Dare Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dare" underperforms significantly in terms of video quality, failing to harness the full potential of the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. The film's inherently low budget and probable use of 16mm film, along with subpar lenses, contribute to a noticeably grainy and soft visual experience. Fine details are virtually non-existent, with textures appearing muted, edges blunt, and facial features smoothened excessively. Unlike typical DNR issues, this softness is inherent, exacerbated by a thick grain field dominating the picture.

Contrast is inconsistent, and black levels frequently result in crushed shadow details, further detracting from what should be a high-definition experience. Color saturation fares slightly better; the red stage curtains, intense blues in Johnny's pool room, and the pink tones surrounding Alexa are rendered reasonably well. Yet, issues persist with banding and pixilation, and a particularly jarring glitch at the 44:58 mark introduces distracting horizontal lines.

In comparison to its theatrical showing at Sundance, where the film looked far superior even on a gigantic screen, the Blu-ray transfer is remarkably inferior. Shadows swallow substantial detail, especially during darker scenes, and the contrast missteps render parts of the image unintelligible, such as faces blending into white backgrounds. Colors appear bland and lack the vibrancy expected from a high-definition format. The overall viewing experience suggests a heavily compromised transfer that fails to distinguish itself from a standard DVD, marked by technical anomalies like aliasing and color banding that degrade the already lackluster presentation.

The audio presentation of "Dare" on Blu-ray is perceptively underwhelming, marked by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. As a dialogue-driven teen drama, the front channels dominate the sound experience while the surround channels remain largely dormant, only occasionally emitting sporadic music cues. While one might expect immersive environmental ambiances during scenes such as the pool or a bustling party, these are glaringly absent, rendering the overall auditory experience flat and unengaging.

Despite this, dialogue clarity remains a standout with crisp, clean delivery and no discernible dropouts. However, it should be noted that in more subdued scenes, the dialogue can sound muted, necessitating manual volume adjustments for optimal comprehension. The soundtrack features sporadic hip-hop tracks and other music with a respectable balance of low-end kick and high-end punch. Unfortunately, the LFE is disappointingly minimal, rarely producing impactful bass when called for. Moreover, the rare moments where sounds emanate from the surround channels tend to feel contrived and artificial rather than naturally immersive.

In summary, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track manages to deliver clear dialogue and moderately dynamic music, it falls short of leveraging the surround capabilities to create a truly engaging and enveloping soundscape.

The Blu-ray edition of "Dare" includes a range of bonus features providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the film. The commentary by director Adam Salky and writer David Brind stands out for its rich thematic insights and the evident camaraderie between the duo, reflecting their long collaboration. The "Dare" short film, comprising a pivotal scene between Ben and Johnny, serves as a fascinating look at the project's origin, though it's less impactful without the broader context of the feature. Additionally, deleted scenes with optional commentary illustrate narrative pacing adjustments, while Emmy Rossum's audition offers an intimate, albeit occasionally awkward, glimpse into her casting process. Completing the extras, the trailer provides a succinct overview of the film's tone and storyline.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Adam Salky and Writer David Brind: In-depth thematic insights and collaborative camaraderie.
• Dare Short: The original short film featuring the key poolroom scene.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes "Alexa Relaxes" and "A Tense Threesome," with optional commentary.
• Emmy Rossum's Audition: Close-range footage of Emmy Rossum's casting audition.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer of the film.

"Dare" serves as a refreshing and nuanced exploration of teenage sexuality, breaking away from the typical adolescent tropes often found in Hollywood. The film delves into the genuine and sometimes awkward complexities of coming-of-age, tackling real emotions and situations that many other teen dramas shy away from. Adapted from a 16-minute student film, writer David Brind and director Adam Salky expand the story to feature length, avoiding clichéd stereotypes and addressing authentic teenage problems with candor and empathy. The film's tripartite structure provides unique perspectives from each of the three main characters, enhancing the depth and believability of their experiences.

The storyline follows three high school seniors: Alexa (Emmy Rossum), Johnny (Zach Gilford), and Ben (Ashley Springer). Alexa embarks on a personal transformation from a studious girl to someone exploring her sexual identity, spurred by an intense critique from a seasoned actor played briefly but memorably by Alan Cumming. Johnny, the popular but internally troubled jock, navigates his insecurities masked by a façade of confidence. Ben faces the confusion of his emerging sexuality and infatuation with Johnny. The love triangle among these characters is handled with a rare maturity and sensitivity, reflecting real teenage fears, vulnerabilities, and emotional struggles.

Performance-wise, Zach Gilford stands out with a subtle yet compelling portrayal of Johnny’s layered character. Emmy Rossum captures Alexa's naivety and newfound boldness adeptly, although her character development feels somewhat rushed. Ashley Springer's portrayal of Ben is credible as the awkward and loyal friend, though his immediate post-coming-out behavior seems slightly over-exaggerated. Despite some uneven moments in character progression and dialogue, the film's strengths lie in its honest depiction of teenage angst and sexuality. By daring to tread on sensitive terrain without succumbing to sensationalism, "Dare" gives viewers an insightful look at the multifaceted world of adolescence.

"Dare" is a refreshing take on the high school drama genre, offering a storyline that dives into the complexities of teenage sexuality and identity. The film distinguishes itself from typical Hollywood fare by providing substance and depth in its character development. However, the production quality does have noticeable shortcomings—the script appears somewhat rough, and the performances feel unpolished. These elements, while not detracting from the film’s overall message, do leave room for improvement.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dare" is unfortunately subpar. The picture quality is unremarkable, plagued by a softness and roughness that mar the viewing experience. Additionally, the sound design falls short, with a hushed and canned audio that fails to enhance the film's nuanced moments. This technical inadequacy significantly detracts from what could have been a more immersive home viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Dare" is an ambitious film that stands out in its portrayal of teenage issues. However, the lackluster Blu-ray presentation does not do justice to the film’s merits. This release fails to capitalize on the benefits of high-definition and does not provide an experience worthy of purchase. As a result, I recommend renting "Dare" rather than adding it to your collection.