm of Stephen J. Hader, Esq." and "DVD Extra Time with Zach Galifianakis" inject humor with their mockumentary styles, though the latter might feel tiresome. The "Sitting Down with Cameron and Ashton" featurette falls short in engagement, coming across as overly promotional. Lastly, a digital copy of the film is included for portable viewing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary track: Director Tom Vaughn and Editor Matt Friedman provide a detailed commentary.
• Bottoms Up!: Interactive drinking game.
• Gag reel: Humorous outtakes.
• 6 Deleted/Extended scenes: Additional footage with brief comments.
• From the Law Firm of Stephen J. Hader, Esq.: Comedic spoof featuring Rob Corddry.
• DVD Extra Time with Zach Galifianakis: Mock interview with the director.
• Sitting Down with Ashton & Cameron: Conversations between the co-stars.
• Fox's Inside Look at upcoming projects: Preview of "Marley & Me."
• Digital Copy bonus disc: For playback on PC or portable devices.

"What Happens in Vegas" initially promises an enticing setup with the escapades of Jack (Ashton Kutcher) and Joy (Cameron Diaz) as they navigate the aftermath of a wild night in Las Vegas. The storyline, involving their impromptu marriage and a substantial jackpot win, devolves into a predictable romantic comedy filled with forced humor and clichéd character arcs. Despite the vibrant performances of Diaz and Kutcher, who manage to bring some charisma to their roles, the film's plot feels more like a drawn-out sitcom episode rather than a feature-length movie.

The film suffers significantly from its trite narrative and lack of originality. The characters are often depicted as unbearable caricatures with little depth, making it hard for the audience to emotionally invest in their journey. Generic setups and contrived plot twists dominate the storyline, resulting in a series of almost embarrassingly obvious scenes that hinge on the charm of the leads rather than compelling writing or genuine emotional engagement. Supporting characters, including those played by Rob Corddry and Lake Bell, offer sporadic moments of humor but fail to salvage the overall experience.

Despite these shortcomings, "What Happens in Vegas" has an undeniable albeit minimal appeal due to the sheer likability of its main stars. Diaz and Kutcher inject a degree of fun into otherwise uninspired scenes, occasionally elevating the material above its inherent limitations. Ultimately, this romantic comedy is cinematic comfort food—luckily watchable due to its charismatic cast but fundamentally flawed and forgettable by most measures. While it may serve as a passable rental for a lazy evening, it doesn't offer much beyond transient amusement.

'What Happens in Vegas' is a romantic comedy that ultimately falls short of revitalizing the genre. The film struggles to deliver likable characters or a compelling narrative. With predictable plot points and unremarkable humor, it lacks the charm expected from its lead actors, Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. Despite these flaws, the Blu-ray release by 20th Century Fox manages to offer a decent home viewing experience. The video presentation is solid, balancing color and clarity effectively, while the audio mix provides adequate immersion without being extraordinary.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are worthy of mention. The transfer boasts a crisp, detailed 1080p resolution that maintains consistency throughout the runtime. The audio, presented in a standard Dolby Digital mix, is clear and supports the dialogue-heavy scenes well but doesn't excel in more dynamic segments. Supplemental features are standard and include behind-the-scenes footage and a few commentary tracks, which add marginal value for dedicated fans of the film.

In conclusion, 'What Happens in Vegas' is not a standout entry in the romantic comedy genre. While the Blu-ray release is technically competent, with good video quality and acceptable audio, the film itself lacks the essential elements that would make it a worthwhile addition to any collection. It may serve as a mildly amusing rental but is ultimately an easily forgettable experience. If you're seeking light entertainment with minimal investment, renting this title might suffice, though it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.