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 Review by: Ben Swaim
First off, I have to tell you I might have some bias as I am a huge Jason Segel fan. From Undeclared to How I Met Your Mother (my current favorite show), he just makes me chuckle. So you can expect how excited I was to hear that he had written a movie and is the lead star! Anyway, the Blu-ray itself is so stuffed with a theatrical and unrated version of the film (8 min difference), along with a heck of a lot of extras (all in HD), that make this one of the best comedies on Blu-ray to pick up!
The film starts off as we get to see Peter (Segel) in fine form in his apartment living life up unaware that he is about to get his heart broken in two by the famous Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). After the breakup happens, his step brother (Bill Hader) suggests Peter take a vacation. From here the film is set. Everything seems fine until he gets the Resort in Hawaii, the worst thing that can happen does as he finds out that his ex is there, along with a free spirited singer by the name of Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).
Luckily, to cheer Peter up is some of the hotels staff and a beautiful (SMOKIN!) employee named Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis). Combining all these characters and the story line is what makes this movie shine. There a bunch of familiar faces in the bunch as well, including Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, and "30 Rock’s" Jack McBrayer. The film is hilarious from start to finish. Peter is so desperate and sad it’s funny, but what really shines is the staff at the resort. The combination of a heartbroken song writer, a very funny bartender, a weed-smoking surfer, and a sexaphobic newlywed make for some smart comedy.
The film is also smart to mix things up a bit, as it’s not only a sex comedy, as it throws some romance in there for the girlfriend. Although the film isn’t nonstop laughter as in other Apatow flicks, it adds heart that makes it a personal favorite. Overall, this flick works well as a comedy, romance, and most importantly, a feel-good film that will just have you smiling from start to finish.
Movie Score: 10/10
Presentation
Universal so far has brought us some amazing picture quality since they began releasing films on Blu-ray, and it doesn’t stop here. The film is presented on a 50GB disc and looks beautiful. The atmosphere of Hawaii is tropical and bright. The detail is great with skin tones that are realistic (even though in some scenes it does look like a spray on tan). The dark scenes (the few there are) are somewhat bland, but mostly the light of torches and the moon help to lighten the scene up and add detail to the shot.
Universal offers a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track and what more can I say then the words are well heard. Although there is nothing that gives my speakers a workout, a few scenes of waves crashing was a surrounding experience that made me feel like I was in the water, only minus being wet.
Presentation Score: 8/10
Extras
What really is impressive is how much bonus features they put on the disc! Not only that but THEY ARE ALL IN HD! WAHOOO!
First off, you have the biggie which the Feature Commentary. It is hilarious, especially with Jason Segel and Jack McBrayer in it (plus like the rest of the cast minus Bell, who they do call) . There is also some cameos such as Macauley Culkin’s as the coffee boy. It’s definitely worth the time, but the PIP also makes the visuals an eyesore so be prepared to look at the small PIP and not the big screen.
The PIP and Karaoke are all great as well. Usually Apatow films have soo many outtakes and extra scenes and that doesn’t stop here. You got extra Crime Scenes and Gag Reels to keep you busy. Plus we have more to look forward to as you can connect to BD Live and download new extras as they are released. All in all this is a amazing treat to show how much BD is capable.
Extras Score: 10/10
In conclusion
Overall this film is one of those movies that just makes you smile and keep you laughing along the way! The High-Def part of the disc just makes it an even better treat to dive in. If you love Apatow Comedies, Jason Segel, or just a pretty tropical picture, then YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS OUT! If you’re iffy, but you want to laugh, smile, and see a penis then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? BUY IT!!!!
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