Wonderful World Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Wonderful World" on Blu-ray delivers a commendable high-definition experience that aligns with expectations for modern releases, though not without showcasing its low-budget origins. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer provides natural colors with a subdued palette, predominantly featuring browns and beiges which lend a realistic atmosphere to the film. While complexions are realistically depicted with defining textures, overall detail shines best in low-light and dark backgrounds, offering good dimensional depth and stable sharpness. However, the film does exhibit a slightly older appearance than its 2009 production date would suggest, with noticeable black specks of debris and occasional blue flecks of chroma noise over darker areas, although the grain structure remains consistent and undistracting throughout.

Despite some technical shortcomings, such as hazy black levels and a lack of truly fine detail in close-ups, the visual presentation is quite satisfactory and manages to avoid any major technical anomalies. Detail in low light is respectable, though images do not reach the high level of opulence and vibrancy seen in higher-end productions. The subdued contrast appears intentional, in line with the film's aesthetic and budget constraints. Ultimately, while "Wonderful World" may not be a showcase for 1080p prowess, it provides a pleasing and dependable visual package that remains true to the film's intended look.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Wonderful World" is a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, delivering a clear and pleasing sonic experience. Dialogue is precisely articulated through the center channel, ensuring clarity and resonance, whereas the film’s diverse music tracks hold authority, predominantly commanding the front soundstage with crystal clarity. Whether it's the picked and strummed strings of Ben's guitar or the deep thumps of Senegalese drums, each element resonates with a full, bright tone that enriches the listening experience. However, dialogue from characters with thicker accents can be challenging to decipher during rapid exchanges.

The mix is noticeably front-heavy, with ambient effects and spatial elements subtly fed to the rear channels. This results in a limited but effective sense of envelopment, such as the quiet chatter in the comedy club or the immersive thunder and rain during key scenes. Despite being understated, these rear channel effects contribute to a modest yet immersive environment. The auditory perspective is therefore mainly one-dimensional but serves the narrative well, proving satisfactory for an indie drama/romance/comedy.

The Blu-ray extras for "Wonderful World" offer a concise yet informative exploration into the film's character development, directorial insight, and behind-the-scenes content. The featurette "As Soon as Fish Fall Out of the Sky" delves into the narrative and characters, featuring perspectives from the film’s lead actors. The "Behind the Scenes" segments are split into an insightful discussion on collaborating with writer/director Josh Goldin and a supplementary montage of on-set footage. Additionally, the "HDNet: A Look at Wonderful World" provides a promotional overview with contributions from both Goldin and Broderick on the film's conception. These extras, while brief, add meaningful context and depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• As Soon as Fish Fall Out of the Sky: Character and story overview.
• Behind the Scenes: Insight from cast & Goldin on their working relationship.
• Behind the Scenes Montage: On-set b-roll footage.
• HDNet: A Look at Wonderful World: Film's origin and plot synopsis.
• BD-Live Enabled

"Wonderful World," directed by Joshua Goldin, centers on Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick), a former children's folksinger turned legal proofreader, who epitomizes defeat and disillusionment. Ben's deeply cynical outlook on life is challenged when his supportive roommate Ibou (Michael Kenneth Williams) falls critically ill. The arrival of Ibou's sister, Khadi (Sanaa Lathan), ushers in a chance for Ben's potential redemption, offering a contrasting perspective that nudges him towards reevaluating his worldview.

Broderick’s portrayal of Ben is compelling; he perfectly captures the essence of a man trodden down by corporate greed and personal failures, living in a haze punctuated by his hallucinatory conversations with ‘The Man’ (Philip Baker Hall). These surreal exchanges offer insight into Ben's internal battle against a world he views as fundamentally unfair. However, the film’s simplistic reliance on thematic stereotypes—a disenchanted Westerner redeemed by a soulful, spirited African—falls into a narrative trap that feels both clichéd and condescending.

Despite the heavy-handed messaging and some narrative stumbles, "Wonderful World" carries an earnest charm that is hard to dismiss. Its indie roots are evident in its unassuming tone and well-intentioned storytelling. While the script occasionally meanders, without reaching satisfying conclusions, and indulges in courtroom dramatics that verge on parody, it also manages moments of tender authenticity. The supporting cast, especially Lathan and Williams, imbue their roles with warmth and dignity, although hampered by occasionally clumsy dialogue and affected accents. Goldin’s debut feature may not be groundbreaking, but its honest approach and Broderick's balanced performance render it a modestly endearing exploration of cynicism and hope.

"Wonderful World" is a film that undoubtedly has its heart in the right place but falls short in its execution. The story, led by Matthew Broderick's commendable performance, teeters on the edge of being genuinely engaging but lacks the consistency needed to deliver a truly memorable experience. While Broderick's fans will likely appreciate his effort, the overall narrative and character development fail to keep the viewer fully invested. The film's thematic ambitions are clear but not fully realized, resulting in a somewhat lackluster result.

On the technical side, the Blu-ray presentation is satisfactory but not exceptional. The 1080p transfer provides clear and vibrant visuals, though it occasionally struggles with grain in darker scenes. The audio quality is robust, ensuring dialogue and background score are well balanced, yet it does not make any standout use of surround sound capabilities. The inclusion of additional features such as behind-the-scenes footage and director commentaries add some value but do not significantly elevate the overall package.

In conclusion, "Wonderful World" is a film with noble intentions and a noteworthy performance by Matthew Broderick but falls short of reaching its full potential. While it may hold some appeal for die-hard Broderick enthusiasts, casual viewers are advised to opt for a rental instead. The technical presentation on Blu-ray is reliable but not extraordinary, making it a modest addition to any collection at best.