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The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
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Extras:
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Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
78
Studio and Year: New Line - 2010
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 103 minutes
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Disc Format: BD-25
Encoding: VC-1
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, English/French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
Directed by: Nanette Burstein
Music by: Mychael Danna
Written by: Geoff LaTulippe
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: November 30, 2010
"A comedy about meeting each other half way"
Film Synopsis:
Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) strike sparks for a summer fling in New York City but neither expects it to last once Erin heads home to San Francisco and Garrett remains behind for his Big Apple job. But after six romantic weeks, neither is sure they want it to end. So despite opposing coasts, naysaying friends and family and unexpected temptations, the couple just might have found something like love. And helped by a lot of texting, sexting and late-night phone calls, they might actually go the distance.
My Take:
I have never been in a long distance relationship but that certainly isn't a prerequisite to understanding its inherent problems. Erin (Barrymore), a journalism major from San Francisco, is doing an internship at a newspaper in the Big Apple. Garrett shares an apartment with good buddy Dan (Day) and works as a talent agent for a small record label. Erin has gotten her life back on track after a failed long term romance and Garrett seems to go from once relationship to the next without a clue how to make them work. Having just endured a tough day they wind up at the same bar looking to take the edge off. After a rather inauspicious meeting Garrett and Erin hook up. She makes it clear that she isn't looking for anything serious as she will only be in town for six weeks. He agrees and they decide to keep things casual. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) that doesn't last long and they end up spending lots of time together and fall in love. The time comes from Erin to leave and despite misgivings they opt to continue their relationship. They keep in touch via text messages, video chats, and cell phone. Seeing each other only once or twice over a three month period frustrates them but they persevere in the hopes that they can soon be together in the same city. When Erin receives an incredible job opportunity in San Francisco they find themselves at a crossroads. They can't carry on a long distance romance forever so one of them will have to make the decision to move or end it. For Erin and Garrett there is no simple answer but who ever said love was easy?
Going the distance is a fairly straightforward romantic comedy that puts a light comedic spin on the rigors of long distance love. The pacing is a tad slow but I don't think that is detrimental to the story's flow. I would definitely classify this as a dramedy with overt humor that is decidedly aimed at adults. It occasionally borders on silly but has its share of moments that drive its dramatic elements. I think the storyline/characters are developed well for a connection and the thematic highlights are integrated nicely. I enjoyed the cast and thought that Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were really quite good together. I have to admit to being taken aback when she unloaded the F bomb at least half a dozen times in the first 15 minutes. Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day helped to supply the comic relief and Christina Applegate was typically solid as Erin's disapproving and compulsively clean sister Corinne. I also liked the rock band, The Boxer Rebellion, featured in the film and decided to download a few of their songs from iTunes. Going the distance doesn't bring anything appreciably new to the rom/com genre but I didn't mind it and appreciated its honesty, airy humor and solidifying chemistry between leads Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sexual content including dialogue, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity.
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: 78
Video: 78
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Going the distance comes to Blu-ray from New Line/Warner featuring 1080p VC-1 encoded video that has an average bitrate of 17 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.2 Mbps.
This is a predominantly good video presentation that offers appreciable refinement and varying degrees of delineation that can be scene dependent. Resolution is discerning most of the time but softer definition leaves some mid level and wide angle views appearing less resolvable in terms of depth and detail. The color range is perfectly suited to the source material with rendering that is clean with a pleasing level of saturation. Fleshtones keep pace with the look of the rest of the film however they occasionally take on a balmy quality that may be attributable to the lighting. Spot on contrast yields crisp, bright whites and blacks are stable but slightly elevated which leaves them appearing less dynamic and sometimes flat. Grain is evident and primarily appears in even layers that are naturally rendered throughout.
The lossless DTS-HD MA soundtrack is primarily front focused with minimal but effective use of the surround platform to extend the soundstage. The presentation is satisfying and competently conveys the elements present in the film's soundtrack. Dialogue is intelligible but could have mixed a bit higher as there were times where I had to increase the volume to make out softer spoken passages. The front three channels delivered the bulk of the sound and did so with good clarity and imaging. The surrounds and sub saw occasional use and supported the soundtrack's elements with light spatial dimension and bass response that accompanied the film's club atmosphere and musical performances.
Bonus Features:
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Final Thoughts:
Going the distance doesn't bring anything original to the romantic comedy genre but I didn't mind it and appreciated its honesty, airy humor and solidifying chemistry between leads Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. It makes its debut on Blu-ray from Warner Home Video featuring satisfying high definition audio/video quality and a bland array of bonus supplements that while pertinent to the film's content offer little background on the production. Going the distance won't win any awards but is deserving of rental consideration on date night.
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Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100 16x9 Screen
Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Samsung BD-C7900 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 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
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, VizionWare, Audioquest, Better Cables, Best Deal Cables - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
78
Studio and Year: New Line - 2010
MPAA Rating: R
Feature running time: 103 minutes
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Disc Format: BD-25
Encoding: VC-1
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, English/French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
Directed by: Nanette Burstein
Music by: Mychael Danna
Written by: Geoff LaTulippe
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: November 30, 2010
"A comedy about meeting each other half way"
Film Synopsis:
Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) strike sparks for a summer fling in New York City but neither expects it to last once Erin heads home to San Francisco and Garrett remains behind for his Big Apple job. But after six romantic weeks, neither is sure they want it to end. So despite opposing coasts, naysaying friends and family and unexpected temptations, the couple just might have found something like love. And helped by a lot of texting, sexting and late-night phone calls, they might actually go the distance.
My Take:
I have never been in a long distance relationship but that certainly isn't a prerequisite to understanding its inherent problems. Erin (Barrymore), a journalism major from San Francisco, is doing an internship at a newspaper in the Big Apple. Garrett shares an apartment with good buddy Dan (Day) and works as a talent agent for a small record label. Erin has gotten her life back on track after a failed long term romance and Garrett seems to go from once relationship to the next without a clue how to make them work. Having just endured a tough day they wind up at the same bar looking to take the edge off. After a rather inauspicious meeting Garrett and Erin hook up. She makes it clear that she isn't looking for anything serious as she will only be in town for six weeks. He agrees and they decide to keep things casual. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) that doesn't last long and they end up spending lots of time together and fall in love. The time comes from Erin to leave and despite misgivings they opt to continue their relationship. They keep in touch via text messages, video chats, and cell phone. Seeing each other only once or twice over a three month period frustrates them but they persevere in the hopes that they can soon be together in the same city. When Erin receives an incredible job opportunity in San Francisco they find themselves at a crossroads. They can't carry on a long distance romance forever so one of them will have to make the decision to move or end it. For Erin and Garrett there is no simple answer but who ever said love was easy?
Going the distance is a fairly straightforward romantic comedy that puts a light comedic spin on the rigors of long distance love. The pacing is a tad slow but I don't think that is detrimental to the story's flow. I would definitely classify this as a dramedy with overt humor that is decidedly aimed at adults. It occasionally borders on silly but has its share of moments that drive its dramatic elements. I think the storyline/characters are developed well for a connection and the thematic highlights are integrated nicely. I enjoyed the cast and thought that Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were really quite good together. I have to admit to being taken aback when she unloaded the F bomb at least half a dozen times in the first 15 minutes. Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day helped to supply the comic relief and Christina Applegate was typically solid as Erin's disapproving and compulsively clean sister Corinne. I also liked the rock band, The Boxer Rebellion, featured in the film and decided to download a few of their songs from iTunes. Going the distance doesn't bring anything appreciably new to the rom/com genre but I didn't mind it and appreciated its honesty, airy humor and solidifying chemistry between leads Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for sexual content including dialogue, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity.
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: 78
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Video: 78
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
Going the distance comes to Blu-ray from New Line/Warner featuring 1080p VC-1 encoded video that has an average bitrate of 17 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.2 Mbps.
This is a predominantly good video presentation that offers appreciable refinement and varying degrees of delineation that can be scene dependent. Resolution is discerning most of the time but softer definition leaves some mid level and wide angle views appearing less resolvable in terms of depth and detail. The color range is perfectly suited to the source material with rendering that is clean with a pleasing level of saturation. Fleshtones keep pace with the look of the rest of the film however they occasionally take on a balmy quality that may be attributable to the lighting. Spot on contrast yields crisp, bright whites and blacks are stable but slightly elevated which leaves them appearing less dynamic and sometimes flat. Grain is evident and primarily appears in even layers that are naturally rendered throughout.
The lossless DTS-HD MA soundtrack is primarily front focused with minimal but effective use of the surround platform to extend the soundstage. The presentation is satisfying and competently conveys the elements present in the film's soundtrack. Dialogue is intelligible but could have mixed a bit higher as there were times where I had to increase the volume to make out softer spoken passages. The front three channels delivered the bulk of the sound and did so with good clarity and imaging. The surrounds and sub saw occasional use and supported the soundtrack's elements with light spatial dimension and bass response that accompanied the film's club atmosphere and musical performances.
Bonus Features:
- Audio commentary by director Nanette Burstein
- (HD) Have to have a perfect date? - 7 minute featurette where the cast offers their personal opinions on the perfect date
- (HD) A guide to long distance dating - 8 minute featurette with more discussion on relationship advice
- (HD) The cast of Going the distance: Off the cuff - 4 minutes of on set cast improvisations
- (HD) Deleted scenes - 12 minutes that didn't make the cut
- (HD) Music - If you run by The Boxer Rebellion set to a video montage from the film + a short promo for the soundtrack
- Bonus DVD/Digital Copy combo disc
Final Thoughts:
Going the distance doesn't bring anything original to the romantic comedy genre but I didn't mind it and appreciated its honesty, airy humor and solidifying chemistry between leads Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. It makes its debut on Blu-ray from Warner Home Video featuring satisfying high definition audio/video quality and a bland array of bonus supplements that while pertinent to the film's content offer little background on the production. Going the distance won't win any awards but is deserving of rental consideration on date night.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector (Calibrated by Jeff Meier)
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100 16x9 Screen
Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Samsung BD-C7900 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 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
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, VizionWare, Audioquest, Better Cables, Best Deal Cables - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
