The Film
Most likely, you already know that animals bred for food aren't pampered. They don't get fed well, they aren't treated well, and they often don't walk all that well. Before you take another bite, you might want to take in Food, Inc., a nauseating, interesting documentary from director Robert Kenner.
A lot of the material here is a bit of a no-brainer. However, did you know that batteries and diapers both contain corn? That may be the coolest thing we've ever learned outside of grammar school. However, it's not the film's biggest shocker or even the main focus. It's all about the big business of food and how it has its own set of rules -- for both product and people.
Abuse, food safety, $1 burgers, and genetically altered food aside, it's a downright creepy business.
The content might not be appetizing, but Food, Inc. is a tasty looking Blu-ray. From the very first farm and supermarket shots, this documentary has some gorgeous colors. The detail is also pretty nice overall. In the beginning, you'll notice some very nice tidbits on the supermarket floor and cart wheels. It's also easy to pick out some of the terrified eyes in the chicken coops, although you may want to look away. Not every scene is stellar, but this 1.78:1 transfer was a pleasant and sometimes stomach-turning surprise.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers this documentary's message very well. Don't be surprised if you hear a good amount of rear sounds throughout the movie in this mix. Those surrounds are mostly filled with the film's ongoing soundtrack. However, you'll catch the clucking of chickens, the squealing of pigs and the characteristic sounds of other denizens of the animal farm -- just as they're being led off to the slaughter. You are there, and "there" ain't pretty.
The Extras
This release offers a hearty helping of extras. However, like McDonald's Dollar Menu, this selection is all about quantity and not quality. There are a bunch of interesting deleted scenes. However, everything else is sort of bland. Celebrity PSAs (lame!), plugs for the book and the Chipotle restaurant chain, and a few quickie cartoons on eating healthy left us craving more. This is one film that could have really benefited from a making-of featurette.
Final Thoughts
If you are what you eat, well... you are pretty disgusting. No really, Food, Inc. might not change your diet, but an interesting (and often cautionary) story and a stellar transfer make this indie doc well worth a look.
Product Details
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