Run Fatboy Run

The Blu-ray presentation of "Run Fatboy Run" is largely commendable for its video quality, presented in a wide 2.40:1 ratio using the VC-1 codec, averaging around 30 Mbps during playback. Notorious for past criticisms regarding digital noise reduction on their releases, New Line Cinema appears to have taken a more measured approach with this title. The transfer showcases good contrast and clarity, maintaining a pleasing balance of film grain that enhances its visual texture. Details in the urban landscape of London, as well as the finer aspects of skin textures and clothing, are rendered with sharp relief. Despite a slightly warm color grading, possibly an artistic choice to offset the inherently bleak London backdrop, colors remain rich and vivid, capturing the vibrant and dynamic environment of the film’s various settings.

However, the Blu-ray is not without its faults. While colors are generally vibrant, with primaries standing out and blacks being adequately deep, there's a tendency towards oversaturation that can at times feel overdone. Skin tones occasionally push towards an unnatural spectrum due to this saturation issue. Moreover, the presentation suffers from minor instances of crush and delineation problems, alongside sporadic spikes in grain that can distract from the overall clarity. These issues notwithstanding, detail remains a strong point throughout the transfer, with textures and edges captured with precision, only occasionally marred by bouts of softness believed to be inherent to the source material rather than the transfer process itself.

In summary, "Run Fatboy Run" on Blu-ray delivers a significant visual upgrade from its DVD release, striking a fine balance between maintaining natural film aesthetics and offering the sharpness and depth expected from high-definition content. Although it grapples with some inconsistencies in color saturation and minor video noise, the transfer does justice to the film's vibrant settings and detailed production design, making it a worthwhile addition for fans looking to enjoy the movie in superior quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Run Fatboy Run" brings an unexpectedly sophisticated audio experience to an otherwise lighthearted romantic comedy through its DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless track. Despite initial reservations about the necessity of such a robust audio setup for a genre traditionally not reliant on complex soundscapes, this choice pays off with clear and well-balanced audio quality. Dialogue emerges crisp and at the forefront, distributed effectively across the front channels, ensuring that every word is easily comprehensible. The mix effectively leverages all eight channels, favoring a front-heavy approach but without neglecting the ambient depth provided by the rear speakers, particularly in scenes bustling with city life or during the pivotal marathon event, where the soundscape broadens to envelop the viewer.

What stands out in this audio presentation is the nuanced use of the surround sound capabilities to enhance the film's ambiance and comedic timing. The rear speakers contribute a subtle yet appreciable layer of ambient noise and assist in creating more immersive interior scenes. Directionality is precisely handled, making quick pans and slapstick moments more impactful. The low-frequency effects channel (LFE) adds a gentle yet noticeable depth to the sound, enriching both the soundtrack’s bass-heavy tracks and lending a hint of gravitas to voice and sound effects. The audio track deftly navigates between subtlety and exuberance, proving that a thoughtful audio mix can elevate even the most dialogue-driven moments of comedy.

Surprisingly advanced for its genre, the inclusion of a DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 track on "Run Fatboy Run's" Blu-ray edition suggests a promising shift towards high-quality audio experiences in home entertainment. While some might question the lavishness of such an audio specification for a romantic comedy, the result is an undeniably enriching viewing (and listening) experience that might indicate a new standard for Blu-ray releases moving forward. The commitment to delivering optimal sound quality, despite the film's less action-oriented narrative, reflects a likely response to consumer demand for superior audio cinematic experiences at home.

The Blu-ray edition of "Run Fatboy Run" includes a modest selection of extras that are somewhat enlightening but might leave avid fans longing for more depth. The Feature Commentary, led by director David Schwimmer and actors Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton, with occasional chiming in from Pegg's mother, provides a relaxed but not particularly insightful experience—highlighting on-set anecdotes and filmmaking challenges without delivering substantial analysis. The compilation of Fourteen Deleted Scenes, accompanied by optional commentary from Schwimmer, offers viewers a glimpse into the editing process, though the reasons for exclusion primarily boil down to pacing and runtime considerations. About 7 minutes of Outtakes attempt to inject humor but are undercut by the inexplicable inclusion of film footage, diluting the intended effect. Thandie’s Goof, a candid clip documenting a behind-the-scenes prank, unexpectedly stands out as the most entertaining feature. Additionally, the disc presents two Trailers in high definition but with differing tonal approaches. Overall, while the bulk of the video content benefits from high-definition presentation, the supplementary package feels underwhelming, primarily serving as a light casual complement to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A casual conversation with insights from director David Schwimmer and cast members, including light-hearted anecdotes and some filmmaking details.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of omitted scenes totaling approximately 8 minutes, with optional director commentary explaining the reasons for their exclusion.
• Outtakes: A mixed bag of genuine bloopers and film clips extending over 7 minutes that may lose viewer interest due to its padded nature.
• Thandie’s Goof: A quirky behind-the-scenes practical joke played by Thandie Newton on Simon Pegg, captured in a 3-minute clip.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two versions of the film's trailer, one domestic and one international, each offering a different perspective on the movie's tone and appeal.

Run Fatboy Run," despite its mixed reception, manages to present itself as a modestly amusing ride, primarily buoyed by Simon Pegg's dedicated performance. The film navigates through the life of Dennis Doyle (played by Pegg), an out-of-shape and commitment-phobic individual who ditches his pregnant fiancée Libby (Thandie Newton) at the altar. In a bid to prove his worth and win her back, Dennis decides to compete against her new, athletically superior boyfriend Whit (Hank Azaria) in a marathon. Pegg brings a certain charm and believability to Dennis, making audiences root for him despite his flaws. Accompanied by his quirky friends Gordon (Dylan Moran) and Mr. Goshdashtidar (Harish Patel), the film ventures into a standard yet entertaining narrative about overcoming odds and personal growth.

Directorially, David Schwimmer's first feature film attempt places a confident stamp on "Run Fatboy Run," bringing a mix of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments. Nonetheless, the screenplay, crafted by Pegg and Michael Ian Black, falls into conventional romantic comedy pits, offering predictable plotlines and safe humor that occasionally dampens the potential sharp wit of its writers. The critique echoes sentiments of feeling unfulfilled for viewers seeking the innovative comedic essence found in Pegg’s works with Edgar Wright. Yet, there are genuine laughs to be had, particularly from the situational comedy and the antagonist’s unraveling, suggesting that while "Run Fatboy Run" might not break new ground, it provides a light-hearted viewing experience.

While "Run Fatboy Run" does not ascend to the comedic heights of Pegg’s collaborations with Wright, it possesses an undeniable warmth and relatability through its depiction of flawed yet endearing characters. The film’s strengths lie in its human moments and the dynamism of its cast, including the commendable diversity and the tangible chemistry among characters. However, its reliance on genre tropes and a predicable narrative may leave audiences divided. In essence, "Run Fatboy Run" stands as a competent romantic comedy that benefits from its performance rather than its innovation, catering to an audience content with familiarity instead of freshness in their comedic tastes.

Run Fatboy Run," starring Simon Pegg, finds itself in a peculiar position within the actor's filmography. While it may not reach the comedic heights of Pegg's more renowned works like "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot Fuzz," there is a certain charm to its narrative, attributed largely to a relatable cast and a heartwarming, if not entirely original, storyline. The Blu-ray edition of "Run Fatboy Run" excels in technical aspects, featuring an excellent video transfer that provides crisp visuals albeit with slightly warmer color tones than one might expect. The decision to include a 7.1 lossless audio mix might seem like an overkill for what is predominantly a dialogue-driven comedy. However, it enriches the viewing experience with superior sound quality that lends itself well to the film’s comedic elements.

The Blu-ray release is solid and dependable, boasting an impressive DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track that elevates the audio-visual experience beyond the film's straightforward comedic narrative. Unfortunately, where the release falters is in its supplementary content, which is both sparse and unengaging, leaving much to be desired for fans looking for an in-depth exploration behind the scenes. That said, both newcomers and fans of Simon Pegg would find the technological prowess of this Blu-ray release compelling enough to warrant at least a rental, if not a full purchase.

In conclusion, "Run Fatboy Run" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag. The film itself may not stand out as a pinnacle in Simon Pegg's career, yet it offers enough humor and warmth to be a pleasant viewing experience. The Blu-ray shines with outstanding picture and sound quality, making it a worthwhile consideration for those interested in technical performance. However, one must temper expectations when it comes to additional content. Ultimately, whether for a rental or a purchase, this Blu-ray release merits attention primarily for its audio-visual presentation rather than its cinematic prowess or depth of bonus features.