Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa Blu-ray Review

"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" offers a 1080p Blu-ray transfer presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a variety of video sources, from high-definition handheld and concealed CCD cameras to hidden cams and security footage. The high-definition footage appears crisp, with excellent definition, natural color, and strong contrast, maintaining a punchy black level that renders well on screen. Close-ups on Johnny Knoxville, particularly his aged makeup, are notably detailed, adding a realistic touch to the character's appearance. Outdoor scenes exhibit bright and vibrant colors, with elements like Billy's red and blue outfit standing out sharply against lush backgrounds.

However, the transfer is not without its shortcomings. Hidden camera footage often shows softness, occasional blurriness, and noise, akin to older VHS quality. These lower-resolution segments display jagged edges and minor artifacts, which can be somewhat distracting but do not detract entirely from the viewing experience. Despite these imperfections, the video's overall quality aligns with the film's guerrilla-style production methods, delivering an authentic representation of its theatrical release. For a film heavily reliant on impromptu and covert filming techniques, "Bad Grandpa" manages to offer an impressively solid Blu-ray presentation, adhering closely to the expected standards of the Jackass series.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" offers a commendable performance considering the nature of the film's production. Dialogue remains a focal point, being consistently clear and well-balanced through the center channel, which ensures ease of understanding—a crucial element for this dialogue-driven narrative. The surround channels, though not heavily engaged, contribute to a subtle yet effective immersive atmosphere. Notable instances of deep bass response are sparse, reflecting the film's reliance on more conversational and environmental audio cues rather than dynamic action sequences.

Despite the inherent limitations due to the usage of hidden microphones, the audio mix delivers well on several fronts. Musical interludes and overlay music inject bursts of energy, albeit with occasional muddling and lack of precise surround support. The soundtrack retains a front-heavy bias, appropriate for the film's format, while managing to entertain with prominent musical hits during key scenes. Surround sound activity, though subdued, is present and complementing, enhancing spatial effects in a manner that aligns seamlessly with on-screen antics.

In conclusion, while the High-Resolution DTS-HD Master Audio isn’t designed to showcase big action movie dynamics, it succeeds in delivering a clear and engaging auditory experience. The nuanced application of surround sound and well-captured dialogue ensure viewers remain immersed in the chaos and comedy of "Bad Grandpa." The sound design may not leave subwoofers roaring but effectively supports the film's intentional ambiance and comedic beats. Additionally, the versatility with multilingual Dolby Digital options and comprehensive subtitles adds to its accessibility, broadening its audience reach.

The Blu-ray edition of "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" offers an array of entertaining and informative extras, sure to delight fans with insightful behind-the-scenes content, alternate takes, and deleted scenes. The 34:44-minute Behind-the-Scenes feature provides engaging insights into how various pranks were orchestrated, including detailed segments on setups and real reactions. The Alternate Reactions section, spanning 19:51 minutes, presents alternate takes of memorable skits with real people, adding a fresh perspective to the comedy. Additionally, this release includes 6:09 minutes of Deleted Scenes, showcasing unused humorous footage.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind-The-Scenes: Insightful look into key scenes' setups and reactions.
• Alternate Reactions: Alternate takes from select scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Unused footage that didn't make the final cut.
• DVD Copy: Standard definition version.
• Digital Copy: Available in UltraViolet and iTunes formats.

"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" delivers a hybrid experience of scripted narrative and candid pranks, portraying Johnny Knoxville as the irreverent octogenarian Irving Zisman. The plot follows Irving and his eight-year-old grandson Billy (Jackson Nicoll) on a cross-country journey fraught with outrageous scenarios and unsuspecting victims. Knoxville's commitment to his character, bolstered by Stephen Prouty's Oscar-nominated old-age makeup, is remarkably convincing, creating both hilarity and intrigue as the innocent bystanders react to the absurdity unfolding around them.

The movie stands out as a testament to Knoxville’s comedic prowess and Nicoll’s impressive performance. Irving's antics, ranging from grocery store thefts to inappropriate behavior at funerals and beauty pageants, elicit genuine reactions that are captured using hidden HD cameras. The humor is inherently situational, relying less on shock value and more on the bewildering environment created by Knoxville and his team. The blend of real-life reactions with pre-scripted comedy provides a unique viewing experience reminiscent of "Borat," but retains the distinct flavor of the "Jackass" series.

Despite its crude and vulgar humor, which includes numerous fart jokes and even explicit visuals, "Bad Grandpa" also offers moments of genuine connection between Irving and Billy. This relationship adds an unexpected layer of depth to the film, making it more than just a series of slapstick pranks. The effective dynamic between Knoxville and Nicoll ensures that "Bad Grandpa" is not only funny but engaging, providing comedic gold while maintaining a coherent, albeit loose, narrative framework. Their chemistry and the well-executed pranks make this film an unforgettable entry into the genre of hidden camera comedies.

"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" offers a unique, and often uproarious, comedic experience wrapped in a surprisingly heartfelt narrative. Johnny Knoxville’s performance, assisted by Oscar-nominated makeup, transcends the absurdity and crudeness often associated with the Jackass franchise, delivering a memorable character portrayal that rivals many serious performances. The film's humor is constant, ensuring continuous laughter, while the storyline of Irving and his grandson provides an unexpectedly emotional core.

Paramount’s Blu-ray release of "Bad Grandpa" does have its shortcomings in the technical department. Video and audio reproduction are inconsistent due to the film’s hidden camera and found footage style. However, the included extras are a welcome addition, featuring entertaining behind-the-scenes content and two cuts of the film. Despite these audiovisual limitations, the film's core comedic and narrative strengths make it a compelling purchase for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" represents a standout entry in the Jackass series, demonstrating that even outrageous comedy can achieve significant critical acclaim. The Blu-ray release, while technically imperfect, is bolstered by its engaging extras and offers an amusing viewing experience that will delight mature audiences. This release may not please those seeking high-fidelity audiovisuals but is highly recommended for those who appreciate the blend of heartfelt comedy and relentless humor.