'Pitch Perfect': Only their voices are angelic

Published: December 20, 2012 

Pitch Perfect, a comedy about the world of competitive collegiate a cappella groups, is as funny as it is infectiously toe-tapping.

The movie has a giddy sense of exuberance and silliness, generated by teams of young adults vying against each other in cutthroat singing contests, where the only weapon is the unaccompanied human voice.

Mickey Rapkin's 2008 book, which went behind the scenes at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, was the inspiration for screenwriter Kay Cannon, a writer and producer for 30 Rock.

Directed with brio by Broadway veteran Jason Moore, Cannon's script combines elements of Glee with the plot and snark of Bring It On.

In the lead role of Beca, Anna Kendrick brings a healthy amount of amused detachment as a reluctant member of the all-female Bellas; she also has a great set of pipes on top of a fine sense of comedy.

It's a real pleasure to see Rebel Wilson in the first role to truly showcase her talents since Bridesmaids. As Beca's fellow Bella Fat Amy — a character who co-opts her insulting nickname so that others won't do it behind her back — Wilson shines. She's large and in charge, as she should be.

Extras include commentary with Moore and producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman, and commentary with producer Paul Brooks; deleted and extended scenes; "Meanwhile ..." alternative scenes; "Line-O-Rama," a showcase of funny one-liners from the set; Starships music video; "Backstage at Barden" profiles and interviews with characters Benji and Bumper, "On the Set: Burrito Drive By!" behind-the-scenes footage with Fat Amy; and "A Look Inside" first-look into the movie.

Pitch Perfect retails for $29.98 or $34.98 on Blu-ray.

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