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I Love You, Beth Cooper
(Blu-ray)

review by Zach B.

 

 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Crude and Sexual Content, Language, Some Teen Drinking and Drug References, and Brief Violence)

Running Time: 102 Minutes

Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack T. Carpenter, Lauren London

Screenplay by: Larry Doyle
Based on his novel

Directed by: Christopher Columbus

 

Studio: Fox

Retail Price: $39.99

Features: Alternate Ending, Deleted Scenes, I Love You Larry Doyle, We Are All Different But That's A Good Thing, Peanut Butter Toast, Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character With Hayden Panettiere, Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character With Paul Rust

Specs: 1.85:1 Widescreen 1080p High Definition, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Portuguese Subtitles, Cantonese Subtitles, Scene Selection (20 Scenes)

Released: November 3rd, 2009


 

 

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" is presented in 1080p High Definition, in a widescreen presentation with the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. It's a pretty good, and definitely bright, transfer. Fleshtones are accurate and really hit their mark, while color saturation is quite bold — for example, all the blues on the robes in the opening graduations scene certainly stand out. Detail also makes a mark. Even though the movie features some pretty basic surroundings, you'll be able to notice a lot of things crisply in the background. Black levels are pretty deep, while the print itself is quite clean. Solid and sharp, overall. 

 

A DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also featured on this Blu-ray release. All the dialogue is firm, centered and crystal clear. The music also has a strong presence too: Christophe Beck's score is mixed well through the channels, while the other songs that play throughout the movie have a pretty rich presence. Surround effects are also pretty strong, and for the most part do sound pretty discrete. Highlights include some car mishaps, a few physical gags and where things go awry near a camp fire. With this in mind, subwoofer use is actually above average and makes a small mark. Even smaller moments — like that opening graduation scene — make you feel like you're among the high school students. Dyanmic range is good and fidelity is rather high as well. Not overly bombastic or too showy, but this is a pretty good example of a decent sound track for a comedy.

Standard Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in French, Spanish and Portugese are also on the disc. Subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Cantonese are included as well.
 




There are a few supplements that give a good overview of the film. However, most notably absent is any major presence of director Chris Columbus.

First up is an Alternate Ending that runs 7 minutes, and 4 Deleted Scenes: "The Graduate," "College Worthy Handyman," "Beth Digs For Buried Treasure" and "Beth Remembers A Cooverman Moment"). Those last 7 and a half minutes, in total. No context is given concerning the alternate ending or why the deleted scenes didn't make the cut. You be the judge though about their worthiness.

Lasting 5:55 is I Love You, Larry Doyle. The film's screenwriter talks about his premise, and how the film was originally a novel Doyle wrote. The writer was inspired by a dream he had, and how he wanted to write a teen comedy that was a commentary on other teen comedies. He speaks of the characters and how they break from clichés, and the actors discuss the characters too. A bit standard, but still enjoyable.

Running 9 minutes is We Are All Different, But That's A Good Thing. Chris Columbus briefly pops up for this piece, but the focus is really on the actors: their characters, who they are and how they played them. The movie's message is also covered a bit. It also makes for a good watch. Peanut Butter Toast is a pretty fun song, all improved by lead actor Paul Rust.

Rounding out the extras are Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character With... one is with Hayden Panettiere, and the other Paul Rust — and both last 3 minutes each. Both also seemed to be filmed during press junket interviews. Panettiere talks about Beth Cooper's character arc, the film in general and speaks of her mother's advice to "listen." Rust also sums up the movie, but speaks more about his choices as an actor and the physicality of his role. He speaks of taking inspiration from Roger Rabbit, but the cruel irony is how Columbus reigned him in — saying he wanted the film "to make money." Oh well.

Trailers are also on the disc for other Fox titles. But oddly, not one for this film itself. Grr.
 

Reviews were pretty polarizing, and "I Love You, Beth Cooper" was a pretty big flop at the box office during the summer of 2009. Perhaps more will discover this comic adaptation on Blu-ray (and DVD). This disc is pretty solid: good transfer and audio mix, plus a few slight — though entertaining — extras. Those who like the teen comedy/high school genre will probably want to seek this one out as a rental.