“Neighbors” (Blu-ray) – Reviewed by Chris Eberle
Synopsis
Young couple Mac and Kelly are enjoying their thirty-something lives together with a new baby and their first home in the suburbs. Their peaceful life is upended one day when a fraternity moves in next door. At first they try to recapture their youth by partying with the frat boys but things soon turn sour when Mac calls the police during a particularly loud party. The neighbor war quickly escalates as Mac and the Deltas trade insults and try to outdo each other with increasingly elaborate pranks.
Specifications
- Universal Studios
- 2014, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 37 mins
- Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
- 1080p, AVC
- DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Starring: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron
- Directed by Nicholas Stoller
Rating
- Entertainment:
- Video:
- Audio:
- Extras:
- Violence: Mild
- Sex: Yes, and nudity
- Language: Extreme
Commentary
I have no doubt that this Blu-ray will become a permanent addition to the movie libraries of frat houses everywhere. Funny gags abound and like all films of this type; it gets better after you’ve consumed a few fermented malt beverages. The plot is pretty thin but it’s there more as a loose frame for the jokes and comic visuals. The bit with the airbags was my personal favorite.
Neighbors is in no way family entertainment. The f-bombs rain down like confetti on New Years. Sexual references are frequent and completely unabashed. There isn’t as much sex or nudity as you might expect, but there is some. I wouldn’t go as far as to call anything disturbing but this is an extreme expression of frat-house humor. If you like to throw wild parties, this Blu-ray will fit right in.
Technical
The image is decent with good contrast and reasonably saturated color. The palette is very natural but perhaps a bit lacking in the brightest hues. Sharpness is good but some scenes looked a little soft.
Audio is equally solid with good dynamic range, a large soundstage, and clear dialog. There is some use of the surround channels and the sub gets to thumpin’ during the party scenes with plenty of loud music in the background.
Extras
Bonus features total about 45 minutes and include interviews with cast members and writers, a gag reel, deleted scenes, and an alternate opening.