BLU-RAY REVIEW

Central Intelligence

Featured In Issue 210, October 2016

Picture5
Sound5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Warner Home Video
(Catalog Number):
3000070624
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13/Unrated
(Rating Reason):
Crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action violence and brief strong language.
(Retail Price):
$$29.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
112/146
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
9/27/2016
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Rawson Marshall Thurber
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

The Central Intelligence story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the numbers-cruncher realizes what he's getting into, it's too late to get out, as his increasing unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses, and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count. (Gary Reber)

Both the theatrical version (01:47:37) and the unrated version (01:56:24) are available. Special features include commentary with Director Rawson Marshall Thurber and Mike Sale, a gag reel (HD 05:38), alternate scenes (HD 18:07), Line-O-Rama (HD 02:27), a Couch Scene (HD 0:41), Dance Off (HD 02:26), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.38:1 1080p AVC picture, photographed digitally, looks terrific. The imagery is bright and pristine. The color palette is nicely saturated with solid primaries and deep blacks. Colors often pop and provide eye candy throughout. Contrast is excellent, with shadow delineation that is revealing of fine detail. Fleshtones are natural throughout. Resolution is typically quite detailed, though, at times the imagery is a bit soft. Details are particularly evident in object textures in interiors, as well as in clothing, and closeups of facial features and hair. Clarity throughout is impressive. This is a nicely contrasted picture with excellent color fidelity and striking blacks that will not disappoint. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic, with an aggressive soundfield presence that often delivers directionalized sound effects, such as intense gunfire. Sound effects enhance the mayhem, as well as .1 LFE deep bass extension. Panning between channels also is quite effective to create dimensionality. During the action scenes the music is energized with an aggressive presence. The music is well recorded with a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the surrounds. Dialogue is intelligible throughout and generally well integrated spatially. This is a very entertaining soundtrack experience with a lively music score, plenty of sound effects, and dynamic character, for a real fun ride, punctuated with comedic dialogue. (Gary Reber)