So I Married an Axe Murderer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "So I Married an Axe Murderer" delivers a performance that is, in essence, a mixed bag, yet it offers enough in the way of quality to satisfy those fond of this 15-year-old comedy. Boasting a 1080p, 1.85:1 transfer, the video does not reach the pinnacle of high-definition excellence, but provides an acceptable, if somewhat underwhelming visual experience. The transfer remains true to the film’s original presentation, with a detail level that is moderately strong, especially in close-ups despite an overall softness that pervades the image. Viewers will notice the flesh tones leaning towards the pinkish spectrum and black levels that are generally decent though not without issues, such as occasional crushing. While the film's exterior shots of San Francisco reveal a commendable depth and clarity that bring some life to the mostly flat image, interior locales like the quaint butcher shop and Mackenzie house are vivid under 1080p scrutiny, inviting a closer look.

The color palette remains subdued for the most part, only bursting with vibrancy in key scenes such as the noteworthy appearance of Harriet’s red dress, which offers a stark contrast and perhaps the most visually compelling moment. While colors aren’t pushed to overly saturated levels, they are clean and well-preserved, with the entire video benefiting from a layer of film grain that lends an authentic early '90s cinematic texture. Despite some shortcomings in shadow delineation where darker scenes suffer from flatness and a lack of depth, and occasional softness and halos around characters against stark black backgrounds, the overall condition of the source material is commendable. A slight speckle and grain acknowledge the film's age without detracting from the viewing experience.

In evaluation, while Sony’s high-definition treatment of "So I Married an Axe Murderer" for its 15th anniversary might not leave enthusiasts spellbound with its technical prowess, it manages to strike a balance between preserving the film's original charm and offering enhancements where possible. The transfer accommodates solid details in many instances and captivates with its interior and exterior settings despite the overall soft imagery and some inconsistencies in color depth and shadow detail. This Blu-ray video presentation is poised well enough to please fans who cherish the nuanced set design and visual flair of this early '90s comedy classic, marking a decent high-def debut that respects its source without reinventing it.

The audio presentation of "So I Married an Axe Murderer" on Blu Ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound mix, achieves a level of quality that is satisfactory yet unremarkable. This mix is predominantly front-heavy, distributing most of its audio through the center and side channels, while the rear channels occasionally contribute some discrete effects. However, these efforts often come off as unnatural and somewhat forced, detracting from an immersive auditory experience. The dynamic range is acceptable, presenting low bass frequencies that, although present, lack distinction. Dialogue clarity is one of the stronger points of the audio mix, consistently clean and well-balanced against the backdrop of the film's score and effects.

The film heavily leans on the inclusion of pop songs, most notably "There She Goes" by The Boo Radleys, which, while providing some aural liveliness, tends to become repetitive over the course of the movie. The soundtrack does not offer much in terms of depth or an engaging audio experience, with the majority of the sound feeling constrained and lacking vibrancy. Surround effects are minimal and often seem artificially inserted rather than organically part of the scenes. This is further highlighted by certain scenes that attempt to leverage ambient sounds or music to enhance the mood but ultimately feel too subdued or mismatched with the visuals.

Despite these shortcomings, there are moments where the audio presentation shows potential, such as in a thunderstorm scene towards the end of the film that displays solid imaging and a brief uplift in audio quality. However, these instances are too sparse to significantly elevate the overall experience. The soundtrack suits the film's needs but fails to impress or exceed expectations. Listeners seeking a dynamic and enveloping soundstage may find this presentation lacking both in terms of innovation and execution.

Despite the "Special Edition" labeling on the Blu-ray cover of "So I Married an Axe Murderer," the extras are notably sparse, delivering less than what might be expected from such a designation. The disc primarily offers access to Sony's standard BD-Live (profile 2.0) feature, which is more of a generic offering rather than something specifically tailored to the film itself. The only true piece of content directly related to cinema is a 1080p trailer, but it's not for the movie in question—it's for "Men in Black." This absence of original supplementary material or any film-specific trailers positions the "extras" as underwhelming, especially for those hoping for in-depth behind-the-scenes content, commentary, or deleted scenes that often accompany special edition releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• BD-Live (Profile 2.0): Access to Sony's BD-Live portal for additional online content.
• Theatrical Trailers (HD): Includes a high-definition trailer for "Men in Black," unrelated to "So I Married an Axe Murderer."

"So I Married an Axe Murderer" arrives on Blu-ray, presenting a distinctive blend of comedy and suspense that largely diverts from the conventional expectations of a romantic comedy. The movie encapsulates Mike Myers's early career charm, showcasing his talent in roles that predate his Austin Powers fame. Myers portrays Charlie Mackenzie, a poet plagued by commitment issues, whose fears reach new heights when he suspects his girlfriend, Harriet (played by Nancy Travis), might be a notorious serial killer. This film intriguingly balances its humorous aspects with a thrilling premise, offering viewers an engaging narrative driven by Myers's versatile performance and a spirited supporting cast.

The movie's cinematographic execution leans towards a sitcom-style presentation, burdened at times by attempts to incorporate Myers’s signature slapstick humor which occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. Despite its technical shortcomings, "So I Married an Axe Murderer" distinguishes itself with memorable scenes, particularly the engaging montages that intertwine comedic elements with character development. The supporting roles, including performances by Anthony LaPaglia, Brenda Fricker, and especially Phil Hartman in a brief but memorable appearance, enrich the narrative, contributing effectively to the film’s charm.

While not groundbreaking in its comedic delivery, the movie subtly dissects themes of love and trust through its humorous examination of Charlie's commitment phobia juxtaposed against the absurdity of Harriet’s potential dark secret. This narrative choice offers an interesting commentary on modern relationships, making "So I Married an Axe Murderer" a quirky addition to the romantic comedy genre that surpasses initial expectations. Its blend of comedy, coupled with a heartfelt romantic core and a peculiar twist, makes it a unique viewing experience that, despite its flaws, manages to entertain and engage its audience.

"So I Married an Axe Murderer" on Blu-ray presents a peculiar case where expectations and reality don't quite align. The movie itself, starring the usually hilarious Mike Myers, falls short of its comedic potential, offering a concept that could have soared but instead lands with a thud due to lackluster jokes and underwhelming execution. This sentiment is mirrored in its Blu-ray presentation. Despite being advertised as a special edition, the package disappoints with a complete absence of special features, a move reminiscent of the missteps seen in the HD DVD Jack Ryan Collection. For those encountering the film for the first time through this Blu-ray edition, comparing it to previous releases is challenging. However, expectations suggest it should surpass its standard definition counterparts, a claim that, while plausible given Sony's track record, isn't enough to elevate the overall package beyond mediocrity.

The Blu-ray does offer decent video and audio quality, which might pique the interest of tech enthusiasts or completists in Mike Myers' work. However, its appeal doesn't extend far beyond this niche audience. With no extras to deepen the viewing experience or enhance one's appreciation of the film, it stands as a bare-bones release that fails to capitalize on its medium's potential for added value.

In conclusion, the "So I Married an Axe Murderer" Blu-ray struggles to justify its place on enthusiasts' shelves. While it provides an adequate viewing experience from a technical standpoint, the lack of special features and the film's inability to fully deliver on its comedic premise leave much to be desired. It may find a home with Myers' most devoted fans or those with a penchant for early '90s nostalgia, but for the wider audience, it serves as little more than a curiosity. This release ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to rejuvenate interest in an overlooked film by failing to provide a compelling reason to choose it over other viewing options.