Grudge Match Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Grudge Match" brings to the screen a vibrant and detail-rich 1080p/AVC-encoded video that doesn't fail to impress. Shot on the Genesis camera, the digital transfer commendably preserves the lifelike and natural colors, featuring strong primaries and well-saturated skin tones. Of particular note are the deep and, for most parts, inky black levels, lending a depth that enriches the visual experience. Although, some night scenes slightly miss the mark, leaning towards the dimmer side, this minor quibble does not detract significantly from the overall high-quality presentation. The contrast is solid across the board, albeit a bit heated, yet it maintains consistency throughout, contributing to a picture that is as sharp and engaging as one would expect from a recent theatrical release.

Detail rendition stands out in this transfer, with crisply defined edges and fine textures that are nicely resolved across various settings in the film. The 1.78:1 ratio offers a slightly more expansive view than its theatrical counterpart, despite the box cover's erroneous claim of a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. However, not everything is without fault; the digital de-aging effects used on Stallone and De Niro's characters sometimes veer into clearly artificial territory, revealing every imperfection with an unsettling clarity during the climax. Additionally, there’s occasional shakiness in CG elements, especially evident in scenes involving digital manipulation of faces, which can momentarily distract.

Warner has executed a notably proficient encode while managing to keep common issues like artifacting, banding, aliasing, shimmering, crush, and ringing at bay. The disc's 50GB capacity ensures that compression problems are virtually nonexistent, allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience. Despite some critiques regarding digital effects and night shot luminosity, "Grudge Match" delivers a video quality that is both robust in its fidelity to realistic hues and impressive in its detail, securing its place as a commendable home entertainment offering.

The audio presentation of "Grudge Match" on Blu Ray, featuring the film's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, navigates through the nuances of this comedic and nostalgic boxing film with a competent hand. The track maintains its quality consistently, supported by clear, intelligible dialogue and well-prioritized sounds that ensure listeners never miss a punchline or a punch. While the film does explore calmer auditory territories with its front-heavy design during dialogue-driven scenes and score-less sequences, it vibrantly comes to life in more dynamic settings. The Kid's gym, crowded bars, publicity events, and notably an MMA visit, along with the climaxing rematch, boast a more immersive and directional use of sound, enveloping the audience in a convincing auditory experience. The surround channels and LFE channel work effectively to add depth to every scene, from the murmurs of a crowded event to the powerful impact of boxing gloves making contact, complemented by a selection of energetic rock anthems that assert themselves forcefully in the mix.

However, despite these strengths, there are moments where the audio track feels somewhat restrained, particularly during sequences where one might expect the energy to surge, such as during the musical montages synonymous with boxing films. This leads to an experience that, while balanced and technically proficient, sometimes misses opportunities to elevate the emotion and excitement to the next level. The inclusion of additional 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in Spanish and French, along with an English Descriptive Narration track and subtitles in multiple languages, broadens accessibility and ensures a wide range of audiences can enjoy the film's auditory offerings. In essence, "Grudge Match"'s audio presentation delivers a solid if somewhat uneven experience that capably captures both the quieter moments and the spectacle of its central sport.

The Blu-ray extras for "Grudge Match" offer an engaging mix of behind-the-scenes content, cast insights, and deleted material, highlighting the film's production and the camaraderie on set. Notably, "The Bull & The Stallion" provides comprehensive commentary from the key cast and crew, emphasizing the film's tone and the meticulous fight choreography led by Stallone. Highlighting the humorous aspect, "In the Ring with Kevin Hart" and "Kevin Hart Unedited" showcase Hart's comedic brilliance and on-set dynamics. Adding a touch of authenticity, "Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield" and "Blow by Blow with Larry Holmes" bring real boxing legends into the commentary, enriching the film’s boxing credibility. The extras also feature an "Alternate Opening," "Alternate Endings," and a collection of "Deleted Scenes," offering viewers a glimpse into what could have been, with each alternate or deleted segment prefaced by insightful introductions from Director Peter Segal.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Bull & The Stallion: Cast and crew discuss movie highlights and Stallone's fight choreography.
• In the Ring with Kevin Hart: Focuses on Hart's contributions and the comedic element he brings to the film.
• Kevin Hart Unedited: Outtakes and improv moments featuring Kevin Hart.
• Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield: A segment featuring Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield discussing the film.
• Blow by Blow with Larry Holmes: Former boxer Larry Holmes discusses his visit to the set.
• Alternate Opening: A longer opening sequence introduced by Peter Segal.
• Alternate Endings: Includes two additional endings, each introduced by Segal.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of six scenes cut from the final film, most with introductions by Segal.

Grudge Match" brings the intriguing premise of pitting two of Hollywood's boxing film titans, Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, against each other in a cinematic bout that promises fireworks but delivers a damp squib. Set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—ironically portrayed by New Orleans—the narrative revisits the rivalry between Henry "Razor" Sharp (Stallone) and Billy "The Kid" McDonnen (De Niro). With their score unsettled since their last fight decades ago, the two are coaxed back into the ring by Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart), promising viewers a "Grudgement Day" that struggles to balance drama with comedy, and ultimately falls short of its potential due to a tepid screenplay laden with missed opportunities for depth and genuine humor.

The film's execution falters, veering into the territory of geriatric comedy rather than exploring the compelling dynamics between its characters. Attempts at humor often misfire, overshadowed by predictable jokes and unconvincing CGI facelifts, while the inclusion of montages and feel-good elements feels formulaic and uninspired. Despite commendable efforts from Stallone and De Niro, who give their all to anchor the movie, their performances are not enough to salvage the lackluster script and disjointed pacing. Supporting turns by Kim Basinger, Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, and Jon Bernthal add some color but cannot overcome the film's inherent shortcomings.

Technically, "Grudge Match" shines brightest in its culminating fight scene, a testament to Stallone's choreographic prowess honed through the "Rocky" series. This sequence alone showcases what could have been if the film had focused more on its strengths—namely the boxing heritage of its leads—rather than diluting its punch with extraneous subplots and forced comedy. Yet, it's ultimately emblematic of a movie that could have been a knockout but ends up barely going the distance, rendering it a watchable yet forgettable addition to the sports comedy genre.

Grudge Match" stands as a lukewarm entry in the boxing movie genre, unable to deliver the knockout punch of classics like "Rocky" or "Raging Bull," yet it still manages to hold its ground, primarily through the star power of Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro. Their performances bring a certain charm and nostalgia to the film, albeit in a package that struggles to fully capitalize on its premise. The film's attempt at blending genres and delivering a potent mix of comedy and drama falls short, leaving viewers with a sense of what could have been had the filmmakers pushed the boundaries further. Despite these shortcomings, it’s an encounter that might intrigue fans of the leading duo, if only for the novelty of seeing them share the screen in such a context.

From a technical standpoint, Warner’s Blu-ray release of "Grudge Match" punches above its weight class when it comes to audio-visual quality. The video presentation is praised for its excellence, coupled with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that places viewers in the heart of the action. However, the release is critiqued for its lackluster supplemental materials, which barely scratch the surface of what fans might expect from such a high-profile release. This aspect, unfortunately, mirrors the film’s failure to fully explore its potential, offering only a cursory glance at what could have been an engaging behind-the-scenes look at this unique cinematic matchup.

In conclusion, while "Grudge Match" may not enter the pantheon of great boxing movies, it offers enough to be considered a worthwhile, if non-essential, viewing for fans of Stallone and De Niro. The Blu-ray presentation enhances the experience with superior audio and video quality, yet the overall package feels incomplete due to sparse bonus content. It's a film that might find an audience with die-hard fans of its leads or those curious about this peculiar genre blend but won't likely inspire repeated viewings. Renting it seems to be the best option for those on the fence, as it delivers just enough entertainment value to warrant a closer look without fully committing to a spot in one's collection.