The American remake of “DEATH AT A FUNERAL,” is now available on blu-ray from SONY. It’s surprising to find that in spite of its mediocre theatrical trailer, this film accomplishes the rare feat of surpassing the original film in almost every manner.  While one of the major changes certainly benefits from having an American Black family funeral as the setting, there are some other important changes, and all of them welcome. The original wasn’t all that good, but the remake,….well, not a classic, but an “R” rated comedy that’s easy to re-watch with new viewers. Director Neil LaBute has made some fine films(IN THE COMPANY OF MEN) and some bad ones(LAKEVIEW TERRACE), and with “DEATH AT A FUNERAL,” it’s refreshing to find him back at the top of his game. The material, sometimes crass, immature, and often cynical, is also witty, and right up his alley.  When the head of a family dies, his son Aaron(Chris Rock) and family gather to pay their respects. Aaron, an aspiring writer, feels the ever-growing pressure related to having not found success in his career, along with that of a wife who can’t wait to finally become pregnant. His sister, Elaine(Zoey Saldana) creates tension, bringing her white boyfriend to the funeral. His brother, Ryan, an accomplished writer(brilliantly played by Martin Lawrence)is upset he isn’t the one doing the eulogy, while the less successful writer of the family is! Add to the mix an ex-boyfriend of Elaine’s showing up, a midget(or is it “dwarf?”) and the path for general mayhem is set forth. While the original often felt smug and unfunny, this remake hits all the right notes. Sure, the humor pushes the limits of “R” on several occasions, but even drug use, philandering, homosexuality and more have potential for humor (typically in good fun)and there’s plenty of that throughout!

“DEATH AT A FUNERAL,” (the remake) is a film that’s easy to recommend and it holds up on repeated viewings as well.

SONY has provided the correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray. Colors are solid and consistently natural. Detail is terrific in every scene. Whether it’s foliage or paneling of the dreary interior setting which is in view. Contrast is also exceptional, due to inky blacks, preventing fine detail from becoming swallowed up by shadows in darker scenes. The design of the film is impressive throughout, and the various color designs to varying locations are well complimented in this reference quality transfer!

SONY has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. While it’s no more aggressive than most comedy mixes, ambient effects are slightly more noticeable during exterior scenes. Music also kicks up the immersive aspect of the mix through all speakers. Still, for the most part, this is a dialogue-driven film, and dialogue is pitch-perfect.  Nothing remarkable here, but it’s what can be expected for this type of film.

SONY has thrown in some extras, including a commentary with LaBute and Rock. It manages to remain engaging, even without the level of humor one would expect from such a big comedian. Deleted scenes and a gag reel are only available in 480p, however various featurettes are offered, along with trailers in full 1080p.