Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is San Diego's top-rated news anchorman and isn't the biggest fan of a diversified workplace. When Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) arrives on the scene, Ron feels the heat after the hot young reporter aims for his prestigious job and a battle of the sexes ensues.

In many ways the production feels like an overly long skit on Saturday Night Live, which isn't surprising given director Adam McKay's pedigree. Ferrell's portrayal is mostly over the top but there are plenty of laughs to be had as long as you don't take things too seriously.

Video Highlights

• AVC/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Vibrant color palette
• Stable and consistent contrast
• Adequate detail

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Vanilla sound design typically found in comedies
• Intelligible dialog
• Front-heavy presentation

Much like the HD DVD released in the waning days of the format war, the A/V presentation is solid for a catalog release.

Bonus Materials
Disc One

• Includes both rated and unrated cuts of the film
• Commentary by Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Lou Rawls, Andy Ricter, Kyle Gass, Paul Rudd, David Koechner and Christina Applegate
• Bloopers (SD)
• 36 Deleted and Extended Scenes (SD)
• "Afternoon Delight" Music Video (SD)
• ESPN Sports Center Audition – Ron Burgundy (SD)

Disc Two

• Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie (HD)
• Intro-commentary with Will Ferrell and Aaron Zimmerman (SD)
• Raw Footage "Good Takes" (SD)
• Cast Auditions (SD)
• Comedy Central – Reel Comedy: Anchorman (SD)
• Table Read 6/2/03 (SD)
• Rehearsals
• Commercial breaks
• Teaser, theatrical, and TV trailers

I'm not Will Ferrell's biggest fan, but his portrayal of the 1970s male chauvinist anchorman has enough funny moments to keep it interesting. The A/V presentation won't blow you away, but Applegate looks outstanding in 1080p and the abundant supplements will surely please the fans.

Release Date: August 31, 2010
Studio: Paramount / Dreamworks

Movie: 6/10
Picture: 8/10
Sound: 8/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Panamax M5400PM power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics