Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" offers a surprisingly high-quality viewing experience given the show's traditional low-fi aesthetic. The movie, shot digitally using the Red One camera, is presented in a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, though some scenes shift to 2.35:1. This choice results in a clear and modern look that retains the stagy, brightly lit style intended by the filmmakers. The Red One's high-resolution 4K source file allows for detailed images where individual pores and heavily made-up faces of the cast are easily discernible. Colors are nicely graded, providing accurate skin tones and vivid yet natural hues. While some VHS-style sequences are intentionally degraded for effect, the contrast between these and the main footage is striking.

The transfer boasts sharpness, significant detail, and decent depth, particularly notable in sequences parodying big-budget Hollywood productions. The overall color palette maintains a pleasing vibrancy, with exceptionally radiant fake tans and white teeth of the duo standing out. Contrast levels are high with slightly blooming whites; deeper blacks remain consistent throughout. Though occasional noise can be spotted and low-budget elements are evident, there are no significant compression issues or digital distractions.

Overall, the video transfer of "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" manages to exceed expectations, delivering a visual quality that aligns well with the film's absurdist tone. It may not rival blockbuster standards, but this Blu-ray release ensures that fans experience a clean and faithful representation of Tim and Eric's uniquely stylized world.

The audio presentation of "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" on Blu-ray is solidified with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The mix effectively accommodates the film's unique comedic style and contributes to a well-rounded aural experience. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear, maintaining its presence high in the mix, complemented by robust stereo imaging. Surround channels are engaged adequately, adding depth through ambient sounds in settings such as the derelict mall and enhancing dynamic scenes like the climactic shootout with Tommy Schlaaang. Despite lacking exceptional sound design moments, the mix succeeds in delivering an encompassing auditory experience.

The soundtrack shines most during the ironically dramatic score and dance sequences, which fully utilize the 5.1 channels. The score is notably dynamic, offering distortion-free highs and impactful lows that maintain clarity and depth. Moreover, surround speakers create a convincing atmosphere, from quiet ambient noises to more intense scenes involving whizzing bullets and dispersive explosions. The bass response bolsters these action sequences further, providing a fuller soundstage. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included for accessibility, but no alternative language dubs are present, which might detract a bit from the international comedic reach.

While not necessarily demo material, this audio mix is unexpectedly robust for a film of its genre. Its seamless integration of various audio elements ensures an immersive experience without any glaring technical issues. Overall, it effectively supports the film's narrative and visual style, proving to be a strong component of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" provide a diverse and amusing collection of content that avid fans will appreciate. The audio commentary by Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim is surprisingly conventional yet intermittently funny, offering insights into the production challenges and satirical elements. The deleted and extended scenes present a mix of negligible and humorous content, including a hilarious uncut scene featuring Will Ferrell. The featurettes, such as "Good Evening S'Wallow Valley," skew towards typical promo pieces but are infused with Tim and Eric’s absurdist humor. Particularly noteworthy is the "Shrim Dance Screensaver," which loops a nightmarish promotional piece indefinitely. While some features like the "HDNet" promo feel redundant, overall, the extras are engaging and reflective of Tim and Eric’s unconventional comedic style.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Conventional yet intermittent humor by Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes including a funny sword commercial.
• Extended Scenes: Three extended scenes with more improvisation.
• Good Evening S'Wallow Valley: Cheesy, entertaining promo-style piece.
• Interview with Tim and Eric: A 22-minute amusing yet tedious interview.
• HDNet: A Look at Tim & Eric's Billion Dollar Movie: Redundant 4-minute promo.
• Shrim Dance Screensaver: Disturbingly looping promotional clip.
• Promo Video$: Five diverse promo clips.
• Posters: Gallery with four poster images.
• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Greenband Trailer
• Theatrical Redband Trailer
• Also From Magnolia Home Entertainment: Trailers for other releases.

Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie is a curious extension of the duo's cult sketch show, ‘Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!’ known for its uniquely surreal and intentionally off-putting humor. While fans of the show may appreciate the movie's adherence to their particular style, those unfamiliar with Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim’s brand of post-modern absurdity might find themselves bewildered or even repelled. The film is an experimental satire of lowbrow media, often oscillating between genius improvisation and unpalatable crudeness.

The plot sees Tim and Eric squandering a billion-dollar budget on personal excesses, leading them into a desperate bid to manage a derelict mall. What follows is a series of bizarre, disconnected gags featuring an array of notable guest stars including Zach Galifianakis, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Ray Wise. Despite this star power, the performances often fall flat in delivering laughs, with the film’s chaotic narrative failing to capitalize on their talents. Many scenes induce more discomfort than humor, with extended awkward moments meant to transcend their own ineptitude but often merely testing the audience's patience.

The movie's commitment to its off-the-wall randomness results in an uneven experience that may appeal only to die-hard fans. From grotesque bodily humor to surreal absurdities, the film revels in its own eccentricity. However, it frequently seems to lack substantive comedic ideas, relying too heavily on shock value and intentional anti-humor. While it does provide a few genuinely funny moments—the tea bag gag and some fourth-wall-breaking bits stand out—overall, the film struggles to maintain its comedic momentum, making it more of a niche indulgence rather than a universally appealing comedy. For those not already indoctrinated into Tim and Eric's world, this might be more confusing than entertaining.

"Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" dives headfirst into a comic nightmare brimming with idiotic absurdity and surreal, goofy banality. The film, while striking in originality, proves to be uneven and somewhat tiresome, failing to capture the consistent humor found in the duo's sketch-based television show "Awesome Show, Good Job!". It appears that Tim and Eric’s brand of comedy is better suited for short-form content than a full-length feature. Magnolia Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray release, however, makes the best of the material with a sharp video transfer and an impressively strong lossless audio track.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is solid, boasting sharp picture quality that faithfully captures the warped and garish visuals of the film. The audio mix is equally capable, providing a robust listening experience that underscores the film’s peculiar soundscape. Additionally, the Blu-ray is padded with engaging extras, such as interviews and additional bits that will likely appease hardcore fans. The home entertainment release package significantly enhances the viewing experience, even if the movie itself falls short of expectations.

In conclusion, while "Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie" might be the weirdest comedy you encounter all year, it falls short of being the funniest. Devotees of Tim and Eric will appreciate the effort and supplemental materials offered in this Blu-ray package, as it showcases their unique style effectively. However, newcomers to their comedy might find the experience too bizarre and uneven to fully enjoy. Therefore, this Blu-ray is recommendable primarily to existing fans who will find value in its technical merits and extra content.