Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B     Sound: B     Extras: C     Film: C-

 

 

The HD-DVD/DVD combo and regular DVD-only versions of Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) were supposed to make the film into a surprise hit or more prominent cult item, but it seems more people have been disappointed than enlightened or satisfied with the film since it hit the street.  We previously looked at the HD-DVD/DVD combo at:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3947/Kiss+Kiss+Bang+Bang+(HD-DVD/DVD+Combo+Format)

 

 

The 1080p 2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image is on par with the HD-DVD side, with no improvements in refinement problems though colors and Video Black that has its issues.  Michael Barrett’s colorful cinematography has the same color range, but this again proves to be nothing special, which is more noticeable when seeing it in two HD formats.  The PCM 16bit/48kHz 5.1 mix has some advantages versus the Dolby Digital Plus from the HD-DVD and is much better than the standard Dolby Digital on the standard DVD, but the Dolby Digital Plus also has its moments over the PCM here.  The mix overall is not bad, but again, nothing exceptional.

 

Extras are also the same as the HD-DVD/DVD combo release, including a trailer, Downey Jr./Kilmer/Black audio commentary that has its moments and a “gag reel” of amusing bloopers.  Yet again, both format versions are a draw for a film that is simply not that good.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo