HTF DVD REVIEW: SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (1 Viewer)

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD DVD

Studio: Universal

Year: 2010

Rated: PG-13

Film Length: 1 hour, 53 minutes

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, English DVS Dolby Digital 2.0

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Release Date: November 9, 2010

The Movie

Not so long ago in the mysterious land of Toronto, Canada...

So begins Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, the big screen adaptation of the graphic novel series created by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Scott Pilgrim(Michael Cera) is a 23-year-old bass player in the band Sex Bob-omb who is dating a 17-year-old girl, Knives Chau(Ellen Wong). Scott becomes smitten by Ramona(Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a mysterious American girl. Ramona seems to be the girl of his dreams but, before Scott can win her heart, he must break off his relationship with Knives and defeat Ramona’s seven evil ex-boyfriends in combat. The talented cast also includes Jason Schwartzman(Bored To Death), Brandon Routh(Superman Returns), Anna Kendrick(Twilight Eclipse), Aubrey Plaza(Parks and Recreation), and many others.

Director Edgar Wright(Shaun of the Dead) has created a stylish, eye-popping adaptation of the graphic novels by combining elements from such diverse sources as anime, manga, videogames, and the Batman TV series starring Adam West. Although Wright may not have invented the innovative cinematic techniques used in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, he deserves credit for combining these techniques from anime and action films to create a final product that is somewhat unique. We do not often see "speed lines" from comic books painted onto a live action film for dramatic emphasis or to express high velocity, but Wright demonstrates this can be done, and done effectively. The result is a film that captures some of the style of the story’s graphic novel origins, and film techniques that are certain to be copied by other film directors in future films.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a film best enjoyed if you are not too literal-minded and do not take your films too seriously. If, for example, you are inclined to get hung up on the question of how Scott, a seemingly ordinary young man, seems to become a world class martial artist while battling the evil superhero ex-boyfriends, then this film may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you can sit back and enjoy the original cinematic ride that is designed for the audience in this film, then your reward may be riches far and above the coins you will see raining down during the film.

Video

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World appears on DVD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Video image is excellent with only minor compression issues. Brightness and contrast are fine with only some minimal black crush. DNR and edge enhancement are employed sparingly. This is a fine transfer from film to DVD and I imagine the Blu-ray edition is probably spectacular. Colors are muted and drab but this is an aesthetic decision of the filmmakers and is not indicative of a flawed transfer.

Audio

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks do fine service to the film material. Dialogue intelligibility is fine with excellent dynamic range. Surround sound effects are employed extensively in the film for ambient sounds, music, sound effects, and the like for a truly immersive experience.

Special Features

The special features are extensive and include all of the following:

Feature length commentary by co-writer/director/producer Edgar Wright, co-writer Michael Bacall, and graphic novel creator Bryan Lee O’Malley.

Technical commentary by co-writer/director/producer Edgar Wright and director of photography Bill Pope.

Cast commentary by actors Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong, and Brandon Routh.

Cast commentary by actors Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin, and Mark Webber.

Deleted Scenes (27:23): These may be selected individually or with a "Play All" option and include an alternate ending for the film.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The Bloopers (9:39): Flubs by the cast and crew.

Trivia Track: This option provides trivia in the form of subtitles during the feature film.

Galleries: This feature is navigated by use of the arrows on your remote control and contains extensive images divided into the following categories: Production Photos, Edgar’s Photo A Day Blog, Johnny Simmons’ Photos, Ellen Wong’s Photos, Mark Webber’s Photos, Theatrical Posters, Fictional Posters, Bryan’s Flip Charts, Storyboards, Conceptual Art Gallery, Graphic Novel Comparison Gallery, and Mecha-Gideon-The Original Boss Battle.

The following trailers also play automatically after the disc is loaded: Death Race 2000(1:02), Scott Pilgrim Videogame(0:37), Blu-ray(1:28), Back To The Future on Blu-ray and DVD(1:18), Focus Features(1:09), Despicable Me(0:44), and Charlie St. Cloud(0:33).

Conclusion

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is an original and entertaining comic book adaptation that possibly creates a few new film techniques. The downside to this innovative presentation is that this film is not for everyone; if you came of age before videogames were invented, the story may be difficult to follow. This may explain why Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World did not have higher box office receipts, and may also explain how this unique film will probably find its true following on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download. The video and audio elements of this DVD are excellent. There is a wealth of special features included as well, including more deleted scenes than you see with most releases and 4(!) different audio commentaries. If you were born after 1960 and are looking for a unique and original film experience, then Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is recommended for your viewing pleasure.