PAUL [2011] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] Pure Pegg and Frost . . . Very Very Funny! Who’s Up For A Close Encounter!
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost [‘Hot Fuzz’and ‘Shaun of the Dead’] reunite as sci-fi geeks taking a pilgrimage to America’s UFO heartland. There they meet a smart-ass alien, Paul [voiced by Seth Rogen], who takes them on an insane road trip. As they struggle to return Paul home, the little green man might just take the outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes. From the director Greg Mottola of ‘Superbad,’ and with a stellar supporting cast including Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Jane Lynch and Sigourney Weaver, Paul is a must-own comedy adventure not to be missed! Includes Two Versions of the Film: Original Theatrical and Extended Unrated Version.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2011 National Movie Awards, UK: Win: Best Comedy. Nominated: Performance of the Year for Nick Frost. Nominated: Performance of the Year for Simon Pegg. 2011 St. Louis Film Critics Association, USA: Nominated: SLFCA Award for Best Comedy Film. 2012 Annie Awards: Nominated: Character Animation in a Live Action Production by Michael Hull. Nominated: Character Animation in a Live Action Production for David Lowry (animation). 2012 International Film Music Critics Award: Nominated: Best Original Score for a Comedy Film for David Arnold. 2012 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture for Anders J.L. Beer, David Lowry, Jody Johnson and Julian Foddy for "Paul."
FILM FACT No.2: The film contains numerous references to other science fiction films, especially those of Steven Spielberg, as well as to general science fiction fandom. One of the many taglines was: "Who's up for a close encounter?" The film had its world premiere in London on the 7th February. 2011.
Cast: Mia Stallard, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jeremy Owen, Jeffrey Tambor, David House, Jennifer Granger, Nelson Ascencio, Bobby Lee, Jane Lynch, David Koechner, Jesse Plemons, Seth Rogen (voice of Paul), Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Mark Sivertsen, Joe Berryman, Kristen Wiig, John Carroll Lynch, Steven Spielberg (voice), Syd Masters, Gary Roller, Oliver O'Shea, Lonnie Otha-Mayer, Will Veitch, Mike Miller, Lori Dillen, J. Todd Anderson, Brett Michael Jones, Diego Deane, Blythe Danner, Dawnielle Banks (uncredited), Dawn Barber (uncredited), Chad Boardsen (uncredited), Corey Drake (uncredited), Devin Faraci (uncredited), David Fernandez Jr. (uncredited), Jamin Fite (uncredited), Brent 'Clutch' Gaubatz (uncredited), Larry Goldstein (uncredited), Zack Kennedy (uncredited), Paula Labaredas (uncredited), Patrick Lee (uncredited), Patrick Mackie (uncredited), Kevin G. O'Connor (uncredited), Sylvia Adelina Padilla (uncredited), Michael Neal Powell (uncredited), Phoebe Price (uncredited), Erick Ramirez (uncredited), Chris Rymer (uncredited), Kathy Skirmont (uncredited), Joy Sudduth (uncredited), Kyle Sundgren (uncredited), Jen Taylor (uncredited), Joel Thingvall (uncredited) and Brian Ulrich (uncredited)
Director: Greg Mottola
Producers: Adam Schardein [Image Metrics], Debra Hayward, Eric Fellner, Liza Chasin, Natascha Wharton, Nira Park, Robert Graf and Tim Bevan
Screenplay: Nick Frost and Simon Pegg
Composer: David Arnold
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Audio Description Track (only available on the Theatrical Cinema Version)
Subtitles: English SDH
Running Time: 94 minutes and 99 minutes (unrated version)
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Universal Pictures
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: The film ‘PAUL’ [2011] follows Graeme Willy [Simon Pegg] and Clive Gollings [Nick Frost], two geeky lifetime friends finally embarking on a years-in-the-making journey across America that starts at the San Diego Comic Con and is meant to conclude in Roswell, New Mexico. Before they get there, they witness a car crash, out of which crawls a rather congenial alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen). After some shock and awe at the appearance of a real, live spaceman, Paul explains to the guys that he needs help getting across the country in the hopes of catching a ride back to his planet. As Paul's existence serves as proof that Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings have been right about aliens all along, it doesn't take much convincing to get them to help.
Although many of the film's jokes are based around the duo's fish-out-of-water Britishness in the middle of the American mid-west, it's very apparent throughout that ‘PAUL’ has been written with the American audience firmly in mind. And you get lots of in your face "alien anatomical probe" jokes, a hint of slapstick, a mild fascination with adult swearing, and characters repeatedly questioning whether Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings are a gay couple. The duo also heap on the references like there's no tomorrow: nods to ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ ‘E.T.,’ and a bucketful of ‘Star Wars’ dialogue are tossed in throughout the film, although a hat-tip to the film ‘Aliens’ is perfectly timed. It's as if Paul was in front of cameras on the first draft thanks to Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's reputation.
Still, a Simon Pegg and Nick Frost "first draft" probably still packs a good punch and witty script. Although the guys are probably a bit too old for the roles they've written and the characters read more like 30-somethings than 40-somethings, they're more than able to make Graeme and Clive a likable set of hosts. Even better, they've surrounded themselves with a supporting cast that's comedic fool proof, some of whom may contribute more to Paul's success as a film than the dynamic duo, if only because Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings aren't that different from the pair's "usual" roles. Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio play a pair of bottom-rung FBI agents, and it's impressive how both actors are both funny and convincing as their characters turn from slapstick to ridiculously bloodthirsty in their desperate attempts to capture Paul before their supervisor, the cold-blooded Agent Zoil [Jason Bateman]. Kristen Wiig and Blythe Danner contributes to the funniest female character and most emotional heft, respectively, that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost collaboration has seen to date. Most importantly, Seth Rogen nails the role of Paul. On the surface, Seth Rogen is almost too easy a pick for a pot-smoking interstellar party guy, but he finds the right sort of affable attitude that holds the whole movie together. Paired with the visual effects, Paul’s character is worth building a film around, and an integral piece of the film's charm.
The two actors that surprised me and just how good they were, though, were Jason Bateman and Kristen Wiig and their roles as a top-ranking federal agent and an ultra-religious trailer park attendee, respectively, felt like they were written specifically for these two actors. Jason Bateman, playing the role incredibly straight, had laugh-out-loud lines every time he was on screen. Kristen Wiig was pretty much an amalgam of her "Saturday Night Live" characters at first, and then showed depth as her character that really grew throughout the film.
‘PAUL,’ in the end, is a heart-warming film that is elevated by great dialogue and perfect delivery by every cast member that appears on screen. It provides plenty of laughs, and can absolutely be used as proof that the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are the right and perfect team connection. While Paul the little alien steals the scenes more than once, his performance is also at times held back slightly at the right moments. It's probably the most balanced performance Seth Rogen has turned in an remarkably refreshing performance and it's amazing just how funny he can be when he's not trying very hard to be funny, which is a great combination.
The Unrated Adult Cut: The Unrated Adult Cut of ‘PAUL’ runs about five minutes longer. Extensions include more of Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings talking to Adam Shadowchild, and an added bit in the hotel that turns a throwaway joke from the theatrical cut into a running joke, the pair waiting for their RV at the valet service with a hilarious one-liner from Bobby Lee, more action for Kristen Wiig in the bar scene, and a longer speech from Young Tara [Mia Stallard], plus other new lines here and there. There's also one substitution and that is the conversation between Haggard [Bill Hader] and O'Reilly[Joe Lo Truglio] after Clive Gollings [Nick Frost] asks "May I ask what you're searching for?" All in all, I feel like the two cuts are totally essentially. If you've seen the film in the cinema and you are a massive fan like me, I definitely recommend you watch the Unrated Version just to see the additions, but if you are a newcomer to this film, then I whole heartedly recommend you watching the Unrated Version first, as it is much more risqué and if you are feeling generous and in the mood, then go and watch the Theatrical Cut later.
PAUL MUSIC TRACK LIST
ANOHER GIRL, ANOTHER PLANET (Written by Peter Perrett) [Performed by The Only Ones]
JUST THE TWO OF US (Written by Ralph MacDonald, William Salter and Bill Withers) [Performed by Grover Washington Jr. with Bill Withers]
FLYING SAUCERS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL (Written by Ray Scott) [Performed by Billy Lee Riley and His Little Green Men]
HELLO IT’S ME (Written by Todd Rundgren) [Performed by Todd Rundgren]
DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT (Written by Sherman Kelly) [Performed by King Harvest]
DON’T BRING ME DOWN (Written by Jeff Lynne) [Performed by Electric Light Orchestra]
GOT TO GIVE IT UP (Written by Marvin Gaye) [Performed by Marvin Gaye]
CHASE THE DEVIL (Written by Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Max Romeo) [Performed by Max Romeo]
CANTINA BAND from the motion picture ‘Star Wars’ [1977] (Written by John Williams) [Performed by Syd Masters and the Swing Riders]
PLANET CLAIRE (Written by Henry Mancini, Catherine Pierson, Frederick Schneider, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson) [Performed by Performed by The B-52's]
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (Written by John Williams)
I HATE TO SAY GOODBYE (Written by Freddie 'Leroy' Steagall and Al Cantu) [Performed by Freddie 'Leroy' Steagall, Al Cantu and Rick Mena]
ALL OVER THE WORLD (Written by Jeff Lynne) [Performed by Electric Light Orchestra]
Blu-ray Image Quality – ‘PAUL’ is presented with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and also with a wonderful 1080p image, and as a result, maybe somewhat less eye-popping than viewers may be expecting. Greg Mottola's film features a light, handsome sheen of film grain and a warm colour palette that limits the amount of depth the image is capable of. However, fine detail is consistently and absolutely exceptional at all times and the interior of Graeme and Clive's RV is a wealth of varied and perfectly-defined textures and an excellent reminder that this is indeed a brand-new high-definition transfer. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Unlike the picture quality, the sound is pretty low-key until the third act, and centred mainly around the dialogue. Until then, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is mostly used on David Arnold's charming orchestral score, which is nicely spread across the sound field. When the film starts ramping up, the track has no problem with the larger bangs and booms of explosions, helicopters, gunshots and more. Again, not exactly demo material if you've just bought a fancy new system. ‘PAUL’ is trying to play it mostly small-scale, but there's no faulting the mix for accurately reproducing the filmmakers' mostly reserved intentions. The 2.0 Audio Descriptive track, which as I have pointed out, is only available on the Theatrical Cinema Version and English captions for the deaf and hard of hearing are also included.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: ‘PAUL’ Extended [Adult] Feature: Includes footage not shown in the Theatrical Cinema Version release and includes lots of rude expletive swear words.
Theatrical Cinema Release Feature Audio Commentary with Director Greg Mottola, Producer Nira Park and Actors Nick Frost and Simon Pegg: This is the Theatrical cut audio commentary by Greg Mottola, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Bill Hader, and producer Nira Park. It may not be an all-time classic, but as is to be expected with this group of commentators, it is a funny, light overview of the film, without significant repetition or carry-over from the documentary and features. The group chats about the development of specific scenes and gags, unused jokes, and I like the line they dropped from the bar sequence, collectively eggs on producer Nira Park to make more comments, and take turns doing several silly voices. Greg Mottola and Nira Park never let the track devolve entirely, and do a decent job of returning the room's attention to the film.
Special Feature: Bloopers Galleries [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [11:00] This is pretty much the same type of bloopers you see on numerous other gag reels, but Nick Frost and Simon Pegg kissing each other good night is actually pretty funny.
Special Feature: Between The Lightning Strikes: The Making of ‘PAUL’ [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [40:05] It has a shaggy-dog feel in keeping with the feature. Not to sound like I'm criticizing the film more than I am and it really is an enjoyable and funny film, but it is interesting to see how the film's few flaws (the broader, less-focused style and the built-on qualities of the film) stem from the film's zig-zagging journey from idea to screen. Contributors include: Nick Frost, Greg Mottola, Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen and Kristen Wiig.
Special Feature: Behind-the-Scene Features [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [63:00] Here we have 8 Separate features that flesh out individual aspects of the production, including the film's excellent ensemble cast, Greg Mottola's style as a director, and seeing the filming of the gigantic farmhouse explosion, and other behind-the-scenes goofiness. Honestly, if you only have time to watch one or two, then I'd go with the features over the documentary, which are funnier and feature more of the cast's behind-the-scenes antics, conveying a better sense of what it was actually like working on the film.
Special Feature: The Evolution of ‘PAUL’ [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [15:06] This is set apart from the others as a post-production document about the CGI creation of the film's title character. It's a fascinating look at how much research and development went into making Paul seem like any other actor in the film, including a years-old effects test that has Pegg and Frost in far more extreme costumes and makeup. With so many films these days hitting theatres with weak or underwhelming CGI, it's pleasing to see how much work went into making Paul a convincing creature. Contributors include: Stephen Bennett, Daniel Leatherdale and Greg Mottola.
Special Feature: Simon Silly Faces [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:20] Another run of the mill gag reel-type feature, but this time it's just a montage of Simon Pegg pulling funny faces.
Special Feature: Who the Hell is Adam Shadowchild? [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:09] This is an all-too-short funny look at Adam Shadowchild is a fictional author played by Jeffrey Tambor in the 2011 science-fiction film ‘PAUL.’ In the film, one of the running gags is "Who the hell is Adam Shadowchild?"
Theatrical Trailers [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:30] Here we get to view the Domestic Theatrical Trailer; UK Trailer and the Red Band Internet Trailer.
TV Spots US [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:25]Legend; Trouble; Two Grown Men – Alternate; Who is Paul? and Evolved.
TV Spots UK [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:59] Extra; Pedigree; Aliens and Americas Most Wanted
Finally, ‘PAUL’ works toward a combustible climax with various enemies out to nab the alien before he reaches his iconic rendezvous point, speeding toward an unexpected climax of confrontation, not overt comedic accentuation. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have faith in their plot, and that dedication keeps the film engaging and unpredictable, even while it lovingly pilfers from some of the most famous sci-fi blockbusters around. ‘PAUL’ for me is a totally hilarious funny film that had me aching with laughter and definitely aimed at people who don’t take things too serious. As it is, I expect fans of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will want to see this, as will fans of Seth Rogen. It’s certainly worth purchasing, as each time you put the Blu-ray on, you will see something different every time, particularly for the fine high definition transfer and the generous collection of special features. I have read several American critics who have reviewed this film, and obviously they do not understand intelligent British humour, as they obviously prefer crass in your face American humour, that has to be spelt out what is funny, where us Brits can see what Simon Pegg and Nick frost is trying to achieve with brilliant coming humour and has now gone pride of place in my Blu-ray Collection and will give me endless hour of comic genius laughter and definitely gets a five star laugh out loud rating from me. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
