Spetters Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Spetters" features a brand new 4K restoration that significantly enhances the film’s visual fidelity, especially given its origins as a low-budget Dutch film from 1980. The movie, presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio and encoded in AVC (MPEG-4), maintains a consistently textured and filmic quality throughout. The restoration brings out natural hues in city scenes alongside vivid, hot neon, while rural activity is portrayed with impressive greenery. Colors for costumes and racing attire are vivid, highlighting reds and yellows effectively. Close-ups reveal detailed particulars of troubled faces, contributing to the film’s raw, unfiltered essence. Despite occasional dated looks in early scenes and a minor scratch during the end credits, the source materials appear largely cleansed of significant dirt and damage.

In terms of technical performance, the Blu-ray excels across various parameters despite inherent limitations from the original production era. The film benefits from realistic skin tones and fine sharpness that retains detail without overwhelming the natural grain structure. Black levels are robust in darker scenes, adding depth and dimension. Only minor flaws like an infrequent dust speck or some soft focus moments mar an otherwise stable image quality. The titles for the film are displayed in white, ensuring readability, with subtitles maintained for accessibility. The restoration does a commendable job preserving the original aesthetic while elevating the viewing experience for contemporary audiences.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "Spetters" effectively captures the era's intense atmosphere, delivering clear and intelligible Dutch dialogue that balances well with sound effects and Ton Scherpenzeel's synth-laden score. The mix ensures that dialogue remains prominent, maintaining its inherent hostility and seductiveness without being overshadowed by background elements. The racing sequences are particularly noteworthy, with distinct motocross roars effectively conveying the riders' positional dynamics and sheer speed, although atmospherics remain acceptable without being remarkable.

The Dutch DTS-HD Master Audio mono track, while straightforward in its sound design, offers a clear and intelligible presentation of dialogue, critical for understanding the interactions among characters. Dynamic range is somewhat limited, resulting in motorcycle engines producing only a mild grumble rather than a full-throated roar. Despite this limitation, the soundtrack remains functional, with the electronic score, albeit somewhat dated, providing an appropriate auditory backdrop. The track's fidelity is thin but satisfactory, free from any noticeable age-related degradation such as hiss, crackle, flutter, or hum.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "Spetters" excels in its supplement content, with notable highlights including an engaging and information-rich audio commentary by director Paul Verhoeven. This feature, recorded in 2002, offers deep insights into the film's controversial themes, production challenges, and the societal reflections it presents. Verhoeven's passionate discourse encompasses the explicit nature of the film, behind-the-scenes struggles, and poignant anecdotes—such as the tragic fate of actor Hans van Tongeren. The package also comprises a new animated image gallery that blends publicity stills with behind-the-scenes imagery, adding visual context to Verhoeven's narrative. Completing the set is the theatrical trailer and a bonus trailer for Verhoeven's "Flesh + Blood." This collection is a valuable asset for enthusiasts looking to delve into the deeper aspects of this provocative film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An animated and detailed commentary by director Paul Verhoeven.
• Image Gallery: A blend of publicity snaps, movie stills, and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer with an English-language voiceover.
• Paul Verhoeven Trailer: Flesh and Blood: Promotional trailer for Verhoeven's first American feature.

"Spetters," directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a provocative exploration of youth and ambition set against the backdrop of motocross racing near Rotterdam. Known for his penchant for shock and controversy, Verhoeven delivers a raw and unflinching depiction of adolescent turmoil. The film follows three young men—Rien, Eef, and Hans—each navigating their tumultuous paths. Rien (Hans van Tongeren) is on his way to becoming a motocross champion, while Eef (Toon Agterberg) wrestles with an abusive father and struggles with his sexual identity. Hans (Maarten Spanjer), less skilled but full of spirit, consistently tries to prove his worth. Their lives are disrupted by Fientje (Renée Soutendijk), a fry cook who uses her sexuality to escape her monotonous life, manipulating the boys for her gain.

Verhoeven's direction is unapologetically graphic, introducing explicit scenes of nudity and sex, which adds a layer of gritty realism to the narrative. The screenplay by Gerard Soeteman intricately balances the character arcs, diving into themes of male camaraderie, sexual awakening, and the pursuit of freedom. These thematic elements are underscored by the film’s stark portrayal of youthful recklessness and societal constraints. Memorable scenes include a darkly comedic penis-measuring contest and intense motocross sequences that capture both triumph and defeat.

The cast delivers compelling performances, particularly Soutendijk, who steals the show with her portrayal of the pragmatic and manipulative Fientje. Verhoeven’s portrayal of homosexuality and male vulnerability pushes societal boundaries, though it may come across as problematic by modern standards. The film’s controversial content led to significant backlash in its home country and spurred Verhoeven’s move to Hollywood. Despite its controversial nature, "Spetters" is a foundational piece in Verhoeven’s oeuvre, providing a harsh yet captivating glimpse into his thematic obsessions and storytelling style.

Paul Verhoeven’s "Spetters" is a polarizing but undeniably engaging film defined by its confrontational content and unique directorial choices. Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s, the film is saturated with disco music, featuring notable artists such as Michael Jackson, ABBA, and Iggy Pop. The story, centered around a community grappling with lust and ambition, is punctuated by heated confrontations and bold, often controversial depictions of sexuality. Verhoeven’s vision is arresting, blending provocative narrative elements with evocative settings to create a memorable cinematic experience that focuses on the darker aspects of human behavior.

Kino’s Blu-ray edition of "Spetters" successfully captures the film’s visual and auditory essence. The picture quality is commendable given the film's age, providing a crisp and clear presentation that does justice to Verhoeven's dynamic imagery. The sound quality, while merely adequate, seems to be as good as it can get for a film of this vintage. A noteworthy addition is the audio commentary, which offers valuable insights into the film’s production and thematic depth.

"Spetters" may not be suited to all tastes due to its raw and unvarnished portrayal of characters and situations. However, for those willing to engage with its challenging content, it proves to be a potent piece of cinema. Kino’s Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with excellent technical delivery and thoughtful extras. This edition earns a solid recommendation for fans of Verhoeven and viewers seeking something out of the ordinary.