OVERVIEW: The end may be near but the party’s just beginning when the hit comedy THIS IS THE END comes to Blu-ray™ combo pack, DVD and Digital on Oct. 1 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. James Franco (127 Hours, Pineapple Express), Jonah Hill (Moneyball, Superbad), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, Pineapple Express), Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder), Danny McBride (TV’s “Eastbound & Down,” Due Date), and Craig Robinson (TV’s “The Office,” Hot Tub Time Machine) star in this apocalyptically hilarious movie about six friends trapped in James Franco’s house as the world around them comes to an end. Written and directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, creators of Pineapple Express and Superbad, THIS IS THE END is filled with raunchy and irreverent humor, shocking special effects, as well as surprise cameos, with appearances by Rihanna (Battleship), Michael Cera (Juno) and Emma Watson (Harry Potter series).

SYNOPSIS: THIS IS THE END follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption. 

FILM REVIEW: Ok, so here is the low down. I have to give a forewarning on audience’s possible expectations on this latest Seth Rogen and co-director/co-writer Evan Goldberg’s effort. Firstly, do not expect a well written, perfectly organized Hollywood blockbuster or cohesive (easy to follow) story-line. Secondly, do not expect Oscar-worthy acting or casting. As well as and most certainly, do not go in to this movie with any preconceived notions of what you think this movie is or could be about. I’m absolutely certain that audiences will be surprised at the overall setup and premise, despite seeing the trailers splashed all over television every day. The bottom line is, just simply approach with limited to no real expectations!

Let’s start with the young and very relevant all-star lineup (too numerous to name all). Audiences will definitely recognize at least a dozen celebrity appearances from comedians, to musicians, alike. They are stars and headliners of many of the most recent comedy flicks and pop-culture music around and they are doing what they’d probably like to do on a regular basis: just be seen as regular people. With this, the flick begins with a feel of being the ultimate frat-party (or more like Project X [2012]) and swiftly evolves in to what can only be described as just crazy, unbelievable madness. Understandably, I can’t go much deeper than that and it’s tough to review comedies because no one wants to give away the specific jokes.  However, I can say in broad terms, This Is the End quickly establishes its tone as a goofy comedy that flirts with the idea of going towards a particular sub-genre like a stoner flick, self-parody, with constant improv, coupled with something dark and twisted. On the other hand, this flick is really built more on relationships rather than types or genres. The question is: What types of relationships are we talking about?!?

Overall, juvenile humor rules over every inch of this crazy flick, and when Rogen and his collaborators aren't overdoing it, this movie is ridiculously funny, in a very infantile sorta’ way. Of course, this is the disposable type of “potty-mouth” humor that's valuable for about a week of “water-cooler” chatter and then it’s forgotten. Nevertheless, if by chance you're looking for a few good laughs at the expense of some of todays most notable and relevant comedic actors and celebs, then this 107-minute future cult comedy should satisfy, despite its many shortcomings. I smell a part two in the air!!!.

For the most part, I believe this is the type of film that is not worthy of any substantial accolades and it’s probably going to offend many, but it’s certainly worth seeing. It is a weird dark and light comedy that will either have an appeal of side-splitting funny or just simply a dumb brain-dead comedy. Four stars out of five might be stretching it for this one, but it deserves something close for creative thinking outside the box, type of presentation. 

DVD: The film is presented in widescreen in a 2.40:1 aspect ration preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good, a 5.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement to the picture. It also includes  English  and Spanish subtitles.

VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.40:1) 16x9

AUDIO:
English  5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles - English Spanish 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Commentary with directors Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg

Directing Your Friends featurette –Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg discuss what it’s like to make a film with their friends & hear from the cast about their experiences.

This Is The Marketing – Marketing Outtakes, Cast Featurette, Redband Sizzle Trailer, & Four Additional Confessionals: 

o Aziz Haunts Craig Confessional

o James & Danny Confessional

o Jonah Confessional 

o Seth & Jay Confessional