Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

Based on the best-selling book, it follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life and wonders if bad things only happen to him.  But he discovers he’s not alone when his dad (Steve Carell), mom (Jennifer Garner) and family live through their own terrible and hilarious day. It will tickle everyone’s funny bone, and warm their hearts as they discover how even on rotten days, families can grow closer. Hop into this family’s nearly destroyed minivan and enjoy the fun, hectic, and emotional ride of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Specifications

  • Disney
  • 2014, Color, rated: PG, 1 hours 21 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD MA 5.1
  • Starring: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Ed Oxenbould, Bella Thorne, Dylan Minnette
  • Directed by Miguel Arteta

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: No
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

I’ll be honest, I was not looking forward to watching this film. Even as a Steve Carell fan, it looked like a silly modern version of Problem Child, a movie of which I hated as a kid. Within a couple minutes of Alexander and the Terrible.. Very Bad Day, I was drawn in. The kids offer fine performances, Carell and Garner, while not winning Oscars, pick up the role as struggling mom and dad perfectly and the baby is about as cute as the come. The movie does have its share of wacky physical comedy, but it isn’t as extreme as I thought it would be.  The charm of the family comes through and in the end you might just be rooting for them like I was. At 81 minutes, Alexander and the.. Very Bad Day is a small investment, but one that ending up paying off for me. Easily worth checking out!

Technical

Picture quality on the Blu-ray release of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is excellent. There is some excess sharpening during some scenes, but colors are natural and accurate. Contrast is fine and shadow detail isn’t much of an issue due the the movie being bright and cheery.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is focused mostly in the front 3 channels. A few scenes offered some nice surround effects, but this is not a soundtrack that will give the home theater much of a workout.

Extras

Alexander…In Real Life
Snappy Crocs & Punch Roos: The Australian Outback Party
Walkabout: A Video Diary
And The Delightful, Magnificent, Very Good Bloopers
“Hurricane” by the Vamps – Music Video