![30 Minutes or Less [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.avsforum.com/6/61/50x50px-ZC-616456d7_B005J4TLO8-51Dm4JH8-1L.jpeg)
The Review at a Glance: ( max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
92
Studio and Year: Columbia Pictures 2011
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 83 minutes
Genre: Comedy/Action
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Aziz Ansari, Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Michael Pena, Nick Swardson, Fred Ward
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Music by: Ludwig Goransson
Written By: Michael Diliberti & Matthew Sullivan
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: November 29, 2011
"A Lot Can Happen in 30 Minutes"
Film Synopsis:
Two fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery guy, strap a bomb to his chest, and inform him that he has mere hours to rob a bank or else...
My Take:
In 30 Minutes or Less we follow Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), a pizza delivery guy whose happens to deliver a pizza to the wrong guys. When thirty-something losers Dwayne (Danny McBride- Eastbound & Down) and Travis (Nick Swardson) kidnap and strap a bomb to Nick, their silly plot to off Dwayne's dad is underway. They force Nick to rob a bank in order to get 100k to pay a hit-man to kill Dwayne's dad so they can inherit the last of his lotto winnings. Nick gets some help from his best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari) and they set forth to rob a bank and get the code to stop the bomb.It sounds better typing out the plot then it was watching it. The story had promise, but was crippled by a lack of attention to detail and a greater concern with how many one-liners can be squeezed in more than the story being paramount. If the movie was indeed 30 minutes or less, then it would have been exciting and funny, but things really were stretched as thin is possible to make its 80 minute runtime. The film rode an awkward line where the character's were taking all that was happening seriously yet we were supposed to find it all completely asinine and humorous; It was a shot at a black comedy that failed. Thankfully the actors charm made it bearable and a few of the jokes did get me laughing pretty hard. 30 Minutes or Less is an easily forgettable comedy.
Parental Guide:
Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, nudity and some violence.
AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Audio: 92
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 92
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
As lackluster as I felt about the film I can confidently say that Sony delivered a reference quality new release with 30 Minutes or Less. Both Audio and Video were spectacular; I looked for faults with none to be found. There are no compression issues and black levels are superb. Colors look life-like and flesh-tones are as close as it gets. The transfer also has a nice depth to it with fine details that are apparent on every frame. Couple that with some naturally rendered grain and this is a reference filmic release. The audio fairs as well with its balls to wall aggressive mix that flexes its dynamics and LFE whenever given that chance. The sound mix is spot on and there really is no loss of dialogue when when the soundtrack is blaring and the sound-stage is full of life. You cant ask for more out of the technical portion of this release, and frankly, that is what saved the experience for me.
Bonus Features:
- (HD) Picture-in-Picture Video Commentary with Actors Jesse Eisenberg, Aziz Ansari, Danny McBride, Nick Swardson and Director Ruben Fleischer
- (HD) Deleted Scenes
- (HD) The Perfect Crime: Action and Comedy in 30 Minutes Or Less
- (HD) Blowing Up with the Cast & Crew
- 30 Minutes or Less PS3 Theme/Wallpaper
- BD Live enabled
Final Thoughts:
The cast of 30 Minutes or Less saved the film from being a waste of time. Fans of the actors will dig it enough for a spin, all it did for me was make me pray for season 3 of Eastbound & Down! Sony's release was reference quality, and frankly, that is what saved the experience for me. I can recommend a rental, but wouldn't go out of my way for it.
Lee Weber
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-X3 3D 1080p 3D High Definition Front Projector
Screen Innovations Solar HD 1.3 120" 2.40:1 CinemaScope Screen
Denon AVR 4311 Pre/Pro
Sunfire Theater Grand 7201 Amplifier
Sony PS3 Slim Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
MK Sound S-150MKII LCR
MK Sound S-150T Tripole Surrounds
MK Sound MX-350MKII Subwoofer
