Small Time [Blu-Ray]
Director: Joel Surnow
Cast: Christopher Meloni, Bridget Moynahan, Dean Norris
Release Date: Now Available on Blu-Ray & DVD
A Review By: Kevin Lovell
Film Rating: 9/10
Disc Rating: 8/10
Plot Summary:
A young guy decides to skip college in favor of joining his father on the lot of his used-car business.
‘Small Time’ tells the story of the summer one family will never forget, the summer when Al’s son Freddy made a crucial life choice to not attend college and instead move in with his father and join him and his partner Ash in their business of selling used cars. Naturally Al’s ex-wife isn’t too thrilled with the idea but she eventually relents and allows Freddy to do so resulting in a summer they will all remember forever.
‘Small Time’ is written and directed by Joel Surnow who many will know best as the co-creator of the smash hit series ‘24’ which is currently back with a limited series airing this summer. Folks should keep in mind that ‘Small Time’ is nothing whatsoever like ‘24’, but is nevertheless a perfect example of the range Surnow is capable of and he does a fantastic job in the director’s chair on this one. This wonderful film is hugely complimented by a number of fantastic performances, including the likes of such talented individuals as Christopher Meloni, Dean Norris, Devon Bostick, Bridget Moynahan, a small role by Kevin Nealon and a number of others, all of which do spectacular in each of their respective performances.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one and it caught me pleasantly by surprise to discover what a heartwarming and hilarious gem of a film Joel Surnow has delivered with ‘Small Time.’ The script is well crafted; the surroundings (the cars, phones and many other aspects throughout) all do a fantastic job of making it quite clear the film does not take place in modern time and it’s just another added bonus that really compliments and displays the true attention to detail and care put into this movie. ‘Small Time’ is an emotional as well as frequently incredibly funny film that displays a true and down to earth example of family and all of the hurdles it throws at you. I would definitely give ‘Small Time’ my highest recommendation.
VIDEO:
The Blu-Ray release of ‘Small Time’ features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing the film’s original 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. The video quality looks pretty solid on this one and is benefited by a more than substantial bitrate provided to it, especially when considering the type of film that this is. The colors are sharp; all of the shapes, edges and every bit of the picture look top notch and solid overall with no notable glitches or faults to be found within on my end. I think most folks will be more than pleased with the high definition video presentation on this one.
AUDIO:
The Blu-Ray release features a lossless 5.1 channel Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. Considering the more dramatic (and often hilarious) nature of this movie, it is no surprise that not a lot of opportunities are presented in order for this lossless multichannel soundtrack to take advantage of the rear channels, though this is in no way any fault of the soundtrack, but merely the calmer tone of the film. As a whole this 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track sounds great, is more than adequate and always sound crisp, discrete and perfect in every way.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Blu-Ray release of ‘Small Time’ only includes one bonus feature, though fortunately one definitely worthwhile, an audio commentary with Writer/Director Joel Surnow and Actors Christopher Meloni and Dean Norris.
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