The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back" makes its Blu-ray debut from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer that is as pleasing as it is technically adept, framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There's a certain finesse to the cinematography, credit to John Bailey, which is further amplified by the Arri Alexa’s capability to shoot with remarkable clarity and depth. Especially noteworthy are the sunny island vistas that come across with a beautifully golden hue, a testament to the good weather and the camera's ability to capture the natural ambiance with vibrant, yet natural colors. The sharpness is commendable throughout, with fine details making a significant impact - for instance, the intricate detailing visible in a rearview mirror shot of Steve Carell.

The image presented is consistently clean, showing off its digital roots without succumbing to the common pitfalls of digital cinematography, such as a lack of texture or depth. Minor instances of shimmering and light noise noted during movement are far outweighed by the overall high-quality of the video, which showcases detailed textures, life-like dimensions, and a color palette that although leans towards pastel, retains its brightness and vibrancy. Special mention goes to the striking greens and blues of the beach house and water park settings, which pair well with high contrast levels to ensure solid blacks and whites that only occasionally border on being slightly overblown.

Technically sound, the Blu-ray transfer of "The Way Way Back" stands out for its adherence to delivering a high-quality visual experience that combines sharpness, depth, and a wonderfully balanced color saturation. Artifacting is virtually non-existent thanks to the AVC/MPEG-4 encoding, making for a presentation free from major distractions. This transfer demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail and a clear understanding of how to translate the feel of summer and the essence of the film's setting into a visual format that both enhances and honors the original cinematography.

The Way Way Back" benefits from a detailed audio presentation, primarily delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, underpinned by additional Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 and French DTS 5.1 tracks, accommodating a broad audience with optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. While the mix occasionally feels frontloaded, it notably excels in creating an immersive atmosphere that complements the narrative. Dialogue retains clarity and presence across all scenes, ensuring every word is heard without overshadowing the natural ambient sounds that lend authenticity to the beach and water park settings. The film's soundscape delights with well-directed effects and smooth transitions between speakers, capturing the essence of its locations from the serene beach to the bustling water park, albeit with moments of sparse surround activity.

The audio mix excels in balance and fidelity, presenting a well-crafted soundstage that enhances the viewing experience without detracting from the film's intimate moments. The use of surround sound shines in scenes bustling with activity, where the background noise and music fill the room, creating a lively atmosphere. The soundtrack, in particular, benefits from great separation and range, allowing for a dynamic auditory experience. Low frequencies are effectively utilized, adding depth to certain scenes without overwhelming them.

Despite its occasional restraint, the audio presentation of "The Way Way Back" showcases meticulous attention to detail. The mix combines clear and full dialogue, strong directionality of effects, and a compelling musical score to deliver a cohesive and enjoyable auditory experience. Its nuanced approach ensures that both louder, energetic scenes and quieter, more reflective moments are given equal care, resulting in a balanced and immersive audio backdrop that supports the film's narrative and emotional arc gracefully.

The Blu-ray extra presentation for "The Way Way Back" offers a well-curated collection of high-definition supplements that blend hilarity with insightful filmmaking details. The disc features engaging behind-the-scenes content, including interviews with cast and crew, a peek at the storyboard process, and scenes from the film, enhancing the viewing experience by providing a deeper understanding of its creation. Notably, the deleted scenes, although brief, offer fun additional content with characters that highlight the film's quirky humor. The Theatrical Behind the Scenes featurettes give a comprehensive look at the water park setting, insights from the writer-directors Jim and Nat, and delve into the ensemble cast's dynamic. All extras are presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, ensuring high quality, except for the theatrical trailer, which interestingly contrasts with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio but in standard definition. This collection proves to be a valuable addition for fans and newcomers alike, offering a richer appreciation of the film's backdrop and creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes with the Hilarious Cast and Filmmakers: Interviews, storyboards, and film scenes compilation.
• Deleted Scenes: Three brief but entertaining scenes.
• Tour of the Water Park: A dive into the film's primary location.
• The Filmmakers: Jim and Nat: Insightful look at the creative duo behind the film.
• Ensemble Featurette: Focus on the dynamic among the ensemble cast.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film’s promotional trailer with richer audio.

The Way Way Back," captured through the lens of a Blu-ray presentation, offers a richly nuanced and emotionally resonant exploration of adolescence, cleverly framed against the backdrop of a nostalgic 80s summer. Centered around Duncan (Liam James), a shy teenager forced into an uncomfortable summer retreat with his mother (Toni Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), the film deftly balances humor with poignant moments of self-discovery. As Duncan grapples with his awkwardness and familial tensions during their stay at a beach house, his encounter with Owen (Sam Rockwell), a charismatic water park manager, becomes a transformative journey towards gaining confidence and finding his place in the world.

Crafted by writer-directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, "The Way Way Back" thrives on its blend of sweet-natured charm and heartfelt storytelling, evoking the spirit of classic coming-of-age films while infusing its narrative with a distinctive voice. The film's appeal is magnified by standout performances, particularly from Liam James, whose portrayal of Duncan's vulnerability and growth is profoundly relatable, and Sam Rockwell, whose role as Owen provides both mentorship and comic relief. Additionally, Steve Carell's departure from his typical likable characters to play a convincingly unpleasant Trent adds depth to the ensemble's dynamic.

Yet, the film's deliberate pace and thematic familiarity may not resonate with all viewers, though its emotional authenticity compensates for any perceived predictability. The Blu-ray presentation accentuates these qualities, offering viewers a visually and emotionally engaging experience. While some characters, particularly the female roles, feel underdeveloped, the overall narrative effectively captures the tumultuous, sometimes painful journey of adolescence with humor, empathy, and a genuine understanding of the complexities involved in coming of age. This Blu-ray release not only highlights the movie's cinematic qualities but also provides a platform for its timeless themes and memorable performances to shine.

The Way Way Back" emerges as a compelling coming-of-age story that effortlessly combines warmth, nostalgia, and humor, making it a resounding hit not just among adolescents but with adults as well. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this experience, boasting impeccable video quality that captures the film's vibrant aesthetics and a robust audio aspect that complements its emotional and humorous beats. The consensus is clear: this film transcends its somewhat predictable script with exceptional performances and a relatable narrative, resonating deeply with its audience.

Notably, the Blu-ray doesn't overflow with an abundance of extras, but it compensates with meaningful featurettes that go beyond the typical studio offerings, adding value to the overall package. This aspect, combined with the film's ability to provide a thoroughly enjoyable and emotionally rich viewing experience, makes it a prime candidate for recommendation. The complementing audio-visual excellence on the Blu-ray ensures that both new viewers and repeat watchers are in for an immersive cinematic treat.

In conclusion, "The Way Way Back" on Blu-ray is an essential addition for enthusiasts seeking a beautifully crafted film alongside a satisfactory technological offering. Its universal appeal, underscored by a poignant yet entertaining storyline and enhanced by superior presentation quality, solidifies its status as highly recommended. This package does not just replay a film; it offers an enriching experience that echoes the heartfelt journey of growing up, making it an undeniable gem in any collection.