The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
90
Studio and Year: Sony Pictures - 2013
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 107 minutes
Genre: Comedy
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, French/English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Watson
Written & Directed by: Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg
Music by: Henry Jackman
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 1, 2013
"Nothing ruins a party like the end of the world"
Film Synopsis:
This is the end follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.
My Take:
My college aged kids both saw This is the end in the theater and thought it was funny, although my daughter seemed to like it more than my son. The trailer didn’t leave me with a burning desire to see it but after their praises I went ahead and requested it for review. In general my tolerance for overtly crass over the top comedies of the type built on a platform of monotonous sexually exploitive absurdity runs pretty low. I Like Super bad but Pineapple Express didn’t do much for me so going in knowing the Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg co-wrote/directed this one left me unsure of where it would go. Yes, there certainly is some blatant absurdity, nonsensical storytelling and of course the requisite crassness but This is the end avoids sinking into the depths of unentertaining drivel.
The plot is elementary and silly but what makes it fun is the narcissistic/self-referential pokes and humor that revolves around the interpersonal relationships among the primary cast members. The situational gags are hit and miss depending on your sense of humor but the script incorporates enough slapstick and goofy banter to generate chuckles and the occasional belly laugh. The decision to use the apocalypse as the backdrop for such a spoof is relatively curious however once things get going it provides ample opportunity to incorporate the myriad of ridiculousness that ensues. The cast, including the plethora of celebrities that join in on the hijinks (love Emma Watson!), are a hoot appearing to have lots of fun.
I wouldn’t say that This is the end qualifies as a side splitting comedy however if you’re inclined toward the type of over the top raucousness and nonsensical buffoonery it employs you might see it for what it is, an oddball genre entry that is pretty funny.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for crude and sexual content throughout, brief graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use 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.**
Audio: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Video: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
This is the end comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 2.4 Mbps.
Mastered in 4k (according to the packaging) this is an excellent high definition presentation that is indicative of a newer release film. Detail is readily apparent as images are firmly resolute with crisp edges, defining sharpness, and two dimensional depth that enhances dimension. Colors are beautifully rendered with revealing delineation and tonal warmth. Fleshtones appear lifelike with natural tonality and complexional delineation among the cast. Contrast is boldly applied and blacks exhibit good dynamic range with discernable gradational highlights and excellent depth of field during low level scenes. I didn’t see any overt signs of video related artifacts and found the quality of the video to be high.
The lossless sound mix features definitive front channel separation and opulent clarity. Soundstage depth and imaging across the left, right and center channels is quite good. This enhances directional sounds and dialogue, allowing deep room penetration, high level perception of detail, and appropriate near field placement. The surround channels effectively extend the front soundstage by adding spatial ambience, directional pans and discrete sound placement. Dynamics and low frequency effects have solid weight and tangible authority that resonate well in the room. The combination enhances the film’s active segments and results in a decent surround sound experience.
Bonus Features:
Final Thoughts:
From the minds of co-writers/co-directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg This is the end is raucous, pretty inane and ridiculous but is different enough and ultimately funny enough to be entertaining when you’re in the mood for something off color. It comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in a solid package that includes excellent high definition audio/video and a fan friendly assortment of bonus supplements that features Blu-ray exclusive content all of which is worth exploring. This is the end probably isn’t for everyone but is worth checking out especially for fans of its style of humor.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
This Is The End (Blu-ray)
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The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
90
Studio and Year: Sony Pictures - 2013
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 107 minutes
Genre: Comedy
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, French/English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Watson
Written & Directed by: Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg
Music by: Henry Jackman
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 1, 2013
"Nothing ruins a party like the end of the world"
Film Synopsis:
This is the end follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.
My Take:
My college aged kids both saw This is the end in the theater and thought it was funny, although my daughter seemed to like it more than my son. The trailer didn’t leave me with a burning desire to see it but after their praises I went ahead and requested it for review. In general my tolerance for overtly crass over the top comedies of the type built on a platform of monotonous sexually exploitive absurdity runs pretty low. I Like Super bad but Pineapple Express didn’t do much for me so going in knowing the Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg co-wrote/directed this one left me unsure of where it would go. Yes, there certainly is some blatant absurdity, nonsensical storytelling and of course the requisite crassness but This is the end avoids sinking into the depths of unentertaining drivel.
The plot is elementary and silly but what makes it fun is the narcissistic/self-referential pokes and humor that revolves around the interpersonal relationships among the primary cast members. The situational gags are hit and miss depending on your sense of humor but the script incorporates enough slapstick and goofy banter to generate chuckles and the occasional belly laugh. The decision to use the apocalypse as the backdrop for such a spoof is relatively curious however once things get going it provides ample opportunity to incorporate the myriad of ridiculousness that ensues. The cast, including the plethora of celebrities that join in on the hijinks (love Emma Watson!), are a hoot appearing to have lots of fun.
I wouldn’t say that This is the end qualifies as a side splitting comedy however if you’re inclined toward the type of over the top raucousness and nonsensical buffoonery it employs you might see it for what it is, an oddball genre entry that is pretty funny.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for crude and sexual content throughout, brief graphic nudity, pervasive language, drug use 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.**
Audio: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
This is the end comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 2.4 Mbps.
Mastered in 4k (according to the packaging) this is an excellent high definition presentation that is indicative of a newer release film. Detail is readily apparent as images are firmly resolute with crisp edges, defining sharpness, and two dimensional depth that enhances dimension. Colors are beautifully rendered with revealing delineation and tonal warmth. Fleshtones appear lifelike with natural tonality and complexional delineation among the cast. Contrast is boldly applied and blacks exhibit good dynamic range with discernable gradational highlights and excellent depth of field during low level scenes. I didn’t see any overt signs of video related artifacts and found the quality of the video to be high.
The lossless sound mix features definitive front channel separation and opulent clarity. Soundstage depth and imaging across the left, right and center channels is quite good. This enhances directional sounds and dialogue, allowing deep room penetration, high level perception of detail, and appropriate near field placement. The surround channels effectively extend the front soundstage by adding spatial ambience, directional pans and discrete sound placement. Dynamics and low frequency effects have solid weight and tangible authority that resonate well in the room. The combination enhances the film’s active segments and results in a decent surround sound experience.
Bonus Features:
- (HD) 8 Deleted Scenes
- (HD) This is the Gag Reel – 6 minutes
- Line-O-Ramas Blooper Reel - Back-to-back shots of the actors’ different delivery of certain lines from the film, including:
- Sleepover
- Cum Battle
- We Don’t Know You Man!
- Sleepover
- (HD) Six featurettes:
- Meta-Apocalypse – The cast discusses the unique acting challenges of playing versions of themselves – 7 minutes
- Let's Get Technical – A look at the visual effects & technical aspects of the film – 10 minutes
- Party Time – A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the party scene at James Franco’s house, including the celebrity friends who showed up – 13 minutes
- The Cannibal King – Channing Tatum & Danny McBride take us on set to show us how it really was filming their scenes together – 4 minutes
- The Making of “The Making of Pineapple Express 2”– A behind-the-scenes look at the cast making the sequel to Pineapple Express – 6 minutes
- “Jay & Seth vs. The Apocalypse - The Original Short” – The original short that inspired the film – 10 minutes
- Meta-Apocalypse – The cast discusses the unique acting challenges of playing versions of themselves – 7 minutes
- Commentary with directors Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg
- Directing Your Friends featurette –Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg discuss what it’s like to make a film with their friends & hear from the cast about their experiences – 6 minutes
- This Is The Marketing (short segments) – Marketing Outtakes, Cast Featurette, Redband Sizzle Trailer, & Four Additional Confessionals:
- Aziz Haunts Craig Confessional
- James & Danny Confessional
- Jonah Confessional
- Seth & Jay Confessional
- Aziz Haunts Craig Confessional
- Bonus DVD
- Ultraviolet Digital Copy
Final Thoughts:
From the minds of co-writers/co-directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg This is the end is raucous, pretty inane and ridiculous but is different enough and ultimately funny enough to be entertaining when you’re in the mood for something off color. It comes to Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in a solid package that includes excellent high definition audio/video and a fan friendly assortment of bonus supplements that features Blu-ray exclusive content all of which is worth exploring. This is the end probably isn’t for everyone but is worth checking out especially for fans of its style of humor.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
This Is The End (Blu-ray)
- Threads: 2
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