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Obvious Child
R2 - United Kingdom - Koch Media Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (18th January 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Described as “Fresh, funny, and really rather brave” (The Guardian), OBVIOUS CHILD tells the story of unapologetic Brooklyn comedian Donna Stern (last years break-out star Jenny Slate), a twenty-something loose cannon who gets dumped, fired and pregnant in quick succession. Over the course of this sharply scripted and poignant story, Donna learns how to be brave, honest and vulnerable in real life; not just on stage. Directed by exciting debut film-maker Gillian Robespierre and introducing an outstanding breakout performance from talented newcomer Jenny Slate ('Parks and Recreation', SNL, 'Girls'), OBVIOUS CHILD also features a great supporting cast including Jake Lacey (‘The Office’), Gaby Hoffmann (Golden Globe winning TV show 2TRANSPARENT') and Gabe Liedman.
Video
Koch Media have released Gillian Robespierre's feature-length directorial debut on to DVD only (at time of writing) in the United Kingdom with an anamorphic transfer using the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It looks fine. The first thing you may notice while watching the film, is the odd choice of using a very strong orange hue throughout, which whilst not unusual in cinema in general, is a bit strange for this genre. However, it gives the film quite a warm look, and with a lot of the scenes taking place in dark environments, it does suit the feature well. Details are okay, nothing outstanding, with items in the background sometimes intentionally out of focus, and the rest of the time looking a little clunky. Close-ups are certainly superior, with moderate levels of detail in clothing and in faces. At 34:16, the camera points at a poster in the doctor's room, and the writing isn't particularly clear, when it perhaps should be. Colours are muted but lighter scenes do pop quite considerably when compared to the rest of the feature. Skin tones do look slightly warm, but this is down to the orange hues. There are no major issues with the print. I didn't notice any banding or obvious edge enhancement, but a couple of minor instances of aliasing that are barely worth mentioning can be spotted. There's no damage to the print such as scratches or dirt. The film is uncut, and runs 80:51. 
Audio
Koch Media have provided us with a single audio option; English Dolby Digital 5.1. 95% of the time, the sound design of "Obvious Child" is focused towards the front. The surrounds are generally only used for the score by Chris Bordeaux and the occasional environmental effect, and otherwise remain fairly quiet. The LFE is also rather quiet, but it bursts into life with some heavy thumping to reflect the sound of a heart beating during one of the earlier scenes. Dialogue is clear at all times and never comes across as mumbled, and volume levels are consistent. There are no issues with the track, such as scratches, drop outs or background hiss. This is probably a very good replication of the original sound design. Optional subtitles are available in English for the hard-of-hearing.
Extras
Just some start-up trailers (3:36): - "Wish I Was Here" (1:56) - "Life After Beth" (1:40)
Overall
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