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it’s Complicated
Studio: Universal
Year: 2009
Length: 2 hrs 1 min
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
BD Resolution: 1080p
BD Video Codec: VC-1 (@ an average 30 mbps)
Color/B&W: Color
Audio:
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (@ an average 4.0 mbps)
Spanish DTS 5.1
French DTS 5.1
English DVS (Descriptive Visual Service) 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Film Rating: R (Some Drug Content and Sexuality)
Release Date: April 27, 2010
Starring: Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin and John Krasinski
Written and Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Film Rating: 1 ½/5
I have to admit being dumbfounded while watching It’s Complicated. I can understand that its primary appeal will be to women, and that it’s clearly geared in that direction. And I can appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the film, particularly the seamless New York set interiors that match Santa Barbara exteriors. But the script and direction here are so limited that the film wastes not only the talents of Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, but it then meanders on for over 2 hours, by which point most of the audience’s attention has long since drifted. Meryl Streep seems to be having a good time here, although very little is asked of her considerable acting skills. (This is the same sort of good-natured performance we saw in Mamma Mia!, albeit without the singing.) Alec Baldwin appears to be channeling the hammier aspects of his current role on “30 Rock”, and Steve Martin gives an oddly muted performance that only comes to life during a brief party sequence involving marijuana. Given the two men’s long history at “Saturday Night Live”, I really expected more for them to do here than what they have been given. BTW I must agree with Ed Faver’s review of the SD edition of this film, in that the “R” rating appears more than a little harsh, given the mild nature of what we see onscreen.
It’s Complicated has been released on standard definition DVD and Blu-ray as of last week. The Blu-ray edition holds a high definition picture and sound transfer, an HD transfer of the “Making of” featurette, and the same commentary from the SD edition. Further Blu-ray functionality is also part of the package, including pocket BLU, social BLU, My Scenes, an online ticker and trailers. I have a feeling that fans of Nancy Meyers from films like Something’s Gotta Give will want to check this out, as will fans of the lead actors. But I suggest renting this title first, as you may find that the film here is far less than the sum of its parts.
VIDEO QUALITY 3 ½/5
It’s Complicated is presented in a 1080p VC-1 1.85:1 transfer that shows off the fine work of cinematographer John Toll, who has a lot of fun seamlessly presenting a variety of Santa Barbara environments within various New York soundstage. This transfer also presents the cast in a fairly pleasing and flattering light, which is a bigger challenge considering that the two primary leads spend a bit of the film half-clothed or less. I should note that I am watching the film on a 40” Sony XBR2 HDTV. If anyone is watching the film on a larger monitor and is having issues, please post them on this thread.
AUDIO QUALITY 3 ½ /5
It's Complicated is presented in an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in English, along with standard DTS 5.1 mixes in French and Spanish. There is also an English Descriptive Visual Service track available. The DTS-HD MA mix mostly finds purchase in the front channels, but the surrounds definitely get attention with music and atmospheric sound. Considering the genre and the relatively light demands made on the mix, this is a fine job.
SPECIAL FEATURES 2 ½/5
The Blu-Ray presentation of It’s Complicated comes with the usual BD-Live connectivity and My Scenes functionality, as well as pocket BLU and social BLU. The disc carries over the two extras from the SD edition, a group commentary and a featurette in HD.
Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Nancy Meyers, Cinematographer John Toll, Editor Joe Hutshing and Executive Producer Suzanne Farwell – This group commentary, while scene-specific, is really a showcase for Nancy Meyers to discuss her ideas about the film, with occasional comments from the others sitting with her. It’s interesting to know that the film’s striking visual opening was actually a post-production addition when the filmmakers realized people would not know where the film is set, and that Meyers wrote the primary part with Streep in mind. If you’re a fan of Nancy Meyers, you’ll probably enjoy this track. If you’re a more casual observer, you may find your interest wandering after a while.
The Making of It’s Complicated – (20:40, 1080p) This extended EPK features the usual cast and director interviews, along with film clips and on-set video. There really isn’t much to this, other than the usual mutual compliments among the cast and creative staff.
BD-Live - The more general BD-Live screen is accessible via the menu, which makes various online materials available, including tickers, trailers and special events. At the time of this review, the BD-Live functionality has not been activated yet.
My Scenes - The usual bookmarking feature is included here.
pocket BLU and social BLU – The latest Blu-ray features of phone apps and social networking are included here for viewers with the right iPhones, Blackberries and other current hardware.
The usual promotional ticker is present on the main menu, but can be toggled off at your discretion. The film is subtitled in English, French and Spanish. The usual pop-up menu is present, along with a complete chapter menu. Further, when you first put the Blu-ray in the player, several trailers will load from BD-Live, which you can get past by hitting the “Next Chapter” button.
IN THE END...
It’s Complicated is a film that may well appeal to its target audience, but it does not add up to the sum of its talented parts. The film is given solid high definition transfers in picture and sound, as well as a commentary track mostly featuring Nancy Meyers. Fans of Meyers, Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin may wish to rent this title first before purchasing.
Kevin Koster
May 4, 2010.
