Standing Up Blu-ray Review

ARC Entertainment's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "Standing Up" delivers an exceptionally detailed and sharp image that feels reminiscent of contemporary film stocks. The cinematography by Alex Nepomniaschy, known for his work on "Narc," presents a visually engaging experience. Deep blacks and a chilly palette in the opening sequences on Goat Island successfully evoke a nighttime cold atmosphere, while the rest of the film favors warmer earth tones that reflect the summertime setting. The film expertly manages hues, such as well-saturated beachwear and a tie-dyed dress, without color bleeding. A fine, natural-looking film grain is subtly visible upon close inspection, though there is no evidence of high-frequency filtering or artificial sharpening.

The transfer is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, showing impressive contrast and sharp fine lines in environmental details like foliage and campsites. While generally consistent, a few scenes appear slightly softer, notably a hotel sequence shot with a diffusion lens that feels out of place. Brightness levels are occasionally overdone, revealing minimal noise in darker areas, but overall black levels remain true and accurate with strong shadow details. The average bitrate of 25.95 Mbps, typical of larger studio action films, ensures there are no issues with compression artifacts. The color palette stands out as vibrant and animated, offering bright primaries and natural flesh tones that add to the immersive visual quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Standing Up" by Director Caruso is notably restrained and front-oriented. While known for his dynamic use of sound, Caruso opts for a more subdued approach here. Dialogue remains consistently clear and well-defined with excellent intonation, ensuring that every spoken word is easily intelligible. The score by Brian Tyler, renowned for his work on "Thor: The Dark World," enhances the audio experience with a nostalgic and charmingly retro vibe that fits seamlessly within the film’s ambience.

Despite its clean and stable nature, the soundtrack is fundamentally basic and lacks standout features. Most of the action is confined to the three main front channels, which deliver fluid panning and engaging off-screen effects at select moments. Surrounds contribute minimally, adding slight ambient sounds that scarcely enrich the overall soundfield. Although the mix occasionally exhibits a broad imaging feel and warmth, the mid-range remains uniformly limited, and the low bass is noticeably weak, offering a somewhat anemic presence. Overall, it is a good but unspectacular lossless mix that suffices for this family drama.

The Blu-ray disc of "Standing Up" includes a concise yet insightful selection of extras which offer a deeper glimpse into the film's production process and thematic undertones. The "Behind the Scenes" featurette, running for approximately 6-7 minutes in high definition, provides articulate interviews with the cast, including Caruso, Canterbury, and Basso, who delve into their characters and the film's narrative. Director Kilmer and producer Mitchell also contribute their perspectives. This EPK is complemented by an official trailer presented in 1080p, showcasing the film's central conflict and atmosphere. Additionally, the disc plays trailers for "Our Wild Hearts," "Return to Nim's Island," and "Fat Kid Rules the World" upon startup. These additional trailers are not accessible from the main menu but can be bypassed with the chapter forward button.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: Cast and crew interviews with behind-the-scenes footage.
• Trailer: Official trailer of "Standing Up."
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for "Our Wild Hearts," "Return to Nim's Island," and "Fat Kid Rules the World."

D.J. Caruso's adaptation of Brock Cole's 1987 young adult novel, "The Goats," is realized in the film "Standing Up" and stands out due to the strength of its young protagonists. Chandler Canterbury and Annalise Basso play Howie and Grace, respectively, two pre-teens who find themselves victims of bullying at the high-end Camp Tall Pine during the summer of 1984. Their authentic and compelling performances drive a narrative that speaks volumes about youth resilience and the search for belonging. The storyline, although simple, is universally relatable as it dives into the feelings of alienation experienced by many during adolescence. These two characters bond over their shared plight, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and mutual support.

The plot pivots on the cruel hazing ritual where Howie and Grace are marooned on Goat Island without clothes. Determined not to return to camp, they navigate back to civilization while evading capture. Grace's mother, portrayed by Radha Mitchell, plays a crucial role as she initially misunderstands her daughter's distress but eventually grasps the severity of the situation. En route, Grace and Howie's path crosses with various figures including a dubious Val Kilmer as Hofstadder, whose sinister demeanor they manage to outwit. Their escapades include clever ruses for survival, depicting resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Throughout their adventure, the film emphasizes core themes of standing up to bullies and standing up for one another. Grace evolves from a timid girl into someone able to assert herself, while Howie's composed exterior hides deeper layers revealed through his backstory. The title "Standing Up" encapsulates not only their literal defiance but also their emotional and metaphorical growth. Despite lacking significant peril and maintaining a predictable course, “Standing Up” delivers a heartwarming and occasionally poignant cinematic experience that is suitable for family viewing.

"Standing Up" delivers a heartfelt narrative, exploring themes of resilience and friendship through the experiences of its young protagonists. Adapted and directed by D.J. Caruso, the movie benefits significantly from the idyllic Georgia locations, magnifying its visual appeal. The Blu-ray release superbly captures these settings with clear, vivid imagery, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the lush forests, serene lakes, and flowing rivers featured throughout the film. Despite its somewhat predictable storyline, the movie's strong performances by the young leads provide a genuine emotional depth that will resonate with both children and adults alike.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels, offering an excellent video transfer that highlights the movie's picturesque scenery. The audio quality complements this by delivering a robust and immersive sound experience. However, it's worth noting that the disc is relatively light on additional content, which might be a drawback for those who value comprehensive supplemental material in their home entertainment collections.

In conclusion, "Standing Up" is equally entertaining for both children and adults, and it's a sterling example of how Blu-ray can enhance a small film by lending it scale and bringing its world to life. Caruso got major production value out of the Georgia locations with their magnificent forests, lakes, and rivers. ARC's Blu-ray allows them to shine. Both the film and the disc are highly recommended.