“HORRIBLE BOSSES” is one of those comedies which doesn’t looks from its theatrical trailer as if it could be really funny, or just as easily really “horrible.” 

 However, this reviewer was pleasantly surprised at how completely enjoyable and often “laugh out loud-funny,” “HORRIBLE BOSSES” proves to be, even upon several viewings!  Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day star as three friends, each of whom has a really horrible boss. These aren’t just average run-of-the-mill ahole bosses, but even worse. These are the kind of bosses making it understandable(almost) as to why these three would want to kill them. After they meet a consultant, they realize it would make more practical sense to kill the bosses themselves.  What ensues is a well paced, often hilarious narrative, blending elements of a caper, slapstick and crudely witty moments for an ultimately pleasing conclusion. Everyone in the cast is well cast. Well, perhaps Sudeikis playing a lady-killer is a bit of a stretch, but the whole cast has the right kind of chemistry needed to blend perfectly with the other critical elements of the production. As intriguing as it is to find Aniston, Spacey and Colin Farrel in their smaller but crucial roles, it’s Charlie Day who deserves the most praise.  Day is really the magnet for everything that works best in the film. One can’t watch “HORRIBLE BOSSES” without wishing he was in it even more than he is! He’s that great! The only other actor that can really compete with Day for laughs is Will Farrell and while he’s great in his short performance, seeing these two in their own starring vehicle would be a great film, so let’s hope WB is thinking the same thing!!!

There are some things about “HORRIBLE BOSSES” that are hit or miss. Just as many will become frustrated with the attention given to Aniston as pleased by it, and some jokes are plain duds. But, for the most part, “HORRIBLE BOSSES” is sheer entertainment!

 WARNER BROS. has provided the correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray release.  Colors are extremely vibrant, a surprising feat considering how dark in tone and production the film actually is. Contrast is excellent, offering inky blacks to generally retain the great detail offered in even the darkest of scenes. While there are a few instances wherein the image falls flat, typically there’s a great degree of depth and the slight ever-present grain, gives “HORRIBLE BOSSES” the distinct film look one hopes for! A really good image!

WARNER BROS. has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. While it’s perfectly fine, it suffers from the limitations of most comedy mixes. Except for occasional ambient effects, surround speakers are barely used. Directional effects open up the film’s environment a bit, across front speakers, and some bass effects kick in allowing for a decent showcase of dynamic range. Dialogue is always crystal clear, and the film’s soundtrack sounds great, even with surrounds used sparingly.

It’s not a bad mix, but just nothing special, either.

WARNER BROS has provided some great extras for this release.

In addition to the theatrical version on blu-ray, an extended cut, running an additional 8 minutes is provided on its own blu-ray. While there are a few funny bits on the extended cut, the theatrical version somehow just feels better on repeated viewings.

Featurettes(all in HD) with cast and crew, focus on experiences with past bosses and the making of the film’s soundtrack. A Deleted Scenes” offering, provides 10 minutes of additional scenes, including two alternate openings. Still, the original opening, in this reviewer’s opinion, is the best option.  

WARNER BROS has also provided a “ULTRA VIOLET COPY,” allowing owners to stream this release via their computer or other electronic device with a code expiring in two years.