Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Ham on Rye Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 19, 2022

“Ham on Rye” is film about the moment when adolescence transforms into adulthood, with some enjoying an adventure into the unknown of future possibilities, while others remain where they are, continuing their existence without opportunities or interest in growth. Co-writer/director Tyler Taormina doesn’t prepare a story for “Ham on Rye,” instead working with atmosphere to summon a sense of malaise involving teenagers on the precipice of great change. The helmer is dealing with the traditions of teen cinema, but he refuses to submit to formula, endeavoring to creating a more abstract viewing experience concerning universal feelings of fear and melancholy.

“Ham on Rye” opens like a Richard Linklater film, following a collection of teenagers on their way to a party at a local delicatessen. They banter about life and deal with small peer challenges, with the evening’s festivities tied to their future opportunities in life. Taormina doesn’t follow structure, favoring mood instead, capturing rising anxieties as the kids deal with this situation, which makes up the first half of the picture. The rest details the aftermath, again returning to extended silences and stillness, with the screenplay making a point about the deadening aspects of growing up. It’s a terrific idea, executed with fine cinematography and a level of avant-garde playfulness, but Taormina overstays his welcome with “Ham on Rye,” which bathes in its one idea for an extra 40 minutes, greatly diminishing its impact.

Ham on Rye Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Ham on Rye" deals with softly shot film, finding the HD cinematography securing hazier exteriors and decent skin surfaces. Addition textures are found with formalwear. Town tours are reasonably dimensional, exploring evening events, which offer acceptable delineation. Colors are compelling, occasionally reaching for a dreamier look. Skintones are natural. The 87- minute feature is squeezed into a 16 GB file. Banding is periodic.

Ham on Rye Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital mix offers a functional understanding of dialogue exchanges, with distinct acting and mumbled reactions appreciable. Soundtrack selections offer decent power, helping to sell the movie's party mood. Silence is just as important to the endeavor, preserving the faint atmospherics of an empty town.

Ham on Rye Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Tyler Taormina, cinematographer Carson Lund, and editor Kevin Anton.

• Deleted Scenes (11:26, HD) are offered.

• Making Of (21:49, HD) explores the creation of "Ham on Rye."

• And a Trailer (1:45, HD) is included.

Ham on Rye Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is no doubt "Ham on Rye" would be better served as a short film, allowing Taormina to hits his point with greater accuracy, losing the tedious indulgence the feature eventually reaches. Points are made, strong ones about the human experience, but the production is more interested in repetition and airlessness, losing touch with the Big Idea Taormina begins with.