Spread Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Spread" is a solid, yet not exceptional visual experience. Featuring a high-quality 1080p transfer framed in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the image is generally crisp and colorful, accurately reflecting the glitzy and glamorous lifestyle depicted. The color palette is rich, with inviting and warm tints that sometimes push flesh tones towards an orange hue. Black levels are mostly solid though slightly bright in a few scenes. The transfer showcases impressive detail and texture, especially in scenes involving lavish locations and high-end interiors, though there are occasional grain spikes in brighter areas and some issues with digital noise during sky shots.

Blacks and shadow details are competently handled but not without minor imperfections like occasional crushing. In terms of visual depth and spatial representation, the presentation is impressive, allowing viewers to appreciate the nuanced appointments of both luxurious and modest environments portrayed in the film. However, there are instances of ringing and background haziness, which detract from an otherwise strong showing. While the film's overall aesthetic benefits from a subtle layer of grain, the slightly soft look in certain scenes and the busy nature of whites can be distracting.

Despite these critiques, "Spread" ultimately provides a respectable high-definition visual experience. It may not reach reference quality, but it effectively captures the film's opulent settings and maintains a consistent level of detail throughout. Fans of the movie will likely be pleased with the Blu-ray's ability to bring out the luscious hues of poolside views and high-dollar homes, even if it falls short of perfection in areas like skin tone accuracy and occasional grain management.

The Blu-ray release of "Spread" leverages a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack that, while dialogue-centric, offers a competent audio experience tailored to the film's atmospheric needs. Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, consistently maintaining crystal clear reproduction across the front channels. However, the low-frequency effects (LFE) are a mixed bag; they shine during nightclub scenes with substantial bass impact but can overpower and muffle dialogue in those instances. Surround ambiance provides a subtly immersive setting without distracting from the film's primarily spoken elements.

The soundtrack impresses with its detailed ambience, expertly capturing subtleties such as background chatter in diners or the distinct sounds around airports, enhancing scene realism. Although spread adequately through the surround channels, it's more in service of creating an environment rather than engaging, active soundscapes. Music reproduction, particularly during scenes set in clubs, benefits from crisp notes and an aggressive low end that resonantly transports listeners into the depicted venues. Yet, there are occasional inconsistencies in bass levels that could have been better balanced for overall coherence.

In sum, the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track provided on "Spread" offers an impressive auditory experience loyal to the film's dialogue-driven nature, while also achieving lifelike ambient environments and occasional immersive club scenes. The mix is thoughtfully constructed, though it shows room for improvement in balancing bass-heavy sequences.

The Blu-ray release of "Spread" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that delve into various aspects of the film's production. The audio commentary featuring Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche, and Margarita Levieva starts informally, occasionally veering into a monotonous tone but manages to provide valuable insights into character motivations. The Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature, "Urban Sprawl: Los Angeles," is a standout, offering detailed behind-the-scenes views of the film's diverse locations and set designs. "Living the Dream: The Making of 'Spread'" includes cast and crew interviews interspersed with clips from the movie, though it leans heavily towards typical Electronic Press Kit (EPK) content. Shorter featurettes like "Behind the Scenes with Ashton Kutcher" and "The World According to Nikki" provide additional context about working with Kutcher and insights into the titular character’s lifestyle.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche, and Margarita Levieva: Light, informal insights into characters.
• Urban Sprawl: Los Angeles: Behind-the-scenes look at film locations with production designers.
• Living the Dream: The Making of 'Spread': Interviews with the cast and crew.
• Behind the Scenes with Ashton Kutcher: Cast discussions about working with Kutcher.
• The World According to Nikki: Kutcher's insights into the high life in LA.
• Spread Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer of the film.
• Digital Copy: Windows-only digital copy of the movie.

In David Mackenzie's "Spread," the engaging performance by Ashton Kutcher as Nikki, a sexual drifter in Los Angeles, brings an otherwise formulaic story to life. The film explores an atypical gender role reversal, where a young, attractive male seduces rich women for wealth and pleasure. Nikki thrives by leveraging his allure to secure a luxurious lifestyle without personal attachment. The film playfully captures his hedonistic adventures, set against lavish backdrops and filled with sexual escapades, particularly focusing on his relationship with Samantha (Anne Heche). The aesthetic grandeur subtly contrasts with the deeper themes that emerge as the narrative unfolds.

While the film appears to revel in its superficial charms and beautiful locations, there is a nuanced evolution in the storyline—as Nikki encounters Heather (Margarita Levieva), who resists his advances and exposes his shallow existence. This encounter propels Nikki toward an introspective journey, leading to a stark transition from frivolity to disillusionment. As his carefree lifestyle collapses, Kutcher's performance deepens, embodying a character who is forced to confront his inadequacies and the real cost of his choices. Despite initial clichés and overt depictions of indulgence, the film eventually hits a melancholic note, portraying Nikki's downfall with a semblance of authenticity.

Yet, "Spread" occasionally falters in its character development and dialogue. Nikki's persona, initially portrayed as merely exploitative, struggles to elicit sympathy even when faced with his abrupt downfall. The narrative, at times, seems an excuse for explicit scenes rather than advancing a substantial plot. Supporting characters veer towards caricatures, with inconsistent portrayals undermining their believability. Overall, while "Spread" succeeds in offering an intriguing take on love and deception through its lens on a gigolo's life, it remains marred by its superficial treatment of deeper themes and inconsistent dialogue execution.

"Spread" presents a dichotomy of experiences within its 97-minute runtime, encapsulating both glamour and desperation. The narrative follows Nikki (Ashton Kutcher), a charisma-driven drifter reveling in the hedonistic luxury of LA’s upper crust. While the film has a rocky start, centered on superficial dalliance, it gains depth and complexity in its latter half, notably as Nikki's high-flying lifestyle begins to unravel. Kutcher delivers a surprisingly layered performance that transcends the mundane, capturing a nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with the consequences of a life steeped in excess.

Visually, the Blu-ray's video transfer is commendable, delivering sharp detail and vibrant color that authentically represents LA's upscale locales. Audio quality is also robust, immersing viewers in the film's atmospheric score and dialogue. Bonus materials on the Starz/Anchor Bay release include standard behind-the-scenes features and interviews, which add context without significantly enhancing the viewing experience. However, these technical merits somewhat disguise the film's uneven storytelling and inconsistent character depth.

This is definitely not a film for everyone. It's a look into a world that we know exists but (thankfully) don't tread in. Whether it's worth a visit is a hard call. If the first hour were less about silly carnal excess and more like the last 30 minutes, we would have a winner. To see Ashton Kutcher pull off a good dramatic performance (as well as some of the...Ahem... scenery), makes "Spread" a curious, albeit cautious recommendation. Rent it before committing to a purchase.