Breaking down barriers and erasing labels, the smart, honest, hilarious comedy The DUFF arrives on Digital HD on May 26th and will follow on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand on June 9th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment and CBS Films. Based on the best-selling book by Kody Keplinger, The DUFF reveals that while social media can amplify even the little things, high school social hierarchy hasn’t changed since the John Hughes era. Directed by Academy Award® winner Ari Sandel (Best Live Action Short Film, West Bank Story, 2006), The DUFF features some of today’s hottest stars, including Mae Whitman (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Robbie Amell (TV’s “The Flash”), Bella Thorne (Blended), Bianca Santos (Ouija), Skyler Samuels (upcoming TV’s “Scream Queens”) Romany Malco (Showtime’s “Weeds”), Nick Eversman (Wild) along with Ken Jeong (TV’s “Community”) and Allison Janney (TV’s “Mom”).
Bianca’s (Whitman) universe turns upside down when she learns that her high school refers to her as a “DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Hoping to erase that label, she enlists the help of a charming jock (Amell) and her favorite teacher (Jeong). Together they’ll face the school’s mean girl (Thorne) and remind everyone that we are all someone’s DUFF…and that’s totally fine.
The DUFF is adapted from the book by Author Kody Keplinger and while there will be some that grumble it isn't as good as the book the film version is a well made little comedy on it's own. Mae Whitman is The DUFF and she is relatable and funny showing she is one of the better young actresses out there right now. Robbie Amell is thankfully not the typical dumb jock that most teen comedies go for and is more in the mold of a character like Finn from Glee. The mean girl Madison played with perfection by Bella Thorne is a hastag and celebrity obsessed queen b. Ken Jeong as Bianca's favorite teacher is decidedly toned down from previous scene chewing roles and it's refreshing to see him play more of a grown up who is still funny for once. Allison Janney plays the Mother role and she is always engaging despite my not liking her new agey book writer and motivational speaker character.
While it has been compared to classic's like Mean Girls or Clueless , The DUFF doesn't quite reach those lofty heights but it is an enjoyable comedy that is also a bit sweeter than expected. 8/10
The DUFF arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 - The DUFF has a colorful palette that really pops with bold blues, hot pinks and lush greens. Black levels and contrast were solid. Fine detailing in close-ups and clothing was good and the overall image is sharp. No problems to speak of. 9/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue is placed front and center, remaining crisp and crystal clear throughout. Surround channel activity adds some environmental effects while outdoors and also let's the music bleed to the back and sides a bit. LFE performance was okay but don't expect much more than some bass from the music cues. 8/10
* The DUFF Hits The Red Carpet (HD, 3:30)
* Bringing the Book to Life (HD, 2:15)
* Teen Comedies and The DUFF (HD, 2:04)
* I Am the DUFF (HD, 2:42)
* The DUFF Files (HD, Play All 7:21)
- Bianca (1:13)
- Wesley (1:34)
- Madison (1:31)
- Jess and Casey (1:16)
- The Faculty of Malloy High (1:49)
* Extended Gag Reel (HD, 3:15)