Beer League Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Beer League," released by MVD Marquee Collection in collaboration with FilmRise, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, despite the back cover indicating 1.85:1. This updated release marks an improvement over the Echo Bridge Entertainment version, historically noted for its less-than-stellar MPEG-2 encoding. While the overall vivid palette is consistent, there is a discernible enhancement in clarity and resolution, particularly regarding the grain field. The image maintains an older master aesthetic, exhibiting minor wobble and a slightly gritty appearance, with detail levels ranging from very good to excellent. Close-up shots reveal notable improvements in fine details.

However, the transfer does retain some issues indicative of age-related wear such as dirt, scratches, and occasional specks. Additionally, this Blu-ray is marked by thick grain that sometimes falters in conjunction with compression issues and noticeable edge enhancement—most prominently during scenes set in high-contrast environments like an Italian restaurant where blocking and banding become apparent. Halos also present challenges, detracting from natural sharpness. Despite these imperfections, the presentation's color profile is laudable; primary colors are strikingly vibrant, especially reds and greens, although they occasionally verge on over-saturation. Brightness levels are maintained at a high standard, contributing to consistent depth and contrast.

In summary, the MVD Marquee Collection's handling of "Beer League" on Blu-ray showcases a satisfactory balance between preserving the film’s nostalgic charm and offering improved visual fidelity. This updated edition rectifies many of its predecessor's shortcomings while still demonstrating the limitations of the original source material. Fans of the film are likely to appreciate the enhanced detailing and vibrant color presentation despite the inherent minor flaws.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray of "Beer League" presents a mixed bag. The disc includes both Dolby Digital 5.1 and lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks. Notably, the 5.1 track avoids the amplitude issues that plagued past releases and provides a considerable expansion of the soundstage, especially during outdoor game scenes. However, it lacks a lossless audio option, which is a significant shortcoming for a Blu-ray disc. Fidelity within the Dolby Digital context is fine, with clear dialog and adequately immersive surround effects.

In contrast, the DTS-HD soundstage is more immersive, particularly effective in scenes set in bars where music and background chatter envelop the listener. The ambiance during small-crowd games wraps around effectively, providing an engaging listening experience. Beach scenes also benefit from this format, with crashing waves seamlessly blending into the dialog for a naturalistic touch. The low-end presence is modest, offering some spunk during the soundtrack but not providing much else for the subwoofer to handle. The overall sound design complements the film's atmosphere, although the absence of a fully lossless audio track remains a detractor for audiophiles.

The Blu-ray extras for "Beer League" provide a comprehensive and engaging dive into the film's production and promotional journey. Artie Lange and director Frank Sebastiano offer a valuable audio commentary, setting the tone for a well-rounded set of additional features. The "Beer Goggles" short may feel somewhat disjointed but is compensated for by extensive behind-the-scenes content, including 18 minutes of raw footage from the set and intimate clips from Artie's promotional appearances on "The Best Damn Sports Show" and "The Jimmy Kimmel Show." A notable highlight is 19 minutes of raw interviews with key cast and crew, which give an enriched understanding of the film's creation. Although some segments like Artie's studio gags feel weaker, the overall package is robust, rounded off by photo galleries and trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Artie Lange and Frank Sebastiano: In-depth commentary.
• Beer Goggles Short: Short skit.
• Beer League: Behind the Scenes: Extensive set footage.
• Artie Behind the Scenes from Best Damn Sports Show: Green room clips.
• Artie Behind the Scenes at The Jimmy Kimmel Show: Additional promo clips.
• Live from Cine Vegas!: Footage from the Vegas premiere.
• In the Studio with Artie: Jokes and Ringtones: Studio sessions.
• Raw Interviews: Insights from cast and crew.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of images.
• Unrated Trailer: Extended preview.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer.

"Beer League" presents a raucous take on the down-and-out lifestyle of Artie DeVanzo (Artie Lange), whose passions for beer and baseball form the backbone of the film. This crude comedy spins around DeVanzo's alcohol-fueled antics and offers humor derived from his many misadventures. Fans of brain-dead, juvenile humor might find intermittent laughs, although Lange's real-life struggles with addiction can put a damper on the film's comedic intentions. The movie is unapologetically boorish, serving as a modern parallel to the provocative comedies of the 1980s.

Produced with apparent budgetary constraints, the film's TV-level production values showcase Director Frank Sebastino’s television roots. The set pieces include bar scenes, softball fields, and a smattering of other locations that contribute to the movie’s feel of stitched-together skits rather than a cohesive narrative. The film operates in a space where nothing is off-limits, from racial jabs to bawdy bachelor party shenanigans led by Ralph Macchio's character. Its brashness could be construed as either a flaw or a hallmark, depending on one's appreciation for its lowbrow nature.

Despite its flaws, "Beer League" does manage to carve out occasional moments of interest. Lange's portrayal is abrasive and ludicrous by design, creating sporadic instances of humor through his outrageousness and willingness to entertain at any cost. The male bonding scenes—however crude—exude a certain raunchy camaraderie central to this genre of sports comedy. Ultimately, "Beer League" functions more as a collection of scattered gags rather than achieving narrative coherence, aiming to resonate with viewers who revel in mid-life crisis fantasies of drinking and sex on screen.

The Blu-ray release of "Beer League" from MVD and FilmRise presents a visually improved experience over the Echo Bridge Entertainment version. The video quality showcases subtle enhancements, albeit not groundbreaking. The image is clear with reasonably good color balance and sharpness, indicative of a well-executed transfer from the original materials. Fans of '80s style humor will find the film's crude comedy and unfiltered approach reminiscent of that era, though it sporadically delivers effective comedic moments within its loosely structured narrative.

Despite the visual improvements, it's important to note that the audio quality falls short. The release provides only lossy audio, which is a significant drawback for audiophiles and anyone expecting high-fidelity sound from their home theater systems. The lack of advanced audio encoding affects the overall immersive experience, making it less impactful during pivotal scenes that rely on sound to deliver full comedic effect. However, this is balanced by the inclusion of supplementary materials that mirror those found in previous releases, adding some value to the purchase for fans who appreciate bonus content.

In conclusion, while the Echo Bridge Entertainment release of "Beer League" is now priced exorbitantly, the MVD and FilmRise version offers a more economical option with slightly superior video quality. However, potential buyers should be aware of the lossy audio limitation. For fans seeking an affordable way to enjoy this nostalgic piece of raunchy '80s style humor, this release serves as a decent choice, providing an overall satisfactory viewing experience with minor caveats regarding audio performance.