Tag Blu-ray Review
Score: 73
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Tag is hilariously fun with a standout cast, excellent audio/video quality, and a surprisingly engaging presentation from Warner Brothers.
Disc Release Date
DTS HD-MA
Video: 85
Tag's Blu-ray presentation boasts deeply saturated colors, vibrant and realistic visuals, fine details, stable sharpness, and dynamic contrast with deep, inky blacks. The high bitrate enhances image quality, maintaining texture and avoiding artifacts, resulting in an excellent, clear, richly colored digital intermediate.
Audio: 77
Tag’s 5.1 DTS-HD MA track offers an exceptional comedy mix with dynamic range, robust bass, and active surrounds, providing an involving and entertaining experience despite its front-heavy dialogue orientation.
Extra: 47
Extras for 'Tag' on Blu-ray feature a compelling 'Meet the Real Tag Brothers' featurette (1080p, 5:03), and a typical gag reel (8:50), alongside eight deleted scenes (6:20) that add little value to the main film; the package includes DVD and HD digital copies.
Movie: 67
Tag delivers a surprisingly heartwarming and hilarious experience despite its implausible plot, featuring a stellar ensemble cast who revel in outrageous stunts and slapstick humor. The film blends R-rated comedy with action and a touch of heartfelt friendship, making it a memorable and entertaining watch.
Video: 85
Warner’s 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Tag" is a high-quality visual treat that masterfully serves the source material. The film is rich with deeply saturated colors, bringing a vitality and delineated depth that enhances the overall viewing experience. Fine details shine through, from the intricate textures of clothing to the subtle grime on characters' faces. The warm color grading and lighting contribute to a homey ambiance, maintaining sharpness in close-ups while delivering accurate, if slightly softened, exteriors. Black levels are stable and deep, providing sufficient detail in shadows without any noticeable video artifacts or distortion.
The Blu-ray’s visual quality is further bolstered by a high average bitrate of 34.44 Mbps, ensuring crisp and clear images with solid blacks. Dynamic contrast levels contribute to robust dimensionality, retaining definition even in varying lighting conditions. Flesh tones are accurate with a touch of warmth, while the vibrant blues and reds add to the film’s saturation without being overbearing. The encode effectively prevents noise, particularly noticeable during flashbacks where a grain filter is applied. Overall, "Tag" looks exceptional on this Blu-ray release, rivaling the clarity and color fidelity one might expect from a 4K UHD presentation.
In essence, "Tag" on Blu-ray capitalizes on its digital origins to produce an outstandingly sharp and colorful picture. The video quality is exemplary, with solid blacks, rich colors, and consistent sharpness throughout. Whether in vibrant sunlit scenes or dimly lit bars, the film maintains visual integrity with no signs of crushing or clipping, making for an engaging and visually pleasing experience from start to finish.
Audio: 77
The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Tag" stands out as a remarkably effective mix, considering its comedic genre. Dialog-centric and front-heavy, the track nevertheless integrates dynamic action sequences with impressive sonic clarity. The balance between quieter, vocal-driven moments and louder, action-packed intervals is deftly handled, creating a substantial dynamic range. This is exemplified by the punchy bass and compelling musical segments, such as the memorable Ozzy bit in the woods. The discrete use of surrounds for running, jumping, climbing, and crashing ensures an immersive experience without detracting from the film's nuanced quieter sections.
Technically, the DTS-HD MA soundtrack is a robust and full-bodied presentation. The seamless panning across the soundstage contributes to a cohesive auditory experience. The bass response is particularly notable, with moments of low-end robustness that can make your room shake. Germaine Franco's effective comedy score, known for works like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Coco," underpins the film's atmosphere efficiently. Additionally, scenes involving brazen stunts and hip-hop music enrich the mix with spread-out debris sounds and convincing spatial distribution. Features like Renner's golf ball toss enhance the film’s cartoonish yet impactful ambiance.
In conclusion, while "Tag" adheres to many standard front-heavy comedy mix conventions, it skillfully leverages its 5.1 DTS-HD MA track to create an engaging and dynamically satisfying audio experience. This mix is a prime example of how a seemingly limited format can deliver an exceptional auditory performance underpinned by excellent tonal balance and ambient sound utilization.
Extras: 47
The extras on the Blu Ray of "Tag" provide a solid supplementary experience without overwhelming content. The featurettes include an engaging mix of interviews with the real-life tag brothers, humor-filled bloopers, and deleted scenes showing various unused bits of the movie. Technical presentations, predominantly 1080p, are high-quality and professionally curated. The "Meet the Real Tag Brothers" feature gives an insightful look at the true story that inspired the film, using private videos and interviews. The deleted scenes offer additional humorous snippets, although they do not impact the main narrative. The gag reel delivers expected light-hearted, behind-the-scenes fun, inclusive of prop malfunctions and actor mishaps.
Extras included in this disc:
- Meet the Real Tag Brothers: Interviews and footage of the guys from the true story.
- Deleted Scenes: Eight brief scenes that are separated by chapter stops.
- Gag Reel: Compilation of bloopers and behind-the-scenes fun.
Movie: 67
"Tag," under the banner of "based on a true story," deviates substantially from its real-life inspiration - a newspaper article about lifelong friends playing tag. Warner Brothers escalates this simple concept into an outrageous, R-rated comedy. The film follows five childhood friends: Hogan “Hoagy” Malloy (Ed Helms), Bob Callahan (Jon Hamm), Randy “Chili” Cilliano (Jake Johnson), Kevin Sable (Hannibal Buress), and Jerry Pierce (Jeremy Renner). For 30 years, they've reunited in May for their annual game of tag. However, Jerry has never been tagged. With his wedding signaling his retirement from the game, the group intensifies their efforts to ensure Jerry is "it" for once.
Renner's Jerry becomes an almost superhuman target, with athletic feats reminiscent of a live-action cartoon, paying homage to Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes films. His meticulous countermeasures make every pursuit feel like a high-stakes heist. This lively dynamic is enriched by Annabelle Wallis' portrayal of a journalist who chronicles this absurd tradition, adding documentary-like moments that anchor the zaniness in reality. Isla Fisher’s portrayal of Hoagy’s hyper-competitive wife, Anna, injects additional hilarity and heart into the storyline.
Despite the film's implausible and exaggerated stunts—ranging from smashing windows to invading therapy sessions—the chemistry among the cast bears the story’s charm. The movie balances crude humor with touching moments of friendship, highlighted by unconventional physical comedy and heartfelt interactions. "Tag" recognizes its absurdity, using it to emphasize the timeless theme of maintaining connections. While steeped in Hollywood embellishments, the core message resonates: childhood bonds and the spirit of play keep friendships alive. Ultimately, “Tag” is an entertaining mix of slapstick humor and sentimental narrative that brings both laughter and warmth to the forefront.
Total: 73
"Tag" offers an unexpectedly delightful viewing experience, combining humor and action with a touch of heartfelt charm. The film, directed by Jeff Tomsic with a screenplay by Rob McKittrick and Mark Steilen, stars an impressive cast including John Hamm, Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Jeremy Renner, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, and Rashida Jones. The storyline, based on a real-life game of tag played by a group of friends across decades, provides a fresh and invigorating backdrop for the comedic antics. Despite its absurdity at times, the humor lands effectively, making it a fun movie to watch, especially in a group setting.
Warner Brothers has delivered a high-quality Blu-ray transfer, showcasing the film in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio with vibrant visuals and crisp audio. The disc includes English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio along with French, Spanish, and Portuguese DD 5.1 options, plus English DVS DD 5.1 for accessible viewing. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The runtime of 101 minutes is well-paced, ensuring that the film does not overstay its welcome. Additionally, the Blu-ray release offers moderate extras that enhance the overall viewing experience and provide further insights into the making of the film.
In conclusion, while not a comedy classic by any means, "Tag" is a hilariously fun movie that was way more enjoyable than expected. It’s sweet, charming, and totally insane, but the film was a blast to watch with friends. The humor is spot-on, and unlike many comedies that falter at the end, "Tag" successfully nails the landing. Warner Brothers has once again done a wonderful job with the transfers, giving us great audio and video quality to match the film's spirited content. Highly recommended for those seeking an enjoyable R-rated comedy from beginning to end.
Technical Specifications:
Starring: John Hamm, Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Jeremy Renner, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones
Directed by: Jeff Tomsic
Written by: Rob McKittrick, Mark Steilen
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French ,Spanish, Portuguese DD 5.1, English DVS DD 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Studio: Warner Brothers
Rated: R
Runtime: 101 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: Own "Tag" on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on August 28th 2018, or on Digital NOW!
- Read review here
AV Nirvana review by Michael Scott
Video: 90
Blacks are deep and inky, while primaries pop off the screen with a goodly amount of sharpness....
Audio: 90
It’s a bit front heavy for the dialog centric scenes (and there are a lot of them), but he sheer lunacy of the game of tag lends itself towards a lot more action than most would expect....
Extras: 50
...
Movie: 80
The film has plenty of idiotic moments, but those moments are actually with make this film that funny, with the elusive Jerry running, dodging, jumping and diving to get away, while all his friends basically...
Total: 80
It’s sweet, charming, and totally insane, but the film was a blast to watch with a group of friends....
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AVS Forum review by Ralph Potts
Video: 96
Contrast is dynamic without being overpowering and blacks are respectable in depth with discernible detail in low lighting and shadows....
Audio: 94
I enjoyed the blend between the track's dynamic range and enveloping presence which resulted in an involving and entertaining surround sound presentation....
Extras: 50
...
Movie: 70
For one month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a no-holds-barred game of tag they’ve been playing since the first grade—risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships...
Total: 78
Gen 3 Seven Channel Amplifier Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 Amplifier Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control...
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Blu-ray.com review by Michael Reuben
Video: 100
Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray is typical of contemporary productions derived from a digital intermediate: sharp, clear, richly colored with solid blacks, and free of any noticeable distortion or...
Audio: 80
Like most comedies, Tag�has a front-oriented soundtrack, although the 5.1 mix (encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA) occasionally gets a chance to play with the surrounds, e.g., during moments of "Jerry-time",...
Extras: 40
Meet the Real Tag Brothers (1080p; 1.78:1; 5:03): Interviews and private video from members of the original ten-man tag team....
Movie: 60
Also, unless I missed something, she's the only character who actually gets bloodied from the rough and tumble of the game (not that the injury slows her down for an instant)....
Total: 70
The film is also an instructive demonstration�among many on Warner's 2018 release slate�that you don't have to spend hundreds of millions to entertain an audience and turn a profit....
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Do Blu review by Matt Paprocki
Video: 80
Shifted to a generally colorful palette, Tag delivers accurate flesh tones with a touch of comfortable warmth....
Audio: 80
Even when the music is intended to be coming from an ‘80s boombox, there’s no loss of clarity....
Extras: 40
For an additional 26 Tag screenshots, early access to all screens (plus the 15,000+ already in our library), 50+ exclusive 4K UHD reviews, and more, support us on Patreon....
Movie: 60
Trying to suss out anything else, even as Tag begs for such attention, overrides good sense....
Total: 65
A strong cast is able to stabilize the mayhem of Tag, flush with ludicrous action scenes but paired with enough humor to forgive them....
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Home Theater Forum review by Todd Erwin
Video: 100
Despite being a modest box office hit for Warner Bros., Tag receives, at best, a Blu-ray/DVD combo release on physical media (the movie is available in 4K UHD on streaming platforms Vudu, FandangoNow,...
Audio: 80
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is your fairly standard comedy mix, front-heavy with dialogue with some occasional use of surrounds during some of the tag-chase sequences....
Extras: 60
Meet the Real Tag Brothers (1080p; 5:03): Interviews and footage of the guys that the Wall Street Journal article was based on that inspired the movie....
Movie: 70
Tag (not to be confused with the 2015 Japanese horror film of the same name) falls into that latter category, using an article by Russell Adams that first appeared in the Wall Street Journal in 2013 about...
Total: 80
Tag was a bit of a surprise for me, a film I wasn’t exactly sure I’d enjoy, and walked away pleasantly surprised....
Director: Jeff Tomsic
Actors: Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms, Jake Johnson
PlotA group of five childhood friends has been playing an elaborate game of tag for one month every year for the past 30 years. The game has kept them bonded through adulthood, creating a blend of nostalgia and competition that sees them traveling across the country to tag each other. One of their friends, Jerry, has never been tagged and is widely considered the most elusive player. As Jerry is about to get married and plans to retire from the game undefeated, Hoagie, Callahan, Randy, and Sable band together for one last attempt to finally tag Jerry during his wedding month.
Their pursuit involves increasingly elaborate and comedic strategies as they navigate various personal challenges and life changes. The stakes are higher than ever with Jerry's unbeatable streak on the line. From crashing weddings to impersonating hospital staff, the friends push their limits to outsmart Jerry. But as they engage in these antics, they also reflect on their deep friendship and the lengths they'll go to maintain it. All these schemes, strategies, and reflections lead to a series of unexpected twists and encounters, testing the boundaries of their camaraderie and commitment until the climactic moment of their lifelong game.
Writers: Rob McKittrick, Mark Steilen, Russell Adams
Release Date: 15 Jun 2018
Runtime: 100 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish