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This is the End (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

5K views 25 replies 19 participants last post by  pimphofoo 
#1 ·


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:
    1. Sleepover
    2. Cum Battle
    3. We Don’t Know You Man!
  • (HD) Six featurettes:
    1. Meta-Apocalypse – The cast discusses the unique acting challenges of playing versions of themselves – 7 minutes
    2. Let's Get Technical – A look at the visual effects & technical aspects of the film – 10 minutes
    3. 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
    4. The Cannibal King – Channing Tatum & Danny McBride take us on set to show us how it really was filming their scenes together – 4 minutes
    5. 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
    6. “Jay & Seth vs. The Apocalypse - The Original Short” – The original short that inspired the film – 10 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:
    1. Aziz Haunts Craig Confessional
    2. James & Danny Confessional
    3. Jonah Confessional
    4. Seth & Jay 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





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This Is The End (Blu-ray)

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#7 ·
I saw this late the first day it opened. Rogen and his guys even showed up to see it. If you find Rogen funny at least rent this. If you're a big Rogen fan just buy it, you'll get your money's worth out of it. To say more would be giving the story away.
 
#8 ·
Of the two "end of the world is nigh" buddy comedies this summer, I'd have to give the nod to The World's End. Definitely not as crass and low-brow as This Is The End, and it happened to put a nice touch of nostalgia and heart into the disaster/monster/comedy genre. Shaun Of The Dead had the same kind of vibe. The British just do cross-genre movies so much better. They tend to impart some semblance of humanity into the characters, so they don't seem one dimensional. Seth Rogan and Co. could learn a few things.


Absolutely rent this film first. Not a blind buy.
 
#11 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by 8mile13  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_23787391


You accidentally wrote Rogan instead of Rogen more than twice Ralph.

Greetings,


Thanks for catching that 8mile13. I work with a guy whose last name is Rogan and it just kept sticking...




Regards,
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by boguspomp  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23781745


We watched it 5 days ago.


What a STUPID movie. Nothing funny. No good acting. Just to put 20 semi-big TV/Movie stars in a movie doesn't make the movie good. One to avoid, big time!!!

I saw this in the theater during the summer. I generally like Seth Rogen but I thought this movie was dumb. I kept looking at my watching wondering when it would end. Big thumbs down for me.
 
#14 ·
If you're a fan of 21 Jump St or Pineapple Express, this is the movie for you. If not, then definitely don't even watch it. Personally, I thought it was one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
 
#16 ·
It's not a dumb movie by any means.


Great movie, classic comedy from this team...even my girlfriend was laughing out loud...but she couldn't take some of the unexpected creepiness towards the end.


Will definitely watch this again.
 
#17 ·
Mastered in 4K means nothing unless your tv is 4k capable right?
 
#18 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by asere  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23797879


Mastered in 4K means nothing
There, I corrected your post for you. The BD is still 1080p.



As for the movie itself, I see it's one of those that is quite polarizing. It seems to be a love it or hate it movie.


I found 21 Jump St. enjoyable enough, Pineapple Express was OK, Your Highness was definitely low brow and I'm with the side that just found this movie stupid and a complete waste of time. I didn't laugh once while watching this. Unfortunately, that's ~2 hours of my life I'll never get back.



Max
 
#19 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by djbluemax1  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23800572


There, I corrected your post for you. The BD is still 1080p.



As for the movie itself, I see it's one of those that is quite polarizing. It seems to be a love it or hate it movie.


I found 21 Jump St. enjoyable enough, Pineapple Express was OK, Your Highness was definitely low brow and I'm with the side that just found this movie stupid and a complete waste of time. I didn't laugh once while watching this. Unfortunately, that's ~2 hours of my life I'll never get back.



Max

I feel the same for 21 it was good and Pineapple was just ok at times but bored me. I think I will skip This is the End at least this weekend and see Now You See Me Instead.
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by asere  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801401


I feel the same for 21 it was good and Pineapple was just ok at times but bored me. I think I will skip This is the End at least this weekend and see Now You See Me Instead.

Now You See Me was terribly written, edited, directed, and acted (except for Woody) IMHO. A jumbled mess with zero character development (in fact I'd say a lot of the main actors playing the magicians and their benefactors like Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman were mostly cameos). I can't believe they're making a sequel already and that the writers who cut their teeth on Transformers and some J.J. Abrams scripted TV shows still can find work. Oh, wait... yes I can! It's Hollywood in the 21st Century.
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Hitchman  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801477


Now You See Me was terribly written, edited, directed, and acted (except for Woody) IMHO. A jumbled mess with zero character development (in fact I'd say a lot of the main actors playing the magicians were mostly cameos). I can't believe they're making a sequel already and that the writers for Transformers and some J.J. Abrams scripts still can find work. Oh, wait... yes I can! It's Hollywood in the 21st Century.

Ahh bummer I already rented it. Oh well gotta see it to see if its good or bad.
 
#22 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by asere  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801486

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Hitchman  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801477


Now You See Me was terribly written, edited, directed, and acted (except for Woody) IMHO. A jumbled mess with zero character development (in fact I'd say a lot of the main actors playing the magicians were mostly cameos). I can't believe they're making a sequel already and that the writers for Transformers and some J.J. Abrams scripts still can find work. Oh, wait... yes I can! It's Hollywood in the 21st Century.

Ahh bummer I already rented it. Oh well gotta see it to see if its good or bad.
NYSM might not win any awards but I personally consider it miles better than TITE. If you share my opinions of 21JS and PE, you made the right choice between the NYSM and TITE.



Max
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by asere  /t/1492447/this-is-the-end-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801401


I feel the same for 21 it was good and Pineapple was just ok at times but bored me. I think I will skip This is the End at least this weekend and see Now You See Me Instead.

I thought Pineaapple express was dumb! But, this trolop of ****e was a waste of red box cash! Rogen is NOT funny! Either are the other idiots in it, who I cannot fathom made into films, they all suk, except for Franco, who has personality. ALL IN ALL A WATSE OF TIME.
 
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