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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Open Road, The

    Featured In Issue 145, December 2009

    Picture3
    SoundNR
    WSR Score2.5
    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):
    Anchor Bay Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    N3117
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG-13
    (Rating Reason):
    For some language.
    (Retail Price):
    $34.98
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Single Layer (BD-25)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    90
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    Not Indicated
    (Theatrical Year):
    2008
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    11/17/09
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Michael Meredith
    (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):
    Dolby TrueHD 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    In The Open Road, minor leaguer Carlton Garrett (Timberlake) takes an unexpected road trip to track down his estranged father, legendary baseball player Kyle Garrett (Bridges), when Carlton's mother (Steenburgen) becomes sick. Knowing his charming, yet painfully immature, dad's likelihood to disappoint, Carlton enlists his on-again-off-again girlfriend Lucy (Mara) for emotional support. Once reunited, Carlton struggles to deal with the series of misadventures caused by his father's antics, including missed flights, car trouble, and bathroom brawls. Years of miscommunication, frustration, and comically awkward attempts at bonding come to a head as the mismatched trio make their way from Ohio back home to Houston to reunite the family. (Tricia Spears)

    Special features include commentary with Writer/Director Michael Meredith and Actor Jeff Bridges, Behind The Scenes Of The Open Road (HD 06:45), the theatrical trailer, and previews.

    The 2.35:1 1080p AVC picture is inconsistent, with generally poor contrast. Blacks often appear crushed, with poor undefined shadow depth. But occasionally blacks do appear solid and natural. Scenes, at times, appear overly dark and undefined, with a very soft character. Colors are warmly hued, but fleshtones appear "reddish" and unnatural. Resolution, at times, is good, revealing fine facial features and object textures, but at other times the imagery appears slightly soft and undefined. Slight grain is detectable but not distracting. The overall appearance is cinematic but more problematic than impressive. (Gary Reber)

    The Dolby® TrueHD 5.1-channel soundtrack is mediocre and unremarkable. The sound is generally restricted to the frontal soundstage, with occasional widening and extension to the surrounds. The music score is subdued, though, nicely recorded. Dialogue is production sound and ADR that is wanting in spatial integration. The sound is serviceable and basic, as a complement to the storytelling, but lacks
    excitement. (Gary Reber)

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