My take: Nothing Like the Holidays

HD Goofnut

Title: Nothing Like the Holidays
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Two Disc Set
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Run time: 98 minutes
Studio: Starz/Anchor Bay Films
Rating: PG-13
Region Coding: Region A Only
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Alfred Molina as Edy Rodriguez
Elizabeth Peña as Anna Rodriguez
Freddy Rodríguez as Jesse Rodriguez
Luis Guzmán as Johnny
Jay Hernandez as Ozzy
John Leguizamo as Mauricio Rodriguez
Debra Messing as Sarah Rodriguez
Vanessa Ferlito as Roxanna Rodriguez
Melonie Diaz as Marissa
Directed by Alfredo De Villa

My take: (the breakdown)

This was another title that Netflix recently recommended to me and I enjoy Alfred Molina in just about every role he undertakes so I figured I'd give this one a try. The story follows the Rodriguez family as they are all reunited, as they are every year, at Edy and Anna's house in Chicago. However, what is typically a time of happiness and celebration turns into family mayhem as several arguments break out that turn the holiday season upside down for the Puerto Rican family. This is one of those comedy/drama films, but I think it leans closer to a comedy myself. If you're looking for something light and enjoyable I would say that this film is definitely worth a rental.

The first you notice about this transfer is that everything is bathed in sepia tones and I mean everything. It's like the entire print was soaked in pumpkin colored water before it was finished, but other than that this transfer looks pretty good. Colors are somewhat muted, but still remain saturated. Flesh tones are also accurate despite the orange glow on the print. Grain is also minimal and remains consistent. Fine detail is also well done as every visible detail is visible on each actor.

We are given a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track, but the film is almost entirely dialogue driven. The dialogue though is never hard to understand and is strongly prioritized through the center channel. Surrounds don't see much action other than some occasional music. I was actually rather surprised that there were no audible discrete effects such as wind, cars, or birds. Your sub might as well be unplugged for this title since there's not really anything for it to do.

We are given a decent supplemental package with this Blu-ray release. We get a director/producer commentary, a PiP commentary with the cast, 11 minutes worth of cast interviews, 15 minutes of bloopers, and the film's trailer. All of the above features are presented in 1080. There is also a digital copy provided on a second disc.

Movie: 6.5/10
VQ: 8/10
AQ: 8/10
Supplements: 6/10
Final word: Worth A Rental

As always thanks for reading folks.

__________________

marryroy

hi there...

If Nothing Like the Holidays appears to have little in common with Frank Capra's small-town perennial It's a Wonderful Life, Alfredo De Villa's urban dramedy also mixes the bitter with the sweet.