![Adventureland [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/2/21/50x50px-ZC-21655f50_adventureland_BD_front.jpg)
Greg Mottola's (Superbad) Adventureland from Miramax (Disney) is a relatively sweet tale of growing up in the mid-'80s, which is quite unlike the way that it was represented in TV advertising. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the story, while not terribly deep, does allow for some good performances, most notably from a very low key Jesse Eisenberg (The Squid and the Whale), and an equally low key Kristen Stewart (Panic Room).
Adventureland looks just fine on Blu-ray. It should, as it's derived from a 2k DI, and is presented with audio in DTS HD format, which probably isn't necessary for the film.
What I found odd, and strangely disturbing, is what some may perceive as a bit of potentially false advertising.
Many R rated films are released to home video in "unrated" versions. In most cases they contain virtually nothing that would up their rating. They simply have not been reviewed by the MPAA, making them "unrated." Understand, that if Disney decided to make a small change in Bambi, and decided to bypass the MPAA, that it too would be "unrated."
Emblazoned on front cover in large type, is the word UNRATED.
Whatever, one might ponder, has been added?
The answer is nothing, as the UNRATED nomenclature refers, as it does on virtually every other home video release, to Bonus Features. Just below the UNRATED verbiage are two additional words -- Bonus features. As an aside, there is little within the "bonus feature" category that needs one's attention. Bonus features, which started their existence as still frame galleries and commentary tracks, along with other items of interest on early Criterion laser discs, have reached a point at which during production, time and dollars are spent on what can be added to the DVD as bonus material.
It's time that an important point was understood.
Not every film needs, or merits, bonus material. Adventureland is one of them.
As noted above, Adventureland is a sweet little film that looks just fine on Blu-ray, and is worth a rental.
RAH
Adventureland looks just fine on Blu-ray. It should, as it's derived from a 2k DI, and is presented with audio in DTS HD format, which probably isn't necessary for the film.
What I found odd, and strangely disturbing, is what some may perceive as a bit of potentially false advertising.
Many R rated films are released to home video in "unrated" versions. In most cases they contain virtually nothing that would up their rating. They simply have not been reviewed by the MPAA, making them "unrated." Understand, that if Disney decided to make a small change in Bambi, and decided to bypass the MPAA, that it too would be "unrated."
Emblazoned on front cover in large type, is the word UNRATED.
Whatever, one might ponder, has been added?
The answer is nothing, as the UNRATED nomenclature refers, as it does on virtually every other home video release, to Bonus Features. Just below the UNRATED verbiage are two additional words -- Bonus features. As an aside, there is little within the "bonus feature" category that needs one's attention. Bonus features, which started their existence as still frame galleries and commentary tracks, along with other items of interest on early Criterion laser discs, have reached a point at which during production, time and dollars are spent on what can be added to the DVD as bonus material.
It's time that an important point was understood.
Not every film needs, or merits, bonus material. Adventureland is one of them.
As noted above, Adventureland is a sweet little film that looks just fine on Blu-ray, and is worth a rental.
RAH
