The Cobbler [Blu-Ray] 
Director: Thomas McCarthy
Cast: Adam Sandler, Method Man, Steve Buscemi
Release Date: Now Available on Blu-Ray & DVD
A Review By: Kevin Lovell
Film Rating: 7/10
Disc Rating: 7/10
Plot Summary:
Max Simkin repairs shoes in the same New York shop that has been in his family for generations. Disenchanted with the grind of daily life, Max stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to step into the lives of his customers and see the world in a new way. Sometimes walking in another man’s shoes is the only way one can discover who they really are.
Max Simkin (Sandler) is a talented, fifth generation family cobbler. After his father leaves, Max is left to simultaneously run his family’s store and care for his aging mother. Tired of following in the family business, Max has begun to question his profession, but when in desperation he is forced to use a family heirloom with a legend behind it to fix a pair of shoes for a customer, he discovers a secret so amazing that it will change everything. Upon his discovery Max begins to find a new love for his career and his new ability courtesy of the heirloom will forever change the meaning of what it is to walk in another man’s shoes.
Thomas McCarthy directed and co-wrote (along with Paul Sado) ‘The Cobbler’ and he does a pretty capable job at the helm for the most part, sufficiently guiding this offbeat little tale. The numerous talented individuals who comprise the cast also contribute greatly to the overall film, including Adam Sandler, Method Man, Ellen Barkin, Dan Stevens, Steve Buscemi, Dustin Hoffman and a number more, all of whom deliver more than capable performances in each of their respective roles, although none are of a magnitude in which they are likely to stand out in their respectable bodies of work.
‘The Cobbler’ is a fun, entertaining and often quite funny film, albeit a bit messy in a few ways, particularly when it comes to the story which feels as if some unexplainable key element is missing which results in an awkward emptiness looming after the end credits roll. That aside, it’s a fun and enjoyable tale for the most part that also exudes some real warmth throughout. While it may not be perfect by any means, ‘The Cobbler’ is still a well done and enjoyable film that is certainly worth a watch if you should happen across it.
VIDEO:
The Blu-Ray release of ‘The Cobbler’ features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing the film’s original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. The video presentation looks pretty solid as a whole. There is some mild grain and video noise occasionally present, mostly visible at the top and bottom edges, although it’s in no way major and doesn’t detract from the viewing experience. The majority of the activity occurring on screen is sharp, detailed and looks pretty great. Overall, this is a pretty nice high definition video presentation that should easily please most folks.
AUDIO:
The Blu-Ray release features a lossless 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. This lossless multichannel soundtrack isn’t overly active, although it does utilize the surround channels to immerse the viewer with the films score in addition to some random and natural auditory elements depending on the environment of the scene. The dialogue is clean and clear at all times and never negatively affected by any other auditory elements. Overall, this is a pretty solid 5.1 channel DTS-HD MA soundtrack that delivers admirably in nearly every way required of it.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Blu-Ray release of ‘The Cobbler’ doesn’t contain much in the way of bonus content, but it does include one nice Behind the Scenes Featurette which runs approximately 15 minutes in length and includes behind the scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. The Trailer for the film is also included.
*Please note that the above images are taken from the Blu-Ray and resized. They additionally will suffer quality loss as a result of .jpg compression. Larger versions of each image can be viewed by clicking on the image. All images and content included on this Blu-Ray release are the property of their respective owners.
Film Rating: 7/10
Disc Rating: 7/10
‘The Cobbler’ is now available to own on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack & DVD from RLJ Entertainment & Image Entertainment.
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