The Heat Blu-ray Review

Actors: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demian Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapaport

Director: Paul Feig

Writer: Katie Dippold

Producers: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping

Language: English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Run Time: 117 minutes

 

       

        The buddy action comedies of recent years have far more comedy than action, but that may be the saving grace for an otherwise unbelievable film like The Heat. As entertaining as the premise of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy as law enforcement officers is, neither one are very believable when it comes to the physical aspects of the role. The action serves as a catalyst for further jokes rather than taking on their own spectacle, and that allows for the film to retain focus.

 

        There have been many attempts at finding the right leading role for McCarthy after her breakout performance in Bridemaids, but this is the first part that truly seems to fit. Working again with director Paul Feig, McCarthy is joined by Sandra Bullock, who also plays into her persona for the role of a prissy and uptight F.B.I. agent. Special Agent Sarah Ashburn is accustomed to being the smartest one in the room, which is precisely why none of her colleagues want to work with her. In an effort to prove that she can be a team player, Agent Ashburn is forced to partner up with a local cop while on assignment in Boston.

 

Shannon Mullins (McCarthy) also works alone, though it is because her co-workers are frightened of her. Both have the ability to take down criminals and do so without any partnership with their male colleagues, but their similarities stop there. Their partnership is The Odd Couple of law enforcement, and a surprising majority of the film is just dialogue between these opposing characters as they wait in-between brief spurts of unconventional crime fighting.

 

The Blu-ray combo release of The Heat includes the theatrical version of the film, as well as an unrated cut. With a Blu-ray disc, a DVD and a digital copy, there are also many ways of watching this film. There are also plenty of special features, with a remarkable five commentary tracks for the film, including Paul Feig and Mystery Science Theater 3000. There are also a few featurettes, and a plethora of additional footage, from deleted scenes and alternate takes to bloopers. 

 

       

Entertainment Value: 8/10

Quality of Filmmaking: 7/10

Historical Significance: 7/10

Disc Features: 10/10