6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Arlen Faber is the reclusive author of 'Me and God,' a book that has redefined spirituality for an entire generation and has been translated into over 100 languages. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of his still wildly popular book, Arlen is still sought after as the man who has all the answers. Arlen's life collides with Elizabeth, a single mom raising her seven-year-old son, and Kris, a young man fresh out of rehab who is searching for meaning. Both Elizabeth and Kris are hopeful that Arlen has the answers, but the truth is, he hasn't got a clue.
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Lou Taylor Pucci, Olivia Thirlby, Kat DenningsRomance | 100% |
Comedy | 84% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
BD-Live
Region free
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
There are two types of people in the world: those who read self-help books, and those who think Dr. Phil is a pop-psychology snake oil salesman who kind of looks like a walrus. If you stand long enough in a bookstore, you’ll see both kinds. The hopeful scour the self-help aisle to find cures for their particular neurosis, while others, wandering through inadvertently on their way to the fiction section, notice the preponderancy of Chicken Soup for the (fill in the blank) Soul titles and quicken their pace, hoping no one spots them. I’ll admit to falling into the latter group—it certainly doesn’t help that “Self-Help” is always right next to “Sexual Well-Being,” where no one feels comfortable loitering—but I’ve got no problem with people trying earnestly to better themselves. And if the sales of The Purpose Driven Life or the latest piece of guru advice from Deepak Chopra or Tony Robbins are any indication, people are doing this in droves. But on the opposite end, what is it like to be one of these self-help authors, doling out life lessons to an emotionally needy readership? Surely these sage scribes live in perfect tranquility, in a Zen-like state of balance and harmony and near-constant insight. Right?
Candles: the gateway to the cosmos.
The Answer Man arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment. Like the film, this transfer is average across the board, never truly impressive but also free of any apparent technical issues. The Answer Man has the bright, realistic look characteristic of most romantic comedies, but it's not quite as polished as its bigger budgeted cousins. The image has a tendency to look a little soft; close-ups are sharp and reveal a good deal of fine detail and texture, but mid and long range shots aren't quite as crisp and resolved as they could be. Colors are strong and occasionally vivid—particularly Lauren Graham's frequently vibrant tops—and skin tones look natural throughout. While contrast sometimes seems a little flat— the picture doesn't have much presence—black levels are strong and there's no crush or soupiness in the shadows. The film's grain structure varies from barely visible during bright outdoor scenes to moderately chunky indoors, but there's nothing overtly distracting here. There's really not much memorable about The Answer Man, and the same can be said for the film's adequate but lackluster picture quality.
Likewise, there's not a lot to say about The Answer Man's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The audio never really calls attention to itself; it serves its purpose by being clear and comprehendible and decently deep, but there are few talking points here, no scenes with particularly immersive editing, no sonic bombast, nothing worth mentioning. As with most romantic comedies, well-prioritized dialogue is the key active ingredient in this track's audio recipe, and it comes through cleanly throughout, with no unnatural muffling, crackling, compression, or reverberation. The rear channels are sparsely used to bring some ambient life to interiors and the Philadelphia city streets, but most of the time they're bleeding with Teddy Castellucci's score, which tries to be emotionally manipulative—ah, this moment is so tender—but never engages on any level. Like the video quality, and the film itself, the audio is neither good nor bad. It's just, well, forgettable.
Commentary with Director John Hindman, Producer Kevin Messick, and Actor Lauren
Graham
This track hits all the usual talking points—production details, casting, little on-set anecdotes—but
despite the laughs and the genuine geniality between the participants, this really isn't a must-
listen experience.
Characters of The Answer Man (SD, 10:14)
Here, Writer/Director John Hinden talks about how amazing it is to see his words come alive on
the screen, and all the principal actors say a few words about their characters.
The Answer Man: From Concept to Creation (SD, 9:57)
Would-be writer/directors take note: John Hindmen had just about zero experience in the movie
industry—he didn't even have an agent before pitching the script—but he was passionate about
making this film. And here you go, The Answer Man is now being released on Blu-ray.
Though interviews with Hindmen, his producers, and the cast, we see how the film made the
unlikely journey from script to screen.
HDNet: a look at The Answer Man (1080p, 4:33)
Your average EPK-style promo, with director and cast interviews, a generous plot synopsis, and
plenty of clips from the film.
Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray (1080p, 9:26)
Includes a promo for HDNet and high definition trailers for The Great Buck Howard,
World's Greatest Dad, Food, Inc., and Is Anybody There?
The Answer Man is passable entertainment if it's a rainy Sunday afternoon and you're not feeling particularly discriminating, but it leaves no impression whatsoever. The story is uninvolving, the comedy goes stale, and the relationship element will set few hearts a'flutter. Similarly, the audio/video presentation of this Blu-ray disc is merely sufficient. If you still think you might want a taste of The Answer Man's answers, I'd suggest a rental.
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Extended Cut
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2013
Deluxe Edition
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Special Edition
2008
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Director's Cut | Special Edition
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2014
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30th Anniversary Edition
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1964