First Sunday Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "First Sunday" from Sony boasts an impressive 1080p AVC-MPEG4 transfer, correctly framed at 1.85:1. The picture quality here is exceptional, adhering closely to theatrical standards. You'll immediately notice the vibrant and solid colors, with no color bleed and razor-sharp edges. The film's presentation is remarkably detailed, capturing even the most minute nuances such as facial hair and the texture of surfaces. Colors are not only accurate but also wonderfully vibrant and pleasing, featuring a broad palette that enhances the overall viewing experience.

Black levels are generally excellent, providing depth and detail in shadows across various scenes, although there are moments where some scenes appear brighter than necessary. There is a minor issue with black crush that slightly diminishes the finest details, yet this flaw does not significantly detract from the otherwise stellar visual experience. Contrast remains punchy throughout, maintaining a very deep and detailed image.

In terms of source material, "First Sunday" benefits from being a recent release. The print is pristine, devoid of any tears or marks, and Sony's encoding is clean and free from compression artifacts. While some scenes appear softer than others, reducing the overall sharpness slightly, this does not overshadow the disc's other remarkable visual qualities. Overall, this Blu-ray provides a highly respectable and enjoyable visual presentation that nearly reaches excellence.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound mix provided on the Blu-ray of "First Sunday" delivers an immersive and detailed audio experience. Sony has included no fewer than four Dolby TrueHD tracks in English, French, and Portuguese, with additional Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks in Spanish and Thai. The dialogue, a critical component of the comedic interactions, is consistently anchored to the center channel and maintains excellent audibility throughout, eliminating the need for rewinding to catch missed lines. The LFE channel comes alive during the hip-hop music tracks, providing accurate, deep, and tight bass that complements the musical elements of the film.

The mix also impresses with its handling of music sequences. Hip-hop and gospel music tracks are reproduced miraculously, making full use of the sound system to deliver an impactful and spiritually resonant experience. The dynamic range is well-managed, with punchy dynamics that suit the film's tone. Surround channel usage, while sporadic during action scenes, is effective when engaged, adding subtle layers of ambient sound that enhance the cinematic experience. The soundstage is utilized well, providing excellent definition, clarity, and imaging that make you feel almost like part of the movie's setting.

While it might not dethrone top-tier audio demo discs like "I Am Legend," "First Sunday" offers a commendable and high-quality sound mix. The audio remains lively and engaging without overshadowing the main features of the film, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable viewing experience that stands out in its own right.

The Blu-ray release of "First Sunday" offers a commendable selection of extras, though it should be noted that most of the video content remains in standard definition. Enthusiasts will appreciate the deep dive into the making of the film. The disc features a thorough audio commentary by director David E. Talbert, which gains momentum after a somewhat shaky start, revealing insights into the film's production and Talbert's influences. The gag reel and outtakes provide additional behind-the-scenes footage, complemented by a wrap speech from Talbert. Despite their extended runtime, the deleted scenes mainly consist of extended sequences rather than entirely new content. The trivia fact track aims to deliver relevant information but occasionally misses the mark.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director David E. Talbert provides insights into the film's production.
• Hood Robbin' With the Cast and Crew: A making-of featurette.
• Deleted Scenes: Extended sequences and additional footage.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes from filming.
• Outtakes/Wrap Speech: Additional behind-the-scenes footage and a wrap speech.
• Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for various films, presented in high definition.
• The Almighty Version Enhanced Fact Track: Pop-up trivia track with factoids about the film.

"First Sunday," featuring Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan, is a comedy that straddles the fine line between witty satire and uninspired execution. Ice Cube, who has had commendable performances in films like "Boyz n the Hood" and "Barbershop," fails to translate his previous successes onto this film. Despite Ice Cube's consistent ability to attract audiences, "First Sunday" comes off as unremarkable, missing the mark in both humor and emotional depth. Directed by David E. Talbert, the film revolves around a desperate attempt by down-and-out criminals Durell (Ice Cube) and LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan) to rob a church, only to find themselves in a convoluted caper.

The narrative itself shows signs of promise, offering a fresh concept that mixes crime caper slapstick with light religious commentary. Unfortunately, the film fails to maintain the comedic rhythm necessary to keep the audience engaged. While it avoids the crude humor that has been rampant in recent comedies, it nonetheless suffers from a lack of genuinely funny moments. The comedy often feels forced, and Morgan's over-the-top performance does little to sustain interest. The film includes certain touching scenes designed to evoke empathy but instead comes off as generic and sappy, partly due to heavy-handed music cues.

The cast is the film's saving grace, with notable performances from Chi McBride as the pastor and Katt Williams as a flamboyant choir director. Yet, even their seasoned efforts cannot compensate for the movie's overall mediocrity. Weak scriptwriting and predictable character arcs dilute any potential impact. Durell's arc from a scheming criminal to a reluctant do-gooder lacks authenticity, making the transformation uninspiring. Although Ice Cube manages to bring some level of genuineness to his role, it's not enough to elevate the film beyond its fundamental shortcomings. Overall, "First Sunday" is a tepid blend of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities.

"First Sunday," directed by David E. Talbert, delivers a light, albeit somewhat predictable, comedy fueled by Ice Cube's characteristic swagger. The narrative is somewhat uneven, suffering from a blend of mismatched ideas and genres that leaves it struggling to settle into a coherent storyline. However, the performances, notably by Ice Cube and some of his supporting cast members, inject a level of charm that keeps the movie afloat. Talbert's commentary underscores his passion for the project, hinting at promising development in his future works.

In terms of technical presentation, the Blu-ray release of "First Sunday" is impressive. Sony has provided high-quality video and audio that exceed expectations for a comedy of this nature. The picture quality is crisp, with vibrant colors and a high level of detail, while the sound mix is top-tier, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The additional material included in the disc package offers plenty of extras, although the division of the outtakes into two segments feels a bit forced and diluted in humor.

Ultimately, "First Sunday" may not be a groundbreaking comedy, but it functions well as a feel-good, buddy movie ideal for a laid-back evening. Ice Cube fans will appreciate its offerings more than casual viewers who might find its direction lacking. While die-hard Stone Cold Ice Cube aficionados might consider a purchase, others would be wise to rent first to gauge their preference. Despite its flaws, "First Sunday" on Blu-ray is backed by solid technical aspects that could make it a worthy addition to any comedy lover's collection.