Blades of Glory

The video presentation of "Blades of Glory" on Blu-ray, framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and delivering a 1080p high definition image, showcases a mixed bag in terms of visual quality and aesthetics. The transfer itself is technically solid, reflecting a committed effort to deliver a clean, blemish-free picture that maintains its integrity across various scenes. However, the overall look of the film may not appeal to all, with a noticeable discrepancy between the vibrant, lively competitive skating sequences and the rest of the movie, which appears somewhat drab and lifeless by comparison. The skating scenes are a visual delight, characterized by rich, well-defined colors and sparkling clarity that stand out as highlights in an otherwise uneven visual presentation.

Detail levels across the board are commendably high, particularly evident in the elaborate costumes of the competitors which display all nuances and adornments with impressive clarity. This attention to detail extends to the generally solid black levels and spot-on flesh tones, though there are instances where tones can appear inconsistent. On the technical side, Paramount's Blu-ray output for "Blades of Glory" has not been modified from its last-minute shift from a planned HD DVD release, ensuring that this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode remains pristine without any added tweaks or alterations. The film's darker scenes do exhibit slightly more grain, yet this never detracts from an overall well-executed presentation.

While there are some softer shots that lack depth and exhibit minor edge halos, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the video presentation. Colors are well-saturated, although they may not pop as much as one would expect given the film's flamboyant costuming and production design. Noise and bleeding are kept at bay, ensuring that hues are stable throughout. In sum, "Blades of Glory" presents a commendably high-definition image on Blu-ray, making for a mostly pleasing viewing experience that showcases some inconsistencies but shines brilliantly in its depiction of competitive skating sequences.

The audio presentation of "Blades of Glory" on Blu-ray marks a significant improvement over its HD DVD counterpart, particularly in terms of its uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround track which operates at 48kHz/24-bit. Notably, this release fulfills Paramount/DreamWorks' commitment to offer a high-definition soundtrack, distinguishing itself as among the initial offerings to feature such an advancement. The track effectively showcases the best aspects of audio design for a comedy, embedding the viewer in a rich soundscape that ranges from the dynamic crowd noises in competition scenes to the intricately balanced dialogue. The rear channels excel in delivering ambient effects, enhancing the realism and immersion of the viewing experience.

Technical aspects of the audio like dynamics and bass response are meticulously crafted, ensuring sounds are neither timid nor overwhelming. Particularly memorable is the solid and deep bass during pivotal moments, which, while not reaching the depths typically associated with action films, adds a substantial impact to sequences like Chazz Michael Michaels’ skating performance. Dialogue remains robust and mostly clear, with only minor instances of muffling. The balance between dialogue, effects, and the film's score is executed with precision, allowing for a seamless auditory experience without the need for constant volume adjustment.

Music plays a pivotal role in the auditory experience, with classic rock and pop songs adding depth to the soundtrack and moments like the "Flash Gordon" theme during the film’s climax sounding notably superior. This PCM track does more than just elevate the comedy; it creates a vibrant soundstage that brings the film's more kinetic scenes to life with impressive localization and imaging. Despite being a comedy, the audio presentation on "Blades of Glory" Blu-ray incorporates elements usually reserved for more serious or action-oriented films, making it a distinct and noteworthy enhancement over previous formats.

Blades of Glory's Blu-ray extras are a treasure trove for fans, packing both quantity and quality across a variety of HD features. The disc includes insightful and humorous making-of featurettes, such as "Return to Glory" where producer Ben Stiller, the main cast, and directors offer a peek behind the curtain with a comedic flair. Training sessions and costume design insights are provided in "Celebrities on Thin Ice" and "Cooler Than Ice," respectively, showcasing the in-depth preparation and attention to detail. The inclusion of real-life couple Arnett & Poehler adds a personal touch, while interviews with figures like Scott Hamilton lend credibility to the skating aspects. The disc doesn't shy away from humor, with segments like "Hector: Portrait of a Psychofan" and a gag reel. It is clear that the focus was on maintaining the film's comedic essence even in the extras. Technical quality is mostly high with 1080p video resolution dominating, though a few features drop to standard definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Return to Glory: The Making of 'Blades': A deep dive into the film's creation featuring interviews with key cast and crew.
• Celebrities on Thin Ice: Focuses on the cast's ice skating training.
• Cooler Than Ice: The Super-Sexy Costumes of Skating: Exploration of the film's unique costume design.
• Arnett & Poehler - A Family Affair: Highlights the involvement of the real-life couple.
• 20 Questions With Scott Hamilton: An interview with the celebrated figure skater.
• Hector: Portrait of a Psychofan: A mock interview with a fictional superfan.
• Moviefone Unscripted With Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, and Will Arnett: A casual conversation among stars answering fan questions.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final film.
• Alternate Takes: Additional variations of certain scenes offering more laughs.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers and funny moments.
• Music Video 'Blades of Glory' by Bo Bice: A thematic music video related to the film.
• MTV Interstitials: Promo spots for the film in lower resolution.

Blades of Glory," the offbeat and wildly amusing figure skating comedy, has finally sliced its way onto Blu-ray amidst dramatic circumstances. Released by DreamWorks amidst the Blu-ray and HD-DVD format war fallout, it became mired in distribution limbo when Paramount/DreamWorks momentarily shifted allegiance to HD-DVD. Now re-released in Blu-ray format, it retains the original specifications and features planned prior to the shift, marking a triumphant return to Blu-ray shelves. This release is part of the initial wave from Paramount/DreamWorks, showcasing their recommitment to the Blu-ray domain. The saga of its release is as tumultuous as the on-screen antics between its two leads, Jon Heder and Will Ferrell, whose characters transform from rivals to partners in an unprecedented male-male figure skating duo.

Will Ferrell, as Chazz Michael Michaels, teams up with Jon Heder's Jimmy MacElroy to exploit a loophole allowing them back into figure skating as an all-male pair, creating an uproar and humorously navigating through the stereotypes and excesses inherent in the sport. Their journey from disgrace to an odd couple partnership pushes the boundaries of traditional sports narratives, blending slapstick humor with satirical jabs at figure skating's flamboyance. The movie deftly balances its comedic elements with genuinely touching moments, carving out a niche amongst sports comedies with its unique premise and heartfelt performances.

Despite some critics' reservations about current comedy trends, "Blades of Glory" excels as a sports-centric film, replete with entertaining routines and noteworthy cameos from figure skating legends. It doesn’t just mock figure skating but appreciates its artistry, mirrored in the skillful execution of the film itself. The inclusion of high-profile figure skaters adds authenticity and elevates the film's comedic and dramatic sequences alike. "Blades of Glory" may not redefine comedy, but it stands as a testament to what the genre can achieve with a bit of creativity and a lot of heart.

Blades of Glory" on Blu-ray delivers a presentation that fans of the comedic genre, especially those who appreciate the unique humor of Will Ferrell, will find immensely satisfying. The film itself walks the fine line of raunchy humor without tipping into excess, maintaining its PG-13 rating gracefully. Its narrative, centered around the tumultuous yet comically potent relationship between characters played by Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, provides a mixture of laughter and subdued smiles. Their on-screen chemistry shines, making their transitions from adversaries to cooperative partners both believable and engaging. The long-anticipated release by DreamWorks showcases a commendable effort in transitioning the film into the Blu-ray format. The visual quality boasts good detail and vibrant colors, particularly in sequences set on the ice, enhancing the viewer's experience significantly. The PCM soundtrack stands out, offering an auditory experience that ranks highly amongst comedy films, enhancing both dialogue and the film’s eclectic soundtrack.

The supplementary materials included are both numerous and entertaining, though they may leave some desiring more in-depth content. This does not detract from the overall experience, as what is offered will likely satisfy most aficionados of the film. Comparatively, this Blu-ray edition holds its ground against previous releases, with upgrades in high-resolution audio marking a noticeable improvement for the discerning ear. The inclusion of extensive extras adds value to this edition, making it a worthy addition to any Blu-ray collection.

In conclusion, "Blades of Glory" on Blu-ray presents a compelling package that combines quality visual and audio enhancements with solid extra content that fans of the film will appreciate. Its blend of humor, performance, and technical presentation underlines its status not only as a significant addition to a Blu-ray collection but also as a noteworthy release in the evolution of the format. Whether as a Will Ferrell enthusiast or a Blu-ray collector recognizing its historical importance in the media's development, this edition of "Blades of Glory" comes highly recommended for its entertainment value and technical merits.