DVD Reviews

The log line “Will Ferrell hears narration” can conjure up a number of scenarios in one’s mind, some glorious, but most misguided and painful. Thankfully, Stranger Than Fiction turns out to be a rather subtle and charming “meta” comedy. Ferrell plays Harold Crick, a straight-laced, borderline-obsessive-compulsive IRS auditor who begins hearing the dulcet tones of narration. This sets in motion a chain of events that covers the broad spectrum of life, death, love, loss, and all creative endeavors, fictional and non.

The visual perception with which Ferrell views the world looks crisp and gorgeous. The picture is presented in an anamorphic 1.85:1, and every frame looks fantastic. Surprisingly, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track gives your system a workout, especially in the scenes in which Ferrell interacts with the narration (wonderfully voiced by Emma Thompson, who has a voice I would love to have narrating my everyday adventures).

There are a handful of featurettes about the making of the film, including a nifty piece about the visual effects, but that’s about all there is. A commentary track would have been nice, but the featurettes cover a lot of information, even if they feel a little forced and tend to repeat information. My favorite special feature was the previews of upcoming attractions. Sadly, there’s no Adaptation preview. Given how this film is quite Kaufman-esque, that would be a natural fit.

Stranger Than Fiction is a strange little film, but, if it’s your cup of Earl Grey, this disc’s sound and picture won’t disappoint.