7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Coming-of-age comedy following three friends in pursuit of independence. Joe Toy has long suffered under his controlling father Frank and when his home life ultimately becomes too much for him, he decides to build a house in the woods and begin living off the land. Knowing his best friend Patrick has also been struggling with the hold his parents have over him, he invites him along on the journey. With the help of local oddball and newcomer to the group Biaggio, the trio commence building their new abode, but with this newfound independence comes greater responsibility and the three learn that the escape may not be as favorable as initially thought.
Starring: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moisés Arias, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Erin MoriartyComing of age | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)
English, English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
There's really not much more permanent in life than family. Whereas most everything else can be changed to suit one's liking, the links of blood and biology cannot be altered. They can be ignored and they can be loathed, but they cannot be broken. But that pesky little fact hasn't kept people from trying. Family is a difficult thing from which to escape, particularly for younger people still reliant on their parents or guardians to safeguard them, to make sure they go to school and brush their teeth. Even in the "worst" of homes, there's often an underlying love and affection that's simply lost in translation from mind, heart, and soul to the external verbalizations and physical actions on one end or the other, and sometimes both. And that's where the trouble starts and, if it's not fixed, can lead to a nasty separation. Everyday someone runs away, very hour someone proclaims their endless hatred for their family, every minute there's someone out there wishing they hadn't been born, at least not to their parents. Sometimes, it does take some time away, a release of all the bottled up frustrations, an admission of all that's wrong to see what's really right, to finally and even fully appreciate what it means to be together, to accept that love and devotion, to move beyond longstanding pains and rediscover the magic of a smile, a kind word, or even the dreaded "family game night." The Kings of Summer tells the story of three teenagers who, fed up with their awkward home lives, take it upon themselves to escape and start a new life away from, well, everything. Yet the further they go and the longer they are away, the more they come to realize that, just maybe, life away from the warmth of home and the love of family -- even if it's not their perfect vision of warmth and love -- isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Kings.
The Kings of Summer features a good looking high definition presentation. It's rather gritty and has the feel of a throwback movie despite its modern sensibilities. It can be quite bright to the point of appearing slightly washed out, but generally the image produces bold colors, including an abundance of good-looking natural greens out in the film's dominant woodland setting. Even in suburbia, however, the color palette impresses, notably in Toy home interiors and the outside of Patrick's home. Details are crisp and nicely defined. From skin textures to rough tree bark, from construction-grade wood to more refined brick exteriors, the transfer showcases a wide array of well defined imagery in every setting. Flesh tones appear natural and black levels don't betray a realistic appearance. All in all, this is a very nice looking image from Sony.
The Kings of Summer's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack impresses in every area. The film begins with a lively, smooth, and balanced Rock tune. It features natural stage envelopment thanks to a wide front and balanced surround elements. Clarity is excellent, too, a quality that defines the entire soundtrack experience, not simply the music. The track features some positive, well-defined, and balanced bass, whether in support of a falling tree or the thumping beats heard at a beachside party around 13 minutes into the film. Natural ambient effects are fully impressive, whether light location atmospherics or more potent thunder and rain elements. Dialogue plays accurately and smoothly around the stage. This is an excellent overall sound presentation from Sony.
The Kings of Summer contains several bonus features.
The Kings of Summer delivers an honest, sometimes exuberant, and always heartfelt glimpse at family life, friendship, and the process of discovering that growing up and going away isn't always as cool as it appears. The film is beautifully photographed and expertly acted. It's breezy, fun, smart, and fully enjoyable as it tickles the funny bone, exercises the mind, and touches the soul. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Kings of Summer features strong video and audio to go along with a good assortment of extra content. Highly recommended.
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