Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (Blu-ray)

Sure he gained a fair bit of recognition as a series regular on ‘Arrested Development’, but you can’t deny that it was his solid turn as Superbad’s awkward hypergeek Evan that saw Michael Cera launched properly into the public eye. Having followed it up with another effortlessly convincing role as a likeable bumbling teen in Juno, it was abundantly clear that the guy’s cringe-worthy gawkiness would see him become renowned as one of the big names in comedy within the next few years. Of course, that’s provided he doesn’t over-egg the pudding.

Luckily that doesn’t seem to be the case with Nick & Norah. Once again Cera is back in familiar territory as he dishes out the same performance as he’s previously turned in as the eponymous Nick – a musician who’s just been shitcanned by the biggest tart in New Jersey. Introduced to potential soulmate Norah in a nightclub, the entire plot of the film does little more than follow Nick as he bums around NYC getting to know the girl, all the while trying to shake off the predictably slutty advances of his ex.

While the plot is as paper thin and there’s nowt in the way of surprises in store, the film manages to keep its head well above water thanks to its consistently hilarious script and sound turns from the two leads. However the real star of the film is Ari Graynor. Playing Norah’s pissed-up chum Caroline with vomit-inducing enthusiasm, it’d be an almighty shame if she wasn’t given bigger and better roles over the next few years. She’s one of the many positives that help save a movie that could otherwise have felt incredibly clichéd. While it’s not up to the standard of Judd Apatow’s efforts (despite featuring a few of his cronies, including Jay Baruchel), it’s still an above average comedy that proves that Michael Cera’s gangly goofball routine hasn’t quite worn thin yet.

As for the Blu-ray, it’s a bit of a disappointment in terms of picture. While the colours are replicated beautifully by the transfer, the energy of the picture is sapped by an image that’s overly soft and incredibly grainy at times. However, the same can’t be said for the TrueHD track. Rendered with crystalline clarity, everything in the gamut, from ambient city sounds to thumping bass drums, is represented exquisitely by the HD treatment. Extras-wise, the wealth of goodies on board is nothing to scoff at either. With superb featurettes and gems including a fake interview with Cera, Dennings and Eddie Kaye Thomas, it’s well worth parting with your cash for. However, seeing as they’re accompanying a bunch of HD exclusive crackers such as a trivia track and video commentary, it just makes the package that much sweeter. This is a BD that massively trumps its DVD counterpart, but won’t convince newcomers to make the HD plunge.

Overall Verdict: A very funny film on a decent Blu-ray – provided you’re not expecting a treat for the eyes.

Special Features:
Trivia Track
Cinechat
Telestrator Commentary with Director and Cast
Director and Writers Commentary
Deleted & Alternate Scenes
Outtakes
A Nick & Norah Puppet Show by Kat Dennings
Ari Graynor's Video Diary: A Look Behind-the-Scenes
Storyboard Animations with optional commentary
Storyboard Animation Piece
Faux Interview with Kat Dennings and Eddie Kaye Thomas
Peter Sollett's Photo Album
‘Middle Management’ Bishop Allen Music Video

Reviewer: Jordan Brown