Cheap Thrills Blu-ray Review

"Cheap Thrills," shot on the Arri Alexa by cinematographers Andrew Wheeler and Sebastian Winterø, offers a visually compelling Blu-ray experience. The film's 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation maintains the model's characteristic sharpness and film-like texture, offering a detailed image that enhances the movie’s raw and gritty atmosphere. The visual narrative varies from extremely dark scenes, particularly in the bar, to more brightly lit environments such as Craig's and Audrey's apartment, showcasing deliberate contrasts intended by the filmmakers. Black levels are strong with solid shadow detail, adjusted according to the lighting conditions. The color palette is notably dulled, with an intentional desaturation that even tones down the redness of blood, except for the vibrant red wash in the bar, a feature stemming from the location’s inherent illumination.

Despite its low-budget origins, the Blu-ray quality of "Cheap Thrills" impresses with its nearly grain-free image that handles nighttime environments with strong contrast. The film leverages a shallow depth of field to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and impending doom surrounding the character Craig, and this technique translates well to the screen. The high average bitrate of 24.98 Mbps ensures minimal compression errors, with only occasional banding and no notable digital artifacts. Rich blacks and vivid colors, especially reds, offer striking visual conviction without any noticeable crush, further emphasizing the suffocating world inside Colin and Violet's house. While some scenes may reveal a slight diffusion in fine detail due to the film's indie roots, this does not detract from the Blu-ray’s overall visual quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Cheap Thrills" on Blu-ray demonstrates an impressive alignment with the film's unique narrative style and constrained budget. Dialogue clarity is a stand-out feature – consistently sharp and easily discerned amidst background scores and intermittent sound effects. The film’s sound design predominantly maintains a front-oriented approach, reflecting its documentary-style cinematography. Notably, the surround channels have been employed ingeniously, adding dimension to Mads Heldtberg's score by setting it towards the rear of the soundfield. This unconventional placement effectively detaches the score from the on-screen action, transforming it into a quasi-commentary that augments the unfolding narrative.

The mix adeptly handles varying acoustic environments, from the bustling mechanic's garage to the subdued ambiance of a strip club, effectively immersing the listener into each unique setting. While large portions of the film take place within a single residence where atmospheric elements are deliberately minimized to convey isolation, the deliberate absence of background noise during these scenes amplifies this secluded atmosphere. In summary, the mix excels in leveraging both presence and absence of sound to enhance the overall atmospheric and emotional impact, showcasing the technical prowess behind "Cheap Thrills" despite its production constraints.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Cheap Thrills" deliver a robust and comprehensive look into the film's creation and its reception. The audio commentary by Director E.L. Katz and star Pat Healy is both lively and insightful, exploring artistic choices without the intent of being preachy. The included documentary "Vital Heat: The Making of Cheap Thrills" is an exhaustive 40-minute behind-the-scenes feature that captures the entire production process, dealing with real-time challenges and offering candid interviews with key personnel. Additionally, the "Cheap Thrills at Fantastic Fest 2013" extra showcases an interactive and edgy publicity stunt with the cast and audience. The array of trailers introduces viewers to related films, while the booklet offers captivating PR material snapshots and film credits.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director E.L. Katz and Star Pat Healy: Lively, detailed discussion on making the movie.
• Vital Heat: The Making of Cheap Thrills: Comprehensive documentary covering the entire production process.
• Cheap Thrills at Fantastic Film Festival 2013: Publicity stunt with cast challenges.
• Trailers:
  • Cheap Thrills Theatrical Trailer
  • Klown
  • Wake in Fright
  • Wrong
  • Graceland
  • A Band Called Death
  • The Act of Killing
• Booklet: Photos, PR material reproductions, film, and disc credits.

"Cheap Thrills,” directed by E.L. Katz, is a darkly intriguing black comedy that fuses visceral horror elements with a sharp critique of economic desperation and moral decay. Pat Healy stars as Craig Daniels, a man teetering on the brink of financial ruin, alongside an unemployed wife and a young child. Struggling with eviction and job loss, Craig’s encounter with his old friend Vince (Ethan Embry) and an affluent, enigmatic couple, Colin (David Koechner) and Violet (Sara Paxton), sets the film's chilling narrative into motion. The screenplay by Trent Haaga and David Chirchirillo orchestrates a nightmarish series of dares, starting innocuously but spiraling into grotesque extremes, reflecting stark social commentary on extremes provoked by financial despair.

The film benefits from strong performances that delve deep into themes of greed, moral degradation, and existential dread. Koechner’s portrayal of Colin as a gleeful manipulator synergizes with the script’s progressively macabre challenges, showcasing the gradual erosion of Craig’s integrity in agonizing detail. The narrative draws heavily from reality TV tropes, injecting a fascinating layer of voyeuristic authenticity into the unfolding brutality. Craig and Vince’s increasingly hazardous dares—spanning from offensive bar antics to life-threatening violence—are chillingly plausible outcomes of economic desperation.

What truly stands out in "Cheap Thrills" is its ability to convey profound sadness amid its sickening portrayal of depravity. Unlike straightforward horror films, this movie taps into the participants' profound sense of need rather than pure greed. Yet, it’s not without its flaws—Paxton's Violet feels underdeveloped, often reduced to a sociopathic observer. Nonetheless, the film's stark depiction of the chasm between the affluent and the destitute is both thought-provoking and unsettling, deftly woven into a disturbing yet engaging narrative that examines human limits in pursuit of financial security.

The Blu Ray release of "Cheap Thrills" proves to be an impressive presentation, effectively enhancing the movie’s intense atmosphere and delivering a captivating viewing experience. The film's simple yet compelling narrative explores the dire financial realities faced by its characters, transforming this straightforward plot into a meaningful commentary on socioeconomic despair. The cinematography comes across crisply with excellent image quality, generating a visually engaging experience that matches the intensity of the storyline. The added benefit of superior audio quality ensures that every disturbing detail and tension-filled moment is perfectly executed.

The special features included in this Blu Ray release enrich the overall experience significantly. The retrospective documentary, particularly interviews with premiere audience members, including actor Elijah Wood, underscores how communal viewings can amplify the film’s impact. However, appreciating "Cheap Thrills" in the comfort of one's home remains immensely enjoyable, provided it is viewed without interruptions. The supplemental materials delve deeper into the film’s production nuances, offering valuable insights for cinema enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Cheap Thrills" is a taut, uncompromising thriller best appreciated with minimal distractions. This Blu Ray release, with its high-quality visuals and audio, coupled with insightful extras, ensures an immersive and rewarding experience. Viewers are advised to watch with full attention to maximize the film's impact – it's an engrossing ride you won’t want to pause. This release comes highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking thrillers and quality home theater experiences.