Spree Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Spree" brings a unique visual experience that's both dynamic and technically impressive, thanks to its use of diverse filming techniques and sources. Captured with an array of cameras like the Red Helium 8K and GoPro Hero7 Black, the visual quality is notable. The encoding in MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p delivers exceptional clarity and detail, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate on-screen text and the varying perspectives from Kurt's multi-angle in-vehicle setup. The aspect ratio oscillates between 1.78:1 and 1:1 in some scenes, adding to the visual dynamism. Despite the challenges posed by hand-held footage, security cameras, and split-screen shots, RLJ's Blu-ray transfer maintains a razor-sharp presentation, with minimal artifacts or intrusive post-production adjustments.

In terms of depth and color reproduction, the Blu-ray excels. The omnipresent feeling of being driven around by Kurt is captured through the 360-degree field inside the car, providing an immersive experience. Colors are vibrant and life-like, especially illuminated by the LED lighting within Kurt's car and various neon signs. Nighttime and low-lit interior scenes showcase deep black levels with only minor instances of black crush, which do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Flesh tones appear natural, enhancing the presentation of blood and injuries with clear detail. The video quality remains clean throughout, free from noticeable anomalies or noise.

In summary, "Spree" on Blu-ray offers a high-quality and engaging visual presentation that effectively overcomes the inherent limitations of its diverse source material. It is a testament to adept technical execution, resulting in a visually rich and detailed viewing experience that fans of the film will surely appreciate.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray release of "Spree" is anchored by a robust DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track, providing an immersive and satisfying auditory experience. In-car dialogue, while understandably hollow in some respects, is strategically placed with precision when multiple passengers are involved, and exterior scenes broaden the audible landscape effectively. The standout element in the audio mix is James Ferraro's score, which masterfully utilizes the rear channels to create an enveloping effect, occasionally overpowering the dialogue for surrealistic impact that complements the film's visuals beautifully. The package includes optional English (SDH) and Spanish subtitles for added accessibility.

The DTS-HD 5.1 soundstage excels, particularly in the reproduction of the film's eclectic soundtrack which features various songs and powerful electronic dance music. The lossless track maintains clarity and dynamic range, with low-frequency effects punctuating action scenes effectively via the subwoofer. This results in a deep, resonant bass that enhances the intensity of critical moments. Furthermore, the surround sound deployment is executed with a 360-degree camera setup, successfully creating an immersive auditory environment that genuinely envelops the listener, redefining the term “backseat driver.” Dialogue reproduction remains consistently clear and intelligible throughout, ensuring that speech is distinct despite the layered sound effects and musical scores.

RLJ's Blu-ray release of "Spree" offers a compelling slate of extras that enriches the viewing experience, notwithstanding the reputation of RLJE for modest supplemental content. The noted highlights include a candid and comprehensive audio commentary by writer/director Eugene Kotlyarenko, which delves into the genesis of the film, social media influences, and relevant behind-the-scenes production details. Complementing this is a series of full-length, in-universe social media clips from Kurt's account, adding layers to the character's development and offering a DIY aesthetic. The integration and breadth of these materials make them standout additions to the Blu-ray, providing fans with deep insight into both the film’s thematic elements and its technical execution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track from writer/director Eugene Kotlyarenko, covering concept development, social media influences, casting, visual effects, and more.
• KurtsWorld96 Social Media Content: 11 full-length videos showcasing Kurt’s online presence including Draw My Life, Kurt Room Tour, Beats Tutorial, and more.

Eugene Kotlyarenko's "Spree" delves into the dark intricacies of social media culture through the life of Kurt Kunkle (Joe Keery), a struggling video blogger turned rideshare driver who resorts to murder to gain followers. Using the Uber-like app, Spree, Kurt livestreams his crimes, hoping to transform his paltry following into digital fame. The juxtaposition of Kurt’s heinous actions and the often equally obnoxious victims adds a layer of pitch-black humor, making "Spree" a scathing satire on platform culture. Unlike typical thrillers, the film's visual construction—combining YouTube-style formats with hidden camera footage—adds a unique and authentic feel, capturing the dark essence of influencer mania.

Sasheer Zamata shines as Jessie Adams, a sharp-witted comedian who manages to escape Kurt's sinister grasp, effectively contrasting with Kurt’s desperation. The film parallels "American Psycho" in tone but distinguishes itself through its hyper-modern commentary on social media’s toxic influence. While the plot occasionally falters, particularly with an overly explicit ending, the merits lie in its performances, especially Keery’s portrayal of Kurt, and its visceral black comedy elements. "Spree" effectively critiques the obsessive pursuit of virtual validation, with visual storytelling that potently showcases a grim reality often masked by screens.

On a technical note, "Spree" stands out among contemporary found-footage films, with adept use of multiple camera perspectives to intensify its satirical message. The film serves not only as a narrative on individuality corrupted by digital fame but also as a cautionary tale reflecting societal obsessions. Despite some need for refinement in pacing, "Spree" demonstrates potential as a future cult classic, driven by its engaging performances and clever conceptual execution. RLJ Entertainment’s Blu-ray release further enhances the experience with solid audiovisual quality and well-matched bonus features, ensuring that "Spree" transcends mere disposable entertainment into memorable dark satire.

"Spree" offers a satirical glimpse into the dark side of social media obsession, bolstered by a high-quality Blu-ray release from RLJ. The film's relentless pacing and solid performances combine to create an engaging, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience that holds potential for repeat viewings. The visual quality on Blu-ray is exceptional, providing crisp, clear imagery that captures the frenetic energy of the narrative. The audio presentation matches this high standard, delivering a robust and immersive soundscape.

Production values of "Spree" are uniformly top-notch, extending from its meticulously crafted script to its convincing performances. The film successfully captures the chaotic and often absurd nature of viral culture, drawing comparisons to other notable "found footage" style films, such as "Host". The special features included on the Blu-ray are a welcome addition, offering deeper insights without detracting from the main feature's impact.

In conclusion, "Spree" on Blu-ray is a highly recommended addition for fans of dark comedy and social satire. Its strong audiovisual presentation and a handful of worthwhile extras make it an attractive option for both established admirers and newcomers. This film not only entertains but critiques modern digital life, making it a relevant and thought-provoking experience.