• Aspect Ratio: 1:85:1
• Video Codec: AVC MPEG-4
• Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
• Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Descriptive Audio 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
• Subtitles Color: White
• Region: A (Region-Locked)
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 104 Mins
• Discs: 1 (1 x Blu-ray)
• Digital Copies: None
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• Blu-ray Release Date: October 30th, 2012
• List Price: $29.98

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Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:4/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:2/5]

Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures

(All TheaterByte screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG at 100% quality setting and are meant as a general representation of the content. They do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)

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The Film

[Rating:4/5]

Ruby Sparks tells the story of a once-famous novelist in Calvin (Paul Dano). His life seems to be okay, as women always want to ‘be’ with him (sexually), yet never want to ‘be’ with him (figuratively). Due to this, Calvin find himself struggling to figure out what will be his next big success. It’s then that he brings to life the beautiful fictitious character by the name of Ruby (Zoe Kazan). Normally this character might be exactly what Calvin may need to write his next novel, but the only problem is that Ruby actually has come to life! Calvin must now figure out whether to finish this piece of fiction or let this one write itself. What results is a funny romantic comedy.

The real charm behind Sparks is not necessarily the acting as both Dano and Kazan have great chemistry. Moreover it’s the physical idea behind the story. The thought that what we can imagine, the sense of meeting that perfect someone, might possibly come true. Everyone dreams for that someone who will treat them perfectly. This plot that Kazan came up with may not result in the ‘timeless romantic comedy’ that some have labeled this one as, but I’d be a complete liar if I didn’t admit that I caught myself smiling more than once during this one.

Video Quality

[Rating:4.5/5]

Ruby Sparks arrives with a 1:85:1 framed, AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer, one of which is excellent. Shot using the Arri Alexa Cameras, the film’s palette has a very natural, clean look to it. Colors look real, particularly the brighter day colors like the yellows of the sun and the sky blues. Blacks are equally solid, with deep, dark tones. Clarity is also fine with accurate contrast levels and flesh tones. All in all, this is a good effort from the folks at FOX.

Audio Quality

[Rating:4/5]

Featuring an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, I found this lossless offering to be strong, despite the usual genre limitations. Dialogue dominates a majority of the film’s sound stage, but there are a few instances where the track is given some breathing room. In particular, during the film’s score by Nick Urata gives the mix any real shot it has to shine. His score hits all the right notes, the quiet, calm mellow tones, then reverts to a more lively mix when called upon. Little discrete effects like background chatter and wind, do create a bit of ambience here. All in all, this lossless track hits the right notes – despite a few genre reservations.

Supplemental Materials

[Rating:2/5]

The provided supplements are featured in High Definition:

• Behind the Story – This runs 4:07 and offers a brief look into the film’s origin.
• Real-Life Couples: Co-stars & Directors – Running a brief 2:56, this looks into the real-life couple between Dayton & Faris.
• Be Careful What You Wish For – This one runs 3:47 and looks into the film’s concept.
• Getting to Know the Cast – A few cast and crew interviews, via a 3:39 feature.
• Los Angeles: The Other Character – A 3:12 look into the film’s main locale.

The Definitive Word

Overall:

[Rating:3.5/5]

Ruby Sparks, simply put, is a charming, delightful little romantic comedy that really anyone can enjoy. Fox has given this one a fine Blu-ray presentation with an accurate V/A presentation, as well as a few, albeit, short features. Recommended as  a strong rental and – perhaps on your level of love for these kind of films – a blind purchase.

Additional Screen Captures

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BestBuy.com:

Purchase Ruby Sparks on Blu-ray at CD Universe

Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com

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BestBuy.com:

Purchase Ruby Sparks on Blu-ray at CD Universe

Shop for more Blu-ray titles on Amazon.com

Overall
[Rating:3.5/5]
The Film
[Rating:2.5/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:4.5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:2/5]

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