Obvious Child Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Obvious Child," courtesy of Lionsgate Films, delivers the film in a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The image maintains a clean, defect-free appearance, demonstrating solid hues and accurate whites. Despite the subdued palette, colors such as the floral arrangements in a shop scene pop vividly within the frame. Overall, the picture boasts a clear and stable image, with excellent fine detail in close-ups, although some variability in contrast and murkiness is observed in darker interior sequences, particularly during the low-lighting comedy club scenes.

The film’s encoding ensures there are no compression artifacts or noise. Black levels are solid, contributing to satisfying contrast and good shadow delineation, especially noticeable in the club scenes with varying colored lighting. The clarity and detail are consistently strong, with textures in clothing and buildings well defined. While the film employs a limited depth of field to create intentional soft focus on background objects, foreground elements retain sharp clarity, enhancing visual engagement. The subtle amber tint across many scenes lends a warm, lived-in aesthetic that, although occasionally minimizing detail, underscores the film's low-budget charm.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of "Obvious Child" provides a pleasing visual experience, effectively balancing the softly lit cinematography with impressive detail and depth for an immersive viewing experience. The subdued color palette is well-represented, ensuring that flesh tones and various textures are rendered with satisfactory detail and texture. The nuanced handling of lighting and color accentuates the narrative’s atmosphere without compromising on visual quality, making it an appealing high-definition presentation for the audience.

The Blu-ray of "Obvious Child" delivers a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, demonstrating remarkable clarity in dialogue, crucial for a dialogue-heavy film. All spoken elements are crisply conveyed and remain well prioritized throughout the film. There’s no evidence of audio damage, dropouts, or inconsistencies, ensuring an immersive experience for listeners.

The surround channels add depth to the film's urban backdrop and the intimate interior scenes where Donna performs her stand-up routines. Key musical pieces, such as Paul Simon's "Obvious Child," are enriched through the surrounds and augmented by the subwoofer, particularly during emotionally charged sequences like the pregnancy test scene. Despite this, the dynamic range is expansive yet devoid of excessive loud moments, adhering strictly to the narrative's needs.

Technically, the lossless track is nuanced, with moments of subtle bass enhancement and effective use of ambient sounds to maintain a consistent mood. The imaging throughout these soundscapes is precise and balanced. Overall, while the audio track may not challenge advanced sound systems, it adeptly supports the film's essence without overwhelming the viewer.

The Blu-ray extras for "Obvious Child" provide a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes, delivering significant value for fans of the film. The Audio Commentary brings together writer/director Gillian Robespierre, producer/co-writer Elisabeth Holm, and actress Jenny Slate for an informal, yet insightful dialogue that delves into the filmmaking process and their creative synergy. "The Making of Obvious Child" stands out as an informative featurette filled with perceptive interviews and behind-the-scenes tidbits. Additionally, the disc includes Extended Scenes, offering longer versions of select segments that, while not essential, provide interesting context. The highlight is the 2009 Obvious Child Short Film, a compelling prototype showcasing the vision and storytelling prowess that would define the feature-length film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Gillian Robespierre, Producer/Co-Writer Elisabeth Holm, and Actress Jenny Slate: Energetic and informative dialogue on the filmmaking process.
• The Making of Obvious Child: In-depth featurette with interviews and insights.
• Extended Scenes: Longer versions of key segments.
• 2009 Obvious Child Short Film: Early version demonstrating the story's foundations.

Gillian Robespierre's "Obvious Child," adapted from her original short film, delivers an unflinchingly original and engaging narrative. The story revolves around Donna Stern, played with remarkable nuance by Jenny Slate. Donna is a near 30-year-old stand-up comic, whose life is sent into disarray when her boyfriend breaks up with her and she loses her day job at an independent bookstore. The film’s unique charm lies in its realistic portrayal of a young woman's struggle, creatively melding humor with the sobering topic of unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Robespierre’s direction ensures that each scene, whether it’s Donna's discomfiting stage routine or the awkward yet believable one-night stand with Max (Jake Lacy), remains engaging and emotionally potent.

Slate’s performance is undeniably the heart of the film, bringing a blend of sharp wit, vulnerability, and authenticity to her character. Her comedic timing is impeccable, particularly in scenes where Donna's attempts at stand-up blur with her personal turmoil, making audiences both cringe and laugh. Jake Lacy’s portrayal of Max adds a sincere and grounded dimension to the film, providing a refreshing counterbalance to Donna’s chaotic life. Gaby Hoffmann and David Cross excel in their supporting roles, providing depth and complexity to the narrative. While certain scenes, notably involving a sleazy comic played by Cross, feel somewhat superfluous, they don’t detract significantly from the film’s overall impact.

"Obvious Child" transcends traditional romantic comedy tropes, leaning more towards a coming-of-age story. It navigates the serious topic of abortion with a deft touch, avoiding melodrama in favor of a more straightforward, thoughtful approach. The screenplay’s strength lies in its dialogue and character development, making Donna's journey towards self-acceptance both compelling and relatable. The film’s ability to inject humor into traditionally taboo subjects while maintaining emotional resonance makes it an essential watch. The Blu-ray release by Lions Gate ensures that this beautifully crafted film can be appreciated in high-quality audiovisual format, providing an immersive viewing experience.

"Obvious Child" comes forth as a charming and thought-provoking film that not only showcases Jenny Slate’s remarkable talent but also exhibits Gillian Robespierre's prowess in handling delicate subject matter with wit and grace. Slate's performance is the undeniable highlight, presenting a character that feels genuine and relatable without becoming over-sentimental. Both the smart script and nuanced direction contribute to a film that manages to champion choice with subtlety and intelligence.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release of "Obvious Child" impresses with its high-definition presentation, offering crisp visuals and clear audio that enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, the supplementary features included provide valuable insights into the film’s creation, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts. This edition boasts solid technical merits and includes enough extras to satisfy those keen on exploring the film's background and production process.

In conclusion, while "Obvious Child" could have benefited from more development of its supporting characters, the film remains a testament to Jenny Slate's versatility and Gillian Robespierre's directorial flair. It’s a film that resonates well with its audience, thanks to its engaging performances and intelligent writing. The Blu-ray release is highly recommended, providing both a rewarding viewing experience and commendable bonus content.