The Film

The truth hurts. Unfortunately, it's also sort of boring to watch.

That is not all that surprising. What is a shocker is that a massive all-star cast doesn't seem to help all that much -- not in the case of The Invention of Lying. Writer/director/star Ricky Gervais has managed to gather a great ensemble here. It's like a Christopher Guest film, complete with Christopher Guest. Unfortunately, it doesn't have that Christopher Guest wit. Instead, it has a case of multiple personality disorder. It tries to be so many things, but not to all that many people. For Gervais fans, it is nice for a while, but the film takes way too long to make a point. At least it feels long, and that's never good for a comedy.

Mark Bellison (Gervais) lives in a world where everyone always tells the truth.

Unfortunately, he's not an Adonis and most of mankind has no problem telling him what a horrible existence he's living. As if that's not bad enough, he soon gets fired. That seems to trigger something in his brain, which allows him to do the unthinkable: He starts to lie. He then uses his newfound powers for both good and evil. It's just too bad he didn't use them for comedy.

OK -- that's a bit harsh, sort of like the movie. Who knew that telling the truth would come off as so awkward and unnatural?

The movie does have an interesting concept. It's sort of the anti-Liar Liar that mixes in a romantic comedy, with a few digs about organized religion. However, when it comes to Gervais, as well as the incredible group he's put together (Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Edward Norton, just to name a few), we expect a whole lot more -- and that's the truth.

Want to hear the whole truth about this movie? Check out Joe Lozito's review of the theatrical release of The Invention of Lying.

The Picture

We would be lying if we said Blu-ray's 1080p high def imagery doesn't make a difference to one's potential enjoyment of a film. However, in the case of The Invention of Lying, the results of this HD transfer don't necessarily justify the high-def purchase price. The colors are fine and the skintones look nice, but there is just nothing extra-special in this 1.85:1 transfer. Overall, it's sort of blah like the movie. Yes, Rob Lowe and Jennifer Garner are very pretty in high-def, but even the casino scene offers little bells, whistles, or reason to buy this Blu-ray.

The Sound

Like the image, there is nothing spectacular when it comes to the sound here. Warner has given this release the Dolby TrueHD treatment, which you'd be hard pressed to notice, if it weren't for the music used in the film. Supertramp and Elvis Costello aside, the film is all about the dialogue, which is presented well. Otherwise, there are only a few blips to show that your surrounds are actually working.

The Extras

How could there be a Ricky Gervais movie without a Ricky Gervais commentary? That's a major letdown, as is this slim selection of extras. From what we can see, the Blu-ray offers nothing more than what Warner slapped onto the standard-def release. That said, "The Dawn of Lying" is a funny little "prequel," with the entire cast dressed as cavemen. "Meet Karl Pilkington" is an interesting peek at -- you guessed it -- Karl Pilkington. He is best friends with Gervais, which you think would carry some weight. Apparently, all it gets you is cut from the final film. Still, this featurette is a fun consolation prize.

Final Thoughts

We had such high hopes for The Invention of Lying. The cast, helmed by the hilarious Ricky Gervais, seemed like the recipe for non-stop laughs. However, it plays off more like an extended Saturday Night Live skit. Also, in typical SNL manner, it goes on way too long. It's got a few chuckles, but leaves little else for a purchase -- especially on Blu-ray.

Product Details

• Actors: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey
• Directors: Ricky Gervais & Matthew Robinson
• Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 2
• Rating: PG-13
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: January 19, 2010
• Run Time: 99 minutes
• List Price: $35.99
• Extras:
  • Prequel: The Dawn of Lying
  • Meet Karl Pilkington
  • A Truly "Honest" Making-Of Featurette with Ricky Gervais
  • Additional Scenes
  • Ricky & Matt's Video Podcasts
  • More Laughter: Corpsing & Outtakes
  • Digital Copy