Run Fatboy Run appears in both an aspect ratio of approximately 2.35:1 and in a fullscreen version on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the widescreen image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. Only the letterboxed picture was reviewed for this article. This was a consistently lackluster transfer.
Sharpness varied. Some scenes came across as a bit blocky, and compression artifacts created somewhat muddy definition at times, but the flick generally seemed reasonably well-defined. No issues with source flaws occurred, but I saw some light shimmering and jagged edges, and moderate edge enhancement cropped up as well.
Colors appeared decent at best. The general murkiness meant that they lacked much vivacity and tended to seem somewhat runny. Blacks followed suit, as dark elements looked muddy, and shadows were too dense. Low-light shots came across as dull and somewhat tough to discern. The image was good enough for a “C-“, but that was it.
At least the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack of Fatboy worked better. A smattering of sequences brought the five channels to life. For instance, the segments on the river or in the streets added pizzazz. These presented good localization of elements and blended together nicely. The material spread out the spectrum and made this an active setting at times, though most of the flick stayed with music and general ambience.
Audio quality appeared good. Speech sounded distinct and natural, and I encountered no concerns related to intelligibility or edginess. Effects appeared clean and accurate, and they showed reasonable depth when necessary. Music also demonstrated good dynamics, with bright highs and rich bass. Overall, the audio of Fatboy supported the material well.
We get a smattering of supplements here. Of prime interest is an audio commentary with director David Schwimmer, actors Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton, and Simon’s mom Gill Pegg. All four sit together for this running, screen-specific chat. They discuss shooting in London, cast, characters and performances, script and story subjects, and various scene specifics.
I must admit that I didn’t expect much from this commentary, but it turns out to be pretty good. Sure, we get some of the usual happy talk, but the track usually focuses on the flick in a satisfying manner. We learn quite a bit about the production in this enjoyable piece.
14 Deleted Scenes fill a total of seven minutes, 20 seconds. Virtually all of these offer short extensions to existing scenes, so don’t expect anything substantial; they’re mostly just brief gags. We do find more of the thread in which Maya threatens Dennis with eviction via revealing Polaroids. It’s not particularly interesting, but we get some sexy shots of super-hot India de Beaufort, so I won’t complain.
We can watch the “Deleted Scenes” with or without commentary from Schwimmer. In his remarks, he essentially does little more than describe the sequences. Schwimmer has little to say in his inconsequential commentary; he gives us some basic thoughts at times, but dead air dominates.
A collection of Outtakes runs six minutes, 47 seconds. In addition to the usual goofs, it includes some alternate lines and takes. That factor makes it a little more valuable than usual.
Something unusual pops up under Goof. In this two-minute and 54-second reel, we see Simon Pegg in preparation for a promotional interview. However, Thandie Newton rigs things to make it more difficult for him. It’s a mildly amusing bit.
An ad for Be Kind Rewind opens the disc and also pops up under Sneak Peeks. In addition, the DVD provides both the domestic and international theatrical trailers for Run.
While not a bad film, Run Fatboy Run gives us an awfully unexceptional one. The film occasionally threatens to entertain, but it usually just meanders along and never quite engages us. The DVD offers mediocre visuals, pretty good audio, and a decent complement of supplements. I can’t recommend this forgettable flick.