Love ‘em or hate ‘em the Jackass crew knows what they’re doing. And what they’re doing is awesome. Or gross. Again it depends on whether you love them or hate them.
The Blu-ray release for the third installment of their film franchise Jackass 3D is a curious thing. I initially saw the movie in 3D at the theater and it was glorious. For only the second time in a theatrical presentation I found the 3D not only engaging but necessary. So how did that translate to home viewing? Not so well. The 3D on the disc is not Blu-ray 3D but classic anaglyph 3D for the di-colored screen. So yes it’s in 3D but not the good kind. I wouldn’t recommend that version. Even though Paramount does provide you with 4 3D glasses stick with standard 2D. Wait for the real 3D Blu-ray release and go for that if you’re into that kind of thing.
Which you should be for this film at least. Dispersed throughout the movie are scenes and pranks specifically filmed for 3D that take advantage of the extra dimension (and also slowed down so you get even more detail). It’s one of the best uses of the format I’ve seen that didn’t involve blue cat people and if it didn’t involve a fat guy getting slapped in the face with a giant fish I would say it’s the calling card for 3D.
But how’s the film in standard non-3D? Decent but lacking. You can tell something is missing when these special scenes show up but they’re still enjoyable. Just not as enjoyable as they could be. Still flinging a guy in a porta-potty filled with fecal matter or watching Bam freak out over a pit of snakes is awesome in three dimensions or not.
The special features are standard making of featurettes deleted scenes and outtakes. Why they included deleted scenes is curious if only because they shot so much extra footage that they’re releasing a 3.5 DVD with all new footage. Perhaps it’s a tease? The guys have great chemistry together and it’s obvious that they enjoy making this stuff with each other. They’re not the smartest guys in the room but their enthusiasm alone can carry it far enough.
All around outside the 3D version this release is standard stuff all around. Nothing terrible but if you wanted something a little more on the Blu-ray than the movies and extras you won’t be too happy. If you really loved the movie you should be pleased and particularly psyched for 3.5. My poppa always said “If you’re gonna do something do it right” and true enough these guys are jackasses. And they do it oh so right.
