Imagine That Blu-ray Review

"Imagine That" impresses on Blu-ray with a cinematic 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer, delivering a polished and pristine video presentation. The image is impeccably clean with a mild, pleasing grain that enhances its film-like quality. The colors are vibrant, well-saturated, and warm, bringing to life every scene, whether it's the interior of boardrooms or the picturesque views of downtown Denver. Blacks are deep and stable, featuring excellent dynamic range, allowing for discernible details even in shadowy settings, such as the scene where Evan enters John's house at night.

The transfer showcases a strong sense of depth, with far background details presenting clear texture and clarity. Outdoor scenes particularly highlight the detailed, three-dimensional quality of the image. Clothing items, such as woven sweaters, are realistically rendered with rich texturing, contributing to the visual acuity of the film. Paramount's craftsmanship ensures there are no prevalent artifacts, noise, banding, or edge enhancement issues, making "Imagine That" an exemplary demonstration of high-definition video quality that encapsulates a theater-like experience at home.

"Imagine That" delivers a competent and highly enjoyable audio presentation on Blu-ray. Utilizing a lossless DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, the film ensures a high level of detail and clarity that enhances the overall viewing experience. The soundstage is balanced and effectively replicates the diverse settings depicted in the film. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-prioritized, anchored firmly in the center channel, ensuring that every word and whisper is distinctly rendered. Ambient sounds are subtly yet effectively placed within the mix, creating an immersive yet unobtrusive auditory environment.

Mark Mancina’s eclectic score provides an energetic and expansive presence that enlivens the sound field. The soundtrack effortlessly conveys the subtle nuances of background sounds, enhancing scenes with both dynamic and atmospheric elements. For instance, Olivia's scream resonates with lifelike intensity, while Evan's car racing through the scene creates a noticeable back-channel event. However, the majority of the action remains centered across the front speakers, particularly during quieter, more dialogue-driven moments.

While low-frequency effects are not overpowering, they are adequately managed to provide appropriate support to both the film's musical elements and its recorded sound effects. Scenes such as the lively birthday party at the kids' play center and Evan's public antics are particularly well-presented, offering a vibrant surround ambience that highlights the strengths of the mix. Additionally, the disc includes alternate Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in French and Spanish, as well as optional subtitles in multiple languages, broadening its accessibility. Overall, "Imagine That" offers an audio experience that is both suitable and satisfying for its genre, making it a worthwhile addition to any home entertainment collection.

The Blu-ray extras for "Imagine That" are a robust offering, featuring a mix of insightful behind-the-scenes content and entertaining outtakes. The director Karey Kirkpatrick and actress Yara Shahidi provide a commentary track that balances technical background with engaging anecdotes. Shahidi also appears in several featurettes, such as a set tour and a casting process overview. Other highlights include "A Playground of the Mind," where cast members discuss the importance of imagination, and "Star Blanket: Native American Influence," which explores cultural elements within the film. The disc also contains humorous outtakes, deleted scenes, and much more, ensuring fans have plenty to explore beyond the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

1. Commentary with director Karey Kirkpatrick and Yara Shahidi: Insightful and engaging discussions on the film's production.
2. A Playground of the Mind: Reflections on the significance of imagination from the cast and director.
3. Getting the Part: Behind-the-scenes look at Yara Shahidi's casting process.
4. Yara Shahidi Set Tour: A tour of the Paramount lot with the young star.
5. Star Blanket: Native American Influence: Examination of Native American cultural elements in the film.
6. The King and His Jesters: Insights into Kirkpatrick's directorial approach.
7. What Were They Really Saying?: Humorous outtakes from stock market analysis footage.
8. Johnny Whitefeather Outtakes: Entertaining bloopers from Thomas Haden Church.
9. Evan and Olivia Outtakes: Fun moments with Eddie Murphy and Yara Shahidi.
10. Deleted scenes and alternate ending: Extended footage providing additional context and humor.

"Imagine That," a family comedy starring Eddie Murphy, navigates the delicate balance between career and parenthood through an imaginative lens. The film follows Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy), a financial executive whose career-focused lifestyle alienates his seven-year-old daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi). When Olivia's imaginary world starts providing astoundingly accurate stock tips, Evan integrates this whimsical guidance into his professional life, ultimately rekindling his bond with her. Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Evan captures the character's transition from a career-obsessed father to a more grounded and family-oriented individual. Despite being straightforward and predictable, the film's charm stems largely from the authentic chemistry between Murphy and Shahidi.

The underlying narrative, although familiar, is enlivened by Murphy's comedic energy and Shahidi's delightful performance. Yara Shahidi shines as Olivia, bringing a natural and engaging presence to the screen, making her imaginary world feel vivid and significant. Eddie Murphy's well-timed comedic moments coupled with the heartwarming story highlights his versatility as an actor. Thomas Haden Church adds another layer of humor to the film as Johnny Whitefeather, whose zany antics and cultural analogies become increasingly entertaining. While some scenes may venture into exaggerated territory, they serve to reinforce the whimsical tone of the movie.

"Imagine That" doesn't thrive solely on comedic beats but imbues its humor with subtle life lessons on the importance of family. The narrative may occasionally divert into office drama that might not fully engage younger viewers, yet it maintains an engaging balance with its heartfelt father-daughter moments. Overall, it's a light-hearted movie that, though familiar in structure, is elevated by strong performances and a warm, family-centric message. This Blu-ray release offers a sparkling presentation of this under-the-radar gem, perfect for a heartwarming family movie night.

"Imagine That" is a family-friendly film featuring Eddie Murphy in what is considered one of his finest roles in recent years. Utilizing his comedic talent, Murphy injects humor and heartfelt moments into a story that emphasizes the value of familial bonds and the power of imagination. Yara Shahidi delivers a remarkable performance alongside Murphy, solidifying the film's emotional resonance. While the narrative may not be groundbreaking, it achieves its aim of capturing the audience's heart with its charming charisma.

From a technical standpoint, Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Imagine That" is commendable. The 1080p high-definition transfer ensures a pristine visual experience, capturing vibrant colors and fine details that enhance viewing pleasure. The audio presentation is equally strong, featuring a lossless soundtrack that provides clear dialogue and balanced sound effects. This disc also includes a variety of extra features that offer additional entertainment and context, further adding value to the package.

However, the film's pacing and content may deter some viewers. The repetitive office scenes and business-related humor could alienate both adults and children seeking a more engaging storyline. Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray production quality stands out, suggesting that while the film itself may not achieve universal acclaim, the overall package is worth considering for its technical merits.

In conclusion, "Imagine That" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag. The film succeeds in delivering heartwarming performances and family-oriented themes but falls short due to its meandering plot and lackluster office humor. Paramount's Blu-ray disc shines with exceptional video and audio quality along with worthwhile extras, making it a recommendable purchase primarily for families looking for a wholesome viewing experience.