That's My Boy

That's My Boy" on Blu-ray exemplifies the high standard of 1080p high definition transfers that Sony is renowned for, presenting a visual experience that is devoid of flaws and brimming with detail. From the onset, it's apparent that this is a standout transfer, offering a clarity and definition that remains consistent under various lighting conditions. Every scene is a testament to the power of high definition, showcasing an array of vibrant colors and deep, accurate blacks. Textures, from skin to clothing and beyond, are rendered with exquisite detail, making everything from the environments to the characters' features—such as stubble and textiles—exceptionally clear.

The meticulousness in the preservation of colors and textures does not go unnoticed. Even amidst the most challenging lighting situations, like dimly lit interiors or brightly illuminated exteriors, the video quality never wavers, ensuring a visually arresting experience throughout. The realism of skin tones, despite being slightly overheated—a common trait in modern comedies—does not detract from the overall quality of the transfer. Contrasts are well managed, with solid blacks contributing to the depth in darker scenes without any loss of detail in shadows.

Technical virtues like these bolster the presentation; banding, blocking, and noise are thankfully absent, making for a pristine viewing experience. The vibrant allure of the color palette and the impeccable handling of both light and dark scenes speak volumes of Sony's commitment to quality transfers. Even if one were to disregard the film's content, the technical execution of its video presentation on Blu-ray remains undeniably impressive, encapsulating Sony's adeptness at delivering visually detailed high-definition transfers that celebrate the movie in its best light.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "That's My Boy" stands as a commendable auditory experience, complementing its visual counterpart impressively. Despite the film's comedic nature, which might not demand an overly dynamic range, the audio presentation excels with a natural clarity and an acute attention to detail. The soundtrack, whether it is the opening rock tune, the bass-driven dance sequences, or the dramatic elements of the score, benefits from an outstanding balance, spacing, and clarity. This ensures every musical note and ambient sound aids in creating a more immersive environment. Moreover, dialogue delivery is pristine, maintaining a smooth and clear path, primarily centered, facilitating an unblemished audibility of both on-screen and off-screen conversations.

In terms of immersion and directional audio, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix doesn't disappoint. The front and center channels are utilized effectively to prioritize dialogue, which remains consistently intelligible even amidst Sandler's distinct vocal nuance, which some may find grating yet unable to detract from the overall score. Off-screen vocal expressions and environmental sounds are well managed, enhancing the scene's realism through strategic directionality and sound prioritization. The soundtrack's engagement with the LFE channel ensures a robust bass output, underpinning musical sequences and sound effects with depth and resonance.

Despite a few idiosyncrasies, such as the divisive opinion on Sandler's voice, the surround channels are kept active, engaging the listener in various settings from bustling strip clubs to lively mob scenes, creating a well-rounded sonic field. This audio track utilizes its discreet channels effectively, ensuring a seamless blend between dialogue clarity, music balance, and environmental ambience. Such characteristics elevate "That's My Boy's" audiophile credibility among comedies, showcasing how a film’s genre does not preclude it from achieving aural excellence.

The extra presentation on the Blu-ray of "That's My Boy" offers a modest yet entertaining array of bonus materials that focus on both the comedic elements and behind-the-scenes aspects of the film. Spanning from deleted scenes to humorous featurettes, the extras provide additional context and laughter beyond the main storyline. Noteworthy is the gag reel, a common yet always enjoyable inclusion, that showcases cast blunders and mishaps. Deleted scenes add depth to Donny's character through various unused sequences, including an extended look at his backstory and misadventures. The featurette "Who Are All These People?" offers insight into the cameo appearances throughout the film, while "Greetings from Cape Cod" and "Classy Rick's Bacon and Leggs" delve into specific filming locations and set designs, particularly the unique creation of the film's strip club scenes. Additionally included are previews of other Sony titles and a UV digital copy for on-the-go viewing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gag Reel: Outtakes and bloopers from the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Including Hot Tub, The Donny Berger Story, Money Trouble, Fun in the Tub, and Wedding Prep.
• Who Are All These People?: Insights into the cameo stars in the movie.
• Greetings from Cape Cod: A lighthearted greeting from the cast and crew.
• Classy Rick's Bacon and Leggs: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the strip club scenes.
• Previews: Teasers of additional Sony titles.
• UV Digital Copy: A digital version of the movie for portable devices.

That's My Boy," starring Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, ventures into the realm of comedy with a narrative grounded in inappropriate relationship dynamics and consequent chaotic hilarity, yet struggles to strike a consistent comedic rhythm. Sandler, whose comedic prowess had been on a noticeable decline, surprisingly manages to salvage some semblance of entertainment in what could easily have descended into an interminable slew of unsavory jokes. The film oscillates between crass visual gags, sexual innuendos, and a barrage of crude humor, managing to generate sporadic laughter, albeit with a plot that seems more like a collection of disjointed vignettes than a cohesive story. Sandler's portrayal of Donny and Samberg's role as his son, Todd, deliver moments of genuine comedic chemistry, offering a glimmer of redemption amidst the movie's relentless pursuit of shock value.

The ensemble cast, featuring appearances from celebrities across various industries, injects a modicum of depth and intrigue into the otherwise predictable comedic formula. The narrative explores the bizarre and morally questionable reunion of Donny with his estranged son and their collective past, laden with absurdity and scandalous revelations. Despite its attempt to tread the thin line between offensive humor and satirical comedy, "That's My Boy" often lapses into the former, undermining its potential with gratuitous vulgarity and mean-spirited jokes that alienate rather than amuse. Criticism is also directed towards the movie's lackadaisical script and Sandler's contentious creative decisions, suggesting a missed opportunity to blend edgy humor with thoughtful storytelling.

The film's technical presentation on Blu-ray maintains Sony's standard of quality, ensuring that the visual and auditory elements are delivered with clarity and precision. However, the content itself polarizes viewers, serving as a testament to Sandler's controversial approach to comedy that seems to revel in its ability to offend and provoke. For aficionados of Sandler's brand of humor, there may be elements to appreciate amid the cacophony of crassness. Yet, for those yearning for the wit and charm of Sandler's earlier works, "That's My Boy" represents a stark departure, embroiled more in its efforts to shock than to sincerely entertain.

That's My Boy" stands as a controversial Adam Sandler film that may not mark a high point in his career, yet offers a kind of raunchy entertainment not found in his more recent works. With its R-rated humor and over-the-top scenarios, the movie skirts the line of offensiveness without crossing into outright vulgarity. Its rapid pace, energetic vibe, and the palpable chemistry among the cast members make it a notably better effort than Sandler's preceding films. Despite its questionable moral stance and the potential to offend, there's an undeniable charm and humor present for those with an open mind. On the technical front, Sony’s Blu-ray edition delivers outstanding video quality and robust audio, though the extras leave much to be desired. This release could be a worthwhile rental for mature audiences who appreciate this kind of humor, with fans perhaps finding enough reason to purchase.

However, there exists a starkly opposing view that criticizes the film's every aspect, urging audiences not to support Sandler's endeavor, labeling the movie as irredeemably bad. According to this perspective, despite the high-quality Blu-ray presentation that Sony consistently delivers, the content itself is seen as a low point in cinematic achievements, suggesting that viewers will feel a compulsion to "take a shower" after sitting through it. This polar opposite stance emphasizes the film’s unacceptability, highlighting a significant divide in audience reception.

In conclusion, "That's My Boy" on Blu-ray presents a divisive figure among reviewers. While technical aspects like video and audio quality receive universal praise, the movie's content stirs strong opinions, ranging from enjoyment of its unapologetic humor to complete disapproval of its thematic and comedic choices. Ultimately, potential viewers should weigh their tolerance for risqué, no-holds-barred comedy against their expectations for substance and moral standing in film before deciding whether to rent or buy. This Blu-ray release caters well to its niche audience, yet clearly isn't for everyone, reflecting the broad spectrum of cinematic tastes.