DVD Review: Adventureland

Associated Press

'Adventureland'

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2009, R for language, drug use and sexual references

Best extra Writer/director Greg Mottola digs up his past on the commentary, chatting with actor Jesse Eisenberg about the real-life events that inspired his coming-of-age tale.

Based on his own experiences working at a Long Island theme park during college in the 1980s, "Adventureland" is a sweet and sincere look at growing up and first love from "Superbad" director Mottola. "Twilight's" Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds and "Saturday Night Live" regulars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig star along Eisenberg.

The Blu-ray transfer perfectly captures the theatrical experience, with lots a grain and washed colors, just like Mottola remembered the '80s. Detail is strong, and shots like Eisenberg's first time riding his bicycle into the park beneath the "Adventureland" sign look terrific. The uncompressed audio track delivers lots of ambiance, which brings the park to life, and the skillfully chosen period music sounds great.

Aside from the commentary, the extras are pretty slim with only a handful of short featurettes, most dedicated to advertisements for the theme park the film takes its title from, deleted scenes and a feature that allows you to jump to your favorite song in a movie stuffed with music from The Rolling Stones, The Replacements and Husker Du.

Highly recommended.

- Josh Boone

'Duplicity'

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2009, PG-13 for language and some sexual content

Best extra The sole extra is an informative commentary with writer/director Tony Gilroy and Tony's brother, John, who was both the editor and a co-producer on the film.

Gilroy's follow-up to his Oscar-nominated "Michael Clayton" is a tale even more complex but less engaging emotionally. Clive Owen and Julia Roberts star as high-tech corporate spies who manage to steal each other's hearts as well as a secret formula. The banter is witty and there are double and triple crosses galore to keep you guessing.

Cinematographer Robert Elswit, who won an Oscar for "There Will Be Blood," makes a strong impression with "Duplicity." The Blu-ray is razor-sharp throughout, with the film's exotic locations shining with clarity and depth. Although the film is dialogue-driven, the uncompressed audio is fine.

The commentary from the Gilroy brothers is enlightening, with much emphasis placed on John's editing ideas . Much of their conversation is screen-specific and littered with details about the production.

"Duplicity" is a very smart film that will test your puzzle- solving skills. It's a no-brainer purchase on Blu-ray.

- Josh Boone

'Sunshine Cleaning'

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, R for language, disturbing images, some sexuality and drug use

Best extra Commentary with co-producer Glenn Williamson and writer Megan Holley, who was working in Richmond when she wrote the screenplay

Just because this movie was made by the same folks who brought you the Oscar-winning "Little Miss Sunshine," don't be fooled. It's a totally different kind of flick.

As writer Holley says in her commentary, this is not only a movie about two sisters who get into the crime-scene cleanup business; it's about a family that finds its way by movie's end.

Holley's first attempt at a feature-length screenplay hits a home run. It also didn't hurt having the acting chops of Alan Arkin (Joe), Amy Adams (Rose), Emily Blunt (Norah) and Steve Zahn (Mac).

The Blu-ray imagery is excellent for the modest production filmed in and around Albuquerque, N.M.

In addition to the commentary, where the commonwealth gets a few mentions, there's also a "Fresh Look at a Dirty Business." The high- def bonus includes interviews with Marie FitzGerald and Dana Hooper of A&M Bio-Recovery. Both thoroughly enjoyed the movie because of the line of business they're in, but you don't have to be into crime- scene cleanup to love this one or get something from it.

- Toni Guagenti

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