In Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) observes a struggling gig worker, Arj (Aziz Ansari), who is barely making ends meet in Los Angeles, and intervenes to show him that money can’t solve all his problems. Gabriel swaps Arj’s life with a wealthy venture capitalist, Jeff (Seth Rogen), but the plan backfires when Arj is convinced his newfound wealth has, in fact, solved all his problems. As Arj refuses to switch back, Jeff is left without his fortune, Gabriel loses his wings, and all three are forced to confront what it truly means to be human.
For in-depth thoughts on Good Fortune, please see my colleague Gaius Bolling’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
Good Fortune arrives on Blu-Ray with a sterling 1080p presentation in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio that looks really nice in high definition. The film is also available on 4K UHD Blu-Ray exclusively at Amazon, but this was not made available for review. Color saturation is deftly executed with the natural, vibrant color palette radiating off the screen. Black levels showcase a significant amount of depth and do not succumb to significant digital noise or banding outside of intermittent shadowy moments. Skin tones are natural with some texture to facial hair and some makeup application. The clarity throughout is consistent with exquisite textures in the production design and costumes coming through perfectly. The 4K UHD release likely perfects some elements, but Lionsgate Home Entertainment has delivered a rock solid HD presentation here.
Audio Quality
The Dolby Atmos track brings this story to your living room with the appropriate nuance and immersiveness. Dialogue comes through clearly as it balances well with the music and the sound effects. This story allows for moments of calm character development, emphasizing the sounds of each location, which the soundscape actualizes from numerous directions. The utilization of height channels expands things out quite pointedly without commanding focus. This narrative delivers memorable sonic moments when the moment calls for it which the low end handles with the proper might. This track is an ideal representation of the film. Optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Producer, Writer, Director Aziz Ansari and Producer Alan Yang
- Life Swap – Making Good Fortune: A nearly 15-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team explore the process of making this film, the casting, the themes of the film, and more.
- The Los Angeles of Good Fortune: A 13-minute look at the role Los Angeles plays in the film and the experience of shooting on location.
- The Clothes Make the Man…and the Angel: A six-minute piece that explores the costumes found in the film and the wings created to bring a pivotal character to life.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:07)
Final Thoughts
Good Fortune is a respectable feature directorial debut from Aziz Ansari, who plays into his natural persona a good bit in front of the camera – a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tolerance for him. He makes the smart decision to surround himself with charismatic talent, most notably in the MVP showing from Keanu Reeves. There is some thought put into the social commentary that lands quite effectively, but most importantly, the movie is very funny throughout. It may not be the runaway comedy of the year, but we wish this brand of studio outing were not such a rarity these days. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a strong A/V presentation and a smattering of worthwhile supplemental features. If you need a laugh, give it a look. Recommended
Good Fortune is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
