Puerto Ricans in Paris Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Puerto Ricans in Paris" offers a robust 1080p transfer, highlighted by its 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from a digital shoot, the image remains clean without excessive digital glossiness. Details are impressively well-defined, notably in close-ups revealing fine textures such as facial hairs and clothing stitching. Nitty-gritty city elements are also vividly clear, providing authenticity to the urban settings. Colors are effectively manipulated, with the New York segments showcasing a neutral yet punchy palette, while the Paris scenes embrace a golden/bronze tint. Although minor video noise is evident, it doesn’t distract from the overall viewing experience.

Black levels are consistently deep and accurate, crucial for nighttime Parisian exteriors, with no significant crush issues observed. Skin tones maintain their natural appearance, even under different lighting filters used throughout the film. While one review noted an overly warm and yellow/orange palette that could be off-putting, the prevailing consensus describes the color reproduction as realistic and bold, fitting well with the film's fashion-centric theme. The image's clarity is pristine, although one critique pointed out a less crisp appearance akin to 480p quality, which seems at odds with the other positive assessments. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer by Universal successfully delivers a visually pleasing and faithful representation of the film’s aesthetic.

"Puerto Ricans in Paris" presents a respectable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack on Blu-ray, offering a notably immersive auditory experience. The audio intricacies come alive particularly during the opening sequences, which vividly capture the ambient sounds of city life, effectively grounding viewers in the vibrant New York setting. Small support details are woven seamlessly, drawing attention to the meticulous sound design. While not transforming into an all-out action soundscape, the mix finds its stride in club scenes where surrounds are fully utilized and the subwoofer asserts itself. Dialogues are naturally centered and delivered with excellent clarity and prioritization, ensuring smooth and effortless comprehension.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix may not be groundbreaking in its dynamics, often feeling somewhat flat, yet it performs admirably in key scenes. During the explosive club sequences, the music pulses with vivid clarity and potent bass, heightening the viewer's engagement. The ambient effects in pivotal scenes, including foot-chases through New York, showcase a utilization of the full speaker set-up with sounds emanating from various directions, enveloping the listener in a textured soundscape. Despite its mixed dynamic range, the track is free from auditory imperfections such as pops, cracks, or hiss, preserving high marks for a smooth audio presentation.

Dialogue reproduction is consistently clear and impactful, even with occasional French accents and varying vocal inflections. Above all, this audio presentation stands out for its balanced mix and occasional spikes of dynamic engagement during more energetic moments, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience. Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French, further enhancing accessibility. While it might not push the boundaries of audio engineering, this presentation delivers a commendable auditory experience that complements the film's narrative effectively.

The Blu-ray release of "Puerto Ricans in Paris" notably lacks supplemental content. The absence of extras is a missed opportunity to provide fans with deeper insights into the making of the film or additional behind-the-scenes details. Luckily, buyers do benefit from the inclusion of a UV/iTunes digital copy code, which allows for seamless access to the film across multiple devices. This feature is a suitable addition for consumers seeking flexibility in viewing options.

Extras included in this disc:

UV/iTunes Digital Copy Code: Provides a digital copy of the film for access on compatible devices.

"Puerto Ricans in Paris" is a modest comedy that lands somewhere between memorable and forgettable. Directed by Ian Edelman, this buddy cop film stars Luis Guzmán and Edgar Garcia as NYPD detectives Luis and Eddie, who are known for busting counterfeit operations. Their reputations take them to Paris on a mission to recover a stolen designer handbag, hired by Colette (Alice Taglioni), a Parisian fashion icon. The plot is straightforward and largely serves as a pretext for humor. While not striving for high artistic merit or deep emotional engagement, the movie offers bursts of comedy that range from baseline effective to occasionally flat.

Guzmán and Garcia maintain strong on-screen chemistry, delivering enjoyable banter that often outshines the script’s predictable humor. Guzmán, in particular, puts significant effort into his comedic performance, juggling various guises to elicit laughs. However, the pacing suffers when the duo is not together, revealing a script that leans heavily on their dynamic to maintain audience interest. Supporting performances from Rosie Perez and Rosario Dawson are minimal but impactful, whereas Alice Taglioni navigates both comedic and dramatic elements effortlessly, deserving more screen time.

Technically, the film opts for a point-and-shoot simplicity, never stretching its budget or narrative to explore more innovative storytelling. There are no grand action scenes; instead, the movie relies on the casual charm of its leads. Edelman’s vision of Paris is refreshingly subdued, offering a less tourist-centric view of the city. In sum, "Puerto Ricans in Paris" succeeds as light-hearted entertainment, suitable for a one-time viewing with enough laughs and charm to hold attention but lacking the vitality to be truly memorable.

“Puerto Ricans in Paris” offers a mixed cinematic experience underscored by its lead performances from Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia, who undeniably elevate a somewhat pedestrian script. While the narrative itself lacks depth, it remains serviceable, providing a functional framework for the cast to exhibit their comedic prowess. The humor lands sporadically, primarily due to the natural chemistry between Guzman and Garcia, making the film entertaining despite its narrative shortcomings. Universal’s Blu-ray release is technically sound with commendable video and audio quality, though it is notably devoid of supplementary features.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray’s video quality is satisfactory, presenting a clear and vibrant image that aligns with industry standards for high-definition releases. The audio performance is equally robust, offering clear dialogue and a dynamic soundscape that complements the film’s comedic and action sequences. However, the absence of any additional content—such as behind-the-scenes features or cast interviews—detracts from the overall value of this release, especially given its current market price.

In conclusion, “Puerto Ricans in Paris” may not redefine the buddy cop genre, but it delivers enough charm and laughs to warrant a viewing, largely thanks to its engaging lead actors. The Blu-ray edition, while offering solid audiovisuals, falls short in terms of extras, which may deter some potential buyers. If you're a fan of Guzman or Garcia and seek light entertainment, this film is certainly worth your time, but perhaps not your top dollar.