Save the Date appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. Though not stellar, this became a largely positive presentation.
For the most part, sharpness looked nice. At times, wider shots tended to be a little soft, but those examples weren’t terribly intrusive. Most of the film appeared accurate and concise.
No concerns with jagged edges or shimmering occurred, and edge haloes remained absent. Source flaws also failed to create problems.
In terms of colors, Date opted for a subdued palette. Hues took on a semi-brownish tone, though a few more dynamic hues emerged. The tones didn’t dazzle, but they worked for the story.
Blacks were deep and firm, while shadows showed good delineation. Overall, this was a pleasing image.
I thought that the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack of Date seemed fine but it didn’t excel because of a lack of ambition. Like most comedies, the movie featured a limited soundfield that strongly favored the forward channels. It showed nice stereo spread to the music as well as some general ambience from the sides.
Panning was decent, and the surrounds usually kicked in basic reinforcement. A few scenes opened up better, though, like those on the streets or in bars. However, most of the movie stayed with limited imaging.
Audio quality appeared good. Speech was natural and distinct, with no issues related to edginess or intelligibility.
Effects sounded clean and accurate, with good fidelity and no signs of distortion. Music was perfectly fine, as the score and songs showed positive dimensionality. This track was good enough for a “B-“ but didn’t particularly impress.
How did the Blu-ray compare to the DVD version? The lossless audio felt a bit warmer than the DVD’s lossy track.
Visuals brought the usual format-based improvement, as the Blu-ray showed superior delineation as well as better colors and blacks. This never became a showpiece, but the BD acted as the more appealing option.
The Blu-ray reproduces the DVD’s extras, and we get an audio commentary from writer/director Michael Mohan. He offers a running, screen-specific look at the project’s origins and development, story/character subjects, editing and cinematography, cast and performances, music, the title and opening credits, sets and locations, and a few other areas.
Mohan offers a likable and unassuming chat that covers the film well. He gives us a frank discussion that touches on the necessary areas in a positive manner. Heck, he even gets into a defense of his alleged foot fetish! This is a nice commentary that makes me wish I actually liked the film itself.
Three Deleted Scenes run a total of three minutes, 32 seconds. The first shows growing pains during Sarah and Kevin’s attempt to live together, while the other two give us more of Beth’s bridal shower.
Those last two don’t add anything useful, while the Sarah/Kevin one makes the lead character seem even less likable – if that’s possible.
We can watch the deleted scenes with or without commentary from Mohan. He tells us a little about the scenes and lets us know why they didn’t make the final cut. Mohan’s notes offer some useful material.
Under Outtakes, we find a one-minute, 56-second reel that displays a short batch of mistakes and levity. Don’t expect anything interesting.
Next comes a music video for “Accidents” by the One AM Radio. It’s a low-budget mix of movie clips and recording footage that doesn’t do much to entertain.
An unusual stillframe collection arrives via a Making of Mini-Comic. Created by artist/co-writer Jeffrey Brown, this tells us his perspective on the film’s creation via a series of cartoon panels. It’s an unusual behind the scenes piece – and kind of fun.
The disc opens with ads for Knife Fight, Cheerful Weather for the Wedding, Price Check, and On the Road. We also get a teaser and a trailer for Date.
Tedious and self-involved, Save the Date becomes a chore to watch. It focuses on a group of characters so unlikable that it becomes difficult to invest in their stories. The Blu-ray delivers generally good picture and audio along with a small but interesting set of bonus materials. Maybe others will get something from this effort, but it leaves me cold.
To rate this film, visit the original review of SAVE THE DATE