DVD Corner

Challengers Blu-ray Review

“Challengers” is pure hype. 

Taking place over the course of 13 years (2006-2019), writer Justin Kuritzkes’ “Challengers” revolves around a love triangle between Tashi, Patrick and Art. Tashi starts out as a tennis star but she later tears her ACL which ends her career. She falls for both Patrick and Art who are rising tennis stars, but the dynamic between the 3 falls apart. As the story jumps forward in time, Tashi becomes a coach to Art and later marries him and has a daughter with him. Art is a successful tennis player on the verge of a grand slam, but he’s unhappy with life and his marriage. Art was once best friends with Patrick, but their relationship soured. Art knows Tashi has cheated on him with Patrick. Patrick’s career, meanwhile, hasn’t quite panned out. He wants Tashi’s help to get him back on track which complicates matters between the 3. Can Art, Tashi and Patrick work things out? What will become of their careers?

Directed by Luca Guadagnino (best known for “Call Me By Your Name,” the “Suspiria” remake, and “Bones And All”), “Challengers” is a romantic sports drama which has garnered acclaim, but don’t ask me why. Despite being a technically impressive movie featuring top notch acting by Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, assured direction, and some truly creative shots and choreography on the tennis courts, “Challengers” is far from a grand slam.

Before “Challengers” was even released, all the attention was on the eroticism of the film. In fact, the 2024 film really coasts on sex appeal as a whole which makes sense given that it is a romantic drama with an attractive cast. That’s the selling point. The problem is there isn’t much going on outside of that. The sexuality may be steamy, but it’s tough to care about any of these characters and their dysfunctional relationship. The whole notion of Patrick and Art competing on and off the court is rather bland and cliched and you’re left wanting more from these characters than what we get. It doesn’t help that the thin story drags on for a ridiculous 131 minutes which culminates in a decidedly predictable big match between Patrick and Art. Luca Guadagnino, you’re better than this.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a good quality hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the sound of the tennis balls being hit to the thumping music, this is a dynamic Atmos track. 

The lone extra is a Digital copy. 

July 12, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Challengers Blu-ray Review, Josh O'Connor, Luca Guadagnino, Mike Faist, romance, Zendaya