Step Brothers on Blu-ray Disc Review
By Rachel Cericola
The Film
There's something incredibly stupid about
Step Brothers. Maybe because it's the story of two almost-40-year-old morons (Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly), who still live at home, with demands of grilled cheese, pirate hats and porno mags. It could be because those two are forced to become stepbrothers when their respective parents (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins) decide to marry.
However, the two don't just share a love of all things lazy. They're downright mean when the other threatens their beloved sloth. After a night of bat versus golf club, the parents decide it's time to cut the cord and ask both to move out. Soon after, the two bond over job hunting and hate for Brennan's younger, smarmy brother Derek (Adam Scott).
Somehow you know you shouldn't think this is all funny. However, the combination of Ferrell and Reilly is one that should be celebrated, no matter how completely inane the premise might be.
Check out Karen Dahlstrom's review of the theatrical release of
Step Brothers.
The Picture
Most comedies aren't exactly known for their wild special effects and super-cool detail -- even in Blu-ray. Still, the 2.40:1 transfer is respectable enough on this release. There are a lot of painful looking pratfalls and sharp outdoor scenes, whether out on the lawn or during the climactic Catalina Wine Mixer. There are also a few scenes that could have used a little less detail; most notably during the close-up where Ferrell rubs his "man parts" all over Reilly's beloved drum kit.
The Sound
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 doesn't add much to the screams and whining of the film's main characters. Sure, there are no bullets or cars flying. Still, the sound should have brought a little more to this animated comedy. The tech was certainly there, but highlights, including characters breaking out into song and Ferrell's demo on the drum kit, just didn't shine the way I wanted them to.
The Extras
Wow. Sony didn't seem to keep anything to themselves on this one. The first disc, which includes a theatrical and extended version, includes a few extras. One of those includes a commentary with Ferrell, Reilly, McKay, and NBA star Baron Davis. Why? Well, why the hell not? If that's not bizarre enough, the entire thing is
set to music, which is great considering the commenters often break out into spontaneous song. Another nifty feature is the BD Live-enabled "Boats 'N Hoes" music editor, allowing viewers to create their own video and post it to the web for others to rate. Oh -- there's also an entire second disc with enough extras to keep you entertained, and often grasping to catch your breath.
Final Thoughts
While it's all kind of stupid, it's also totally hilarious -- and if you expect anything else from a Ferrell-helmed Adam McKay (
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby) movie, well... who's the stupid one now?
Where to Buy:
Product Details
- Actors: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Richard Jenkins, Mary Steenburgen, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn
- Director: Adam McKay
- Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English, French, Portuguese), Dolby 5.1 (Spanish, Thai)
- Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Korean, Chinese
- Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
- Region: A
- Number of Discs: 2
- Rating: R
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Blu-ray Disc Release Date: December 2, 2008
- Run Time: 98 minutes
- List Price: $39.95
- Extras:
- Commentary with Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Adam McKay, Special Guest Baron Davis and Scored by Jon Brion
- Boats 'N Hoes Music Video Editor
- Deleted Scenes
- Extended & Alternate Scenes
- Line-O-Rama
- Gag Reel
- Job Interviews
- Therapy
- Prestige Worldwide Full Presentation
- Boats 'N Hoes Music Video
- Dale vs. Brennan
- The Making of Step Brothers
- The Music of Step Brothers
- Charlyne Moves In
- L'Amour en Caravane
- Red Band Trailer
