The Girl Next Door Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Girl Next Door" falls short of expectations, revealing several inconsistencies and technical flaws. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer exhibits unstable contrast levels, resulting in distorted and blown-out whites that lack detail. Elevated brightness levels contribute to flat and lifeless blacks, though shadow detail remains fairly strong, enhancing depth during low-light scenes. The color palette, while containing a range of hues, appears muted and lacks vibrancy. Flesh tones are notably inconsistent, sometimes appearing pinkish and distracting. Moreover, the resolution is inconsistent, with scenes often appearing soft and occasionally muddled. The grain is present in unpredictable waves, ranging from moderately heavy to barely noticeable, which further detracts from the overall quality.

In terms of overall clarity and sharpness, the transfer struggles. The image often looks dated, as if the film was shot much earlier than 2004. Despite some punchy hues in specific scenes, such as the strip club and Adult Film Convention sequences, most of the film’s visuals are dull and washed-out. While outdoor daytime scenes fare better, providing a more crisp and modern appearance, the heavy grain and softer-than-usual shots diminish overall clarity. Although the film maintains its cinematic feel to some extent, the video quality ultimately feels like only a marginal upgrade from the previous DVD release.

In summary, the Blu-ray presentation of "The Girl Next Door" does not live up to the standard set by other catalog releases. Disappointing contrast, inconsistent resolution, and fluctuating grain levels create an uneven viewing experience that might leave prospective upgraders from DVD questioning the value of this edition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "The Girl Next Door" is a marked improvement over its video transfer. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track, while not overwhelmingly active, handles the film's predominantly dialogue-driven scenes with clarity and precision. Dialogue is consistently clean and well-balanced throughout the mix, with minimal instances of muffled lines. Surround speaker engagement is sporadic but effective, mainly coming into play during environmental ambient sounds such as pool splashes, party noise, and notable scenes set in public venues like a strip club and an Adult Film Convention.

One of the standout features of this audio track is its treatment of the film’s eclectic soundtrack, which includes artists like Elliott Smith, Mogwai, Queen, N.E.R.D., and Marvin Gaye. The bass response is robust yet controlled, enriching the music without overwhelming other audio elements. Dynamics are punchy, giving energetic depth to both music tracks and busier scenes. While the high-end could be cleaner, the overall mix avoids sounding compressed or squashed. Surround sound usage is front-centric but delivers a balanced and engaging listening experience, particularly when music plays a prominent role.

In summary, while "The Girl Next Door" might lack extensive surround activity commonly found in more dynamic genres, its DTS-HD MA 5.1 track provides a competent and consistent audio experience. The dialogue remains clear and the music elements are rendered with significant depth and energy, making the film's soundtrack one of its stronger aspects, ensuring an overall satisfactory auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Girl Next Door" offer a mixed bag of content that balances between standard behind-the-scenes material and more specific insights into the film's production. The director's commentary by Luke Greenfield revisits the familiar production challenges and script development narratives, illuminating how pivotal casting was to this teen comedy. While scene-specific commentary contributions by Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert provide personable, anecdotal reflections, they don't add significant new insights. The "The Eli Experience" is a quirky, one-time watch featuring pranks at an adult expo. Conversely, "A Look Next Door" and the gag reel tread familiar ground with their promotional interviews and standard on-set mishaps, respectively. The deleted and extended scenes, totaling sixteen, were mostly cut for pacing, though they include a notably confusing alternate ending.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Luke Greenfield: Insight into the film's production and casting.
• Scene Specific Commentary by Emile Hirsch: Personal reflections on five scenes.
• Scene Specific Commentary by Elisha Cuthbert: Rehearsals, costuming, and partial nudity decisions.
• The Eli Experience: Chris Marquette's pranks at an adult expo.
• A Look Next Door: Behind-the-scenes interviews and promotional content with cast and director.
• Gag Reel: Flubbed lines and bloopers.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Sixteen scenes with optional commentary by Luke Greenfield.
• The Girl Next Door Trailer: Promotional material.

"The Girl Next Door" is a tongue-wagging, sexy comedy that blends youthful innocence with mature themes, centering on Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch), a high school senior with political aspirations who falls in love with Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), the mysterious new neighbor. The revelation of Danielle's past as a porn star disrupts Matthew's sheltered existence, leading to a coming-of-age tale that delves deeper than the average teen sex comedy. Essential to its charm, the film avoids relying heavily on raunchy humor, instead focusing on character development and the nuanced dynamics of Matthew and Danielle's burgeoning relationship.

While the movie's premise brings to mind the classic '80s teen films of John Hughes more than the crude teen romps of the '90s, it does owe a stylistic debt to "Risky Business." Nonetheless, "The Girl Next Door" stands out due to its sweeter and more grounded narrative approach. The characters are more fleshed out than typical archetypes—Matthew is a studious kid burdened with high expectations, while Danielle is portrayed with both vulnerability and audacity. The chemistry between Hirsch and Cuthbert contributes significantly to the film's appeal, making their romantic journey relatable and emotionally engaging.

Though the film has its flaws, such as Danielle's occasionally inconsistent character portrayal and some plot incongruities, its ambiance and heart set it apart from contemporary counterparts. "The Girl Next Door" balances humor with deep, sometimes contradictory themes involving sexual objectification and personal redemption. Its refusal to indulge in gross-out gags underscores its aim for a more enduring and heartfelt narrative. Ultimately, while not the most original or flawless teen romance, it offers a refreshing alternative to the often mindless sex-fueled schlock that frequents the genre.

"The Girl Next Door" emerges as an engaging and poignant teen sex comedy laced with genuine heart, distinguishing itself from its overtly lewd counterparts. The film attempts to rise above the traditional formulaic narratives of teenage comedies, drawing notable influence from John Hughes' oeuvre. Its emotional depth and unexpected sweetness make it a worthwhile viewing experience. However, potential viewers should approach with tempered expectations regarding the Blu-ray's visual presentation, as the picture quality upgrade from the DVD is underwhelming.

In terms of marketing, the film has suffered from a misaligned promotional strategy that might have deterred its ideal audience, while attracting fans expecting another "American Pie"-esque romp. This disparity has perhaps hindered its broader appreciation. Despite the notable flaws in portrayal and marketing, "The Girl Next Door" stands out with its originality and attempts at deeper storytelling.

For those who missed it initially or hold a DVD copy, the reasonably priced Blu-ray remains a viable purchase, though it may lack the compelling visual enhancements warranting a double dip. While not without its imperfections, "The Girl Next Door" excels in delivering a surprisingly heartfelt narrative, making it deserving of reconsideration by a broader audience.