Shortcut to Happiness Blu-ray Review

Shortcut to Happiness, presented on Blu-ray by MVD Visual's MVD Marquee Collection, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Despite being a lesser-known film, the transfer is notably strong, albeit with some visual inconsistencies. The opening sequence, characterized by significant use of optical effects and a honey yellow grading, exhibits pronounced grain field and slight splotchiness. However, once the main narrative commences, the film presents better grain management and a more natural color palette. Detail levels remain impressive throughout, with saturated colors like the purplish dresses worn by Jennifer Love Hewitt standing out vividly.

The film, shot on film in 2001, shows some technical flaws such as noticeable gate weave in the early reels, causing a distracting wobble. Small specks of dirt are present but there is no severe damage. An older-looking master is suggested by minor ringing artifacts and elevated grain structure. Nonetheless, MVD's encoding effectively prevents further degradation. Close-up shots provide adequate sharpness, although aerial shots of New York appear merely acceptable. The transfer’s clean contrast and solid black levels contribute to a pleasing depth without sacrificing shadow detail.

Natural color reproduction is a highlight, maintaining authenticity with accurate flesh tones and well-saturated primaries. With no apparent post-production tampering, the color presentation feels organic and true to the original filming. In summary, despite minor imperfections such as slight instability and occasional rougher visuals, Shortcut to Happiness offers an attractive and faithful viewing experience with solid detail and natural color fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Shortcut to Happiness" on Blu-ray comes with an LPCM 2.0 track that effectively supports the film's moderate sonic ambitions. This track delivers particularly clear and clean dialogue, including the intermittent narration by characters such as Jabez and Daniel Webster. The film's engaging score by Christopher Young, reminiscent of Danny Elfman's work, stands out for its clarity and precision, enhancing the overall listening experience.

In terms of sonic detail, the PCM stereo track captures subtle movements and ambiance effectively. For instance, scenes set in urban environments benefit from well-executed pan effects, which place traffic and other ambient sounds accurately across the channel split. This careful use of separation ensures that crowded settings come alive with a natural feel. Additionally, minor soundtrack cues are handled with finesse, reaching highs without distortion. Importantly, "Shortcut to Happiness" is modern enough to avoid any fidelity issues, ensuring an unblemished auditory experience throughout.

The Blu-ray release of "Shortcut to Happiness" shines with a notable selection of extras that provide value and context for the film. The original trailer is presented in 1080p and runs for 2 minutes and 32 seconds, encapsulating the film’s essence effectively. Additionally, several other trailers for MVD releases are included, offering an insightful peek into other titles by the distributor. While the available screenshots below represent the Blu-ray well, a full suite of higher-definition images and exclusive reviews can be accessed through Patreon.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer in 1080p, runtime of 2:32.
• MVD Trailers: Additional trailers showcasing upcoming releases by MVD.

This collection enhances the viewing experience by providing both nostalgia and a broader cinematic context, maintaining a professional presentation throughout.

"Shortcut to Happiness" presents an intriguing, albeit flawed, re-imagining of Stephen Vincent Benet's classic tale. Filmed in 2001 but not released until 2007, the film encountered numerous production issues from budgetary constraints to post-production recuts, eventually leading Alec Baldwin to disown his directorial debut. The film surfaces with a certain charm and whimsy despite its many flaws. Alec Baldwin portrays Jabez Stone, a struggling writer who makes a Faustian bargain, acquires fame, and grapples with the moral fallout. Baldwin's performance, along with Jennifer Love Hewitt as the female devil, delivers a degree of appeal, yet the film's structural inconsistencies mar its potential.

Unorthodox editing choices and some peculiar narrative decisions disrupt the film’s fluidity. The initial concept of switching from a male devil to a female one is interesting but arguably unnecessary. Anthony Hopkins as publishing magnate Daniel Webster lends gravitas to the story, although the character shift from an orator to a businessman feels forced. The depiction of a literary jury during the climactic trial scene featuring figures like Truman Capote only adds to the oddity. Despite some intelligently written dialogue and occasional humor, these elements collectively fail to coalesce into a cohesive whole, leaving the audience wanting more in terms of emotional depth.

The narrative aims to critique the publishing industry and broader themes of ambition and moral degradation but falls short due to erratic flow and an overlong final courtroom sequence. While certain vignettes illustrating Jabez’s descent are engaging, the film couldn’t escape its production mishaps. The concluding spiritual trial sequence tries too hard to drive home its morals, ultimately eschewing subtlety for heavy-handed exposition. In sum, "Shortcut to Happiness" remains an uneven yet notable curiosity within Baldwin’s career, offering intermittent entertainment amid its perplexing choices.

Summarizing the reviews:

"Shortcut to Happiness" on Blu-Ray offers a mixed bag of experiences but manages to deliver enough positives to warrant attention. With smart, and occasionally witty writing, the film oscillates between clever refashioning of its core themes and unfortunate missteps. Despite the uneven narrative, the underlying sweetness present through the tart subject matter provides some redeeming qualities.

Technical merits are generally solid, presenting a commendable audiovisual transfer. The picture quality is crisp, capturing details effectively and enhancing the viewing experience. Sound reproduction is clear and well-balanced, ensuring dialogues and background scores come through with clarity.

However, it's worth noting that Adam Baldwin's disowning of the film might sway opinions. The movie's most significant shortcoming is its disappointing ending, which comes across as patronizing to the audience. Despite this, "Shortcut to Happiness" isn’t a complete debacle.

Conclusion:

Maybe because I was expecting an out and out disaster, I was actually kind of pleasantly if only intermittently surprised by Shortcut to Happiness. Some of the refashioning works, some of it doesn't, but a lot of the writing is really very smart, and there's an underlying sweetness to things despite the kind of tart subject matter. Technical merits are generally solid for those considering a purchase.