Funny People Blu-ray

Funny People

 (2009)

Comedy | Drama



George Simmons is a famous stand-up comedian who learns that he has a terminal illness and less than a year to live. When, he meets Ira, a struggling comedian at a comedy club where both the comedians are performing, George hires Ira to be his personal assistant and opening act at his performances. The two forge a close friendship as George helps Ira with his career and Ira helps George find closure in his legacy. However, when George learns that his disease has gone into remission and an ex-girlfriend re-enters his life, he's inspired to reevaluate what is important to him and what truly gives meaning to his life.

For more details about Funny People on Blu-ray, see the Funny People Blu-ray Review

Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana
Director: Judd Apatow

Funny People Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Funny People arrives on Blu-ray with a faithful 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that looks every bit as good as a film shot by longtime Spielberg collaborator and Oscar-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (Schindler's List, Minority Report, Munich) should. While desaturated colors and moderate grain dominate the presentation, both lend the picture dramatic punch and legitimacy; while raw lighting and oppressive shadows rule many a nighttime scene, both grant Apatow's production a haunting, filmic appearance. In essence, what it lacks in aesthetic polish, it boasts in artistic nuance. Thankfully, Universal's technical efforts are respectful of Kaminski's vision. Detail is surprisingly sharp, definition is crisp, and textures are refined and revealing. Moreover, contrast is strong (albeit a tad hot at times) and black levels are well-resolved. I wouldn't call the image three-dimensional, but depth is rarely an issue and only seems shortchanged during some of Sandler and Rogen's live stand up performances. Likewise, I wouldn't call the image clean -- the aforementioned grain can be quite inconsistent and aggressive -- but digital anomalies only pop up in a handful of brief instances (the most noticeable of which occurs in a split-second shot during Sandler and Bana's outdoor tussle). Otherwise, artifacting, banding, noise, aliasing, and smearing are nowhere to be found, and shimmering and ringing, though present, aren't significant distractions.

As it stands, I doubt anyone other than the most discerning cinephiles will declare Funny People's oft-times bleak cinematography to be a thing of beauty. However, the merits of Universal's technical transfer are many, and the studio should be commended accordingly. I for one am pleased with the results.

Funny People Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is impressive as well. Yes, frequent conversations anchor the majority of the soundscape to the center channel, creating a front-heavy experience, and yes, quiet scenes are far more abundant than sonic showcases, but the mix exudes realism from beginning to end. Empty rooms sound sufficiently empty, crowded performance halls fill the rear speakers with murmuring audience members, intimate backstage greenrooms seem as small and cramped as they appear. However, it's due to more than a series of convincing ambient effects and acoustic subtleties. Directionality is nearly impeccable, pans are natural, and LFE output is reserved but on task at all times. Voices, vehicles, and scuffles are weighty, and Sandler and Rogen's exchanges, whether whispered or shouted, are clear and nicely prioritized. Archive footage and low-key comedy club scenes suffer from normalization issues, background noise, and occasional hiss, but I suspect Apatow used each to enhance the tone of the film. Similarly, several locations -- specifically an airport, an examination room, and a Hollywood bar -- sound a tad stagey, but not enough to overly detract from the overall experience.

Ultimately, Funny People's DTS-HD Master Audio track isn't going to turn heads by any means. What it will do is win attentive listeners over with its believable design, enveloping soundfield, and technical excellence.

Funny People Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Today on Blu-ray - November 24th - November 24, 2009


• Apatow to Make Appearance on Funny or Die - November 17, 2009


• Universal Details Funny People Blu-ray Release - October 28, 2009


• Funny People BD for November - September 25, 2009

Funny People Blu-ray, Forum Discussions

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