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Blu-ray Review Pitch Perfect Aca-Awesome Edition Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

Todd Erwin

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Pitch Perfect Aca-Awesome Edition Blu-ray Review

As a tie-in to promote the upcoming Pitch Perfect 2, Universal has repackaged Pitch Perfect, the original film from 2012, in an Aca-Awesome Edition, adding a Sing-Along subtitle track, and nothing more.



Studio: Universal

Distributed By: N/A

Video Resolution and Encode: 1080P/AVC

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, English DVS 2.0, French 5.1 DTS

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 1 Hr. 52 Min.

Package Includes: Blu-ray, Digital Copy, UltraViolet

Blu-ray eco-keepcase with outer sleeve

Disc Type: BD50 (dual layer)

Region: A

Release Date: 05/05/2015

MSRP: $22.98




The Production Rating: 4/5

Struggling to fit in, Beca (Anna Kendrick) interns at the campus radio station and joins The Bellas, an all-girl a cappella group led by Aubrey (Anna Camp) and Chloe (Brittany Snow), that is trying to overcome a humiliating performance at last year’s national competition held at Lincoln Center. Their main competition is an all-boy group, the Treble Makers, led by Bumper Allen (Adam Devine), who are the reigning national champions (with whom Aubrey strictly forbids any Bellas to mingle with). The Bellas’ new lineup is a bunch of misfits, much to control-freak Aubrey’s frustration, including Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), sexpot Stacie (Alexis Knapp), lesbian Cynthia-Rose (Ester Dean), and the all-too-quiet Lilly (Hana Mae Lee). Chloe’s issue is that she is unwilling to shake things up, instead sticking to the same routine, dressing them in flight attendant uniforms and singing the same songs with the same choreography they have been performing for years. What has made the Treble Makers winners year after year is taking chances and always performing something new, and Aubrey shuts down any improvisation from Beca and Fat Amy. But Beca is a genius at mash-up, spending her free time remixing songs on her laptop, much to the delight of Treble Maker Jesse (Skylar Astin), who works with her at the radio station. Can Beca convince Aubrey to shake things up and bring in some originality, hopefully crushing the Treble Makers at this year’s Nationals?

Pitch Perfect was a pleasant surprise, a fun musical comedy that pokes fun at a cappella competitions while at the same time shows respect for misfits overcoming their shortcomings and succeeding. Director Jason Moore and writer Kay Cannon manage to walk the fine line of mocking its subject matter without becoming overly mean-spirited. Kendrick, Astin, and Wilson shine in their roles, as do John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks (who also produced the film) as emcees at the competitions.



Video Rating: 4/5  3D Rating: NA

Pitch Perfect arrives on Blu-ray for the second time, and is very likely the same AVC-encoded transfer used on the 2012 release, retaining the film’s 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Colors are vibrant without appearing over-saturated. Blacks are deep and inky, while whites are bright without clipping. Detail, for the most part, is excellent, with some rare softness in a few shots if really looking for it.



Audio Rating: 4/5

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is terrific, bringing the harmonics of a cappella full force. Dialogue is clear and directed mostly to the center channel, but spread across the soundstage nicely when appropriate during the musical numbers. Surrounds are highly active during these musical numbers, and LFE is put to good use, as well.



Special Features Rating: 3.5/5

Sing-Along Version: Previously released on Blu-ray in 2012, those same features have been ported over to this re-issue. The only new feature is a Sing-Along subtitle track, only available for viewing with the English DTS-HD MA track.

Audio Commentary with Director Jason Moore and Producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman: This is a fun and informative track covering many of the aspects of the production.

Audio Commentary with Producer Paul Brooks: Another informative track on the production.

Starships Music Video (1080p; 3:55): Featuring Mike Tompkins and the cast of Pitch Perfect, plus video clips submitted by fans of the film.

Deleted and Extended Scenes (1080p; 15:38): A collection of twelve scenes from the cutting room floor.

Meanwhile... (1080p; 19:09): Five additional extended or alternate cuts of scenes.

Line-O-Ramas (1080p; 12:39): Alternate, improvised line readings.

Backstage at Barden (1080p; 4:26): Mock interviews with characters from the film.

On the Set: Burrito Drive-by (1080p; 1:16): A behind the scenes look at the burrito tossing scene.

A Look Inside (1080p; 2:54): An all too brief look behind the scenes of the movie.

Digital HD Copy: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy through both Ultraviolet partners and iTunes. The code is subject to expiration, but no expiration date was provided.



Overall Rating: 4/5

Pitch Perfect is a quite enjoyable musical comedy. With the Sing-Along version the only new feature on this re-issue, owners of the previous release may want to skip this one. Otherwise, the disc looks and sounds great, and has a decent set of extra features.


Reviewed By: Todd Erwin


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