Meeting Spencer Blu-ray Review

Kino-Lorber presents "Meeting Spencer" on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that delivers an average visual experience at best. The film bears a rather dated appearance, despite its 2010 production date. This notably stems from the choice of film stock, which gives the image a surprisingly grainy quality, reminiscent of 16mm film, although it was ostensibly shot on 35mm. The coarseness of the image is further exacerbated by chroma noise, manifesting as bluish specks in shadowed areas, leading to a harsh and somewhat discordant view in darker scenes. Fine detail is notably sparse, with the video presenting fuzzy textures and indistinct lines—close-ups offer some reprieve but still lack the sharpness expected of modern high-definition transfers.

Color reproduction also misses the mark, with skin tones fluctuating inconsistently within the same scene—oscillating between naturalistic and overly reddish hues. The film has a slightly drab and lifeless quality to it, making it hard to believe it was produced less than a decade ago. Black levels are deep enough, but the crushing effect in shadows renders the darker scenes, especially in the dimly-lit restaurant setting, bothersome and lacking in clarity. Overhead lighting intensifies this issue by washing out potential detail on faces and skin tones.

In summary, the video quality of "Meeting Spencer" may suffice for a casual viewing but certainly does not exploit the full potential of the Blu-ray format. Consequently, audiences might find the visual presentation underwhelming, particularly in an age where high-definition transfers are capable of delivering significantly more detailed and aesthetically pleasing images.

The audio presentation of "Meeting Spencer" on Blu-ray varies significantly between different formats. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track stands out with its clean recording and dynamic sound. Despite being a dialogue-driven film, significant effort was made to create an immersive mix. Blustery winter winds in the opening scene and the consistent background patter of restaurant activity, including voices and clinking glasses, lend an appreciable level of ambience to the setting. The minimal score and incidental music, especially during piano performances, are well-rendered, making characters' conversations clear and crackle-free. However, it is worth noting the absence of subtitle options, a common issue in Kino releases, which can be a disadvantage for those with accessibility needs.

In contrast, the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix suffers from notable deficiencies. The most glaring issues are frequent lip-synch problems, undermining the viewing experience. Notably, there are scenes where character dialogue is out of sync with their lip movements, a significant quality control oversight for a relatively new film. This is compounded by the overall poor quality of the audio mix itself; dialogue often sounds as if it were recorded in a confined space, and the music lacks low-end depth. Ambient noise is minimal even in scenes set in the bustling restaurant environment, leading to an overall disappointing auditory experience that might warrant a recall due to its technical issues.

These contrasting audio presentations highlight the importance of format choice when seeking an optimal viewing experience for "Meeting Spencer".

The Blu-ray release of "Meeting Spencer" features a minimal but adequate selection of extras that provides a modest enhancement to the main film. The included high-definition theatrical trailer offers a concise preview of the film, while the stills gallery contains a collection of images from the set, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production. Additionally, there's an "Also Available from Kino-Lorber" section, which provides standard-definition trailers for other titles, including Winnebago Man and Modus Operandi. These extras, although limited, present a brief yet informative glimpse into the movie's context and promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A high-definition trailer for "Meeting Spencer."
• Still Gallery: Set stills from the production.
• Also Available from Kino-Lorber: Standard-definition trailers for "Winnebago Man" and "Modus Operandi."

"Meeting Spencer" is an under-the-radar indie comedy showcasing Jeffrey Tambor in a role reminiscent of his work on "Arrested Development". The film revolves around failed director Harris Chappell, who returns to New York to revitalize his career with a new Broadway play. Set almost entirely within the confines of Frankie & Johnnie's steakhouse in the Theatre District, the movie exhibits a stage-like ambiance with a limited setting and extensive chit-chat. Tambor's portrayal of Chappell highlights his talent for conveying a mix of desperation and sly humor, though the rest of the ensemble fluctuates between amusing and one-dimensional. Notable performances include Jessie Plemons, who brings a dry wit to his role, adding some necessary vibrancy to the proceedings.

Director Malcolm Mowbray attempts to craft a behind-the-scenes farce filled with quirky characters and screwball interactions. There’s Didi Ravenal, brought along with the hope of securing funding from her eccentric boyfriend Emerson Todd, and Spencer West, a green actor included due to Chappell's obligation to his father. The supporting cast, including a casting director, an ambitious columnist, and a kooky actor in disguise, insert comic chaos into the narrative but often fail to elevate the script beyond its predictable beats. The dialogue aims for the rapid-fire wit of 1930s comedies but frequently misses the mark. Despite these flaws, moments like Spencer West’s impromptu piano performance serve as highlights in an otherwise uneven film.

From a production standpoint, "Meeting Spencer" struggles to fully immerse viewers in its theatrical setting. The soundstage recreation of Frankie & Johnnie's feels flat and unconvincing, exacerbated by uninspired cinematography. Nonetheless, the film’s charm shines through at times, largely due to the talents of Tambor and Plemons. Overall, "Meeting Spencer" delivers a mixed bag of theatrical absurdities and clever character moments that warrant at least one viewing, particularly for fans of ensemble-driven comedies.

Meeting Spencer arrives on Blu-ray, aiming for a clever inside-showbiz farce but ultimately falling short of the wit and comedic energy required to truly engage its audience. The narrative attempts to draw viewers into the chaotic life of its characters but struggles to provide the necessary charm and humor. Fans of intricate, humor-laden storytelling may find themselves longing for more adept productions. Cultivating interest among theatre enthusiasts and Broadway aficionados could be a potential, albeit narrow, success for the film.

The technical presentation of Meeting Spencer on Blu-ray leaves much to be desired. The video transfer disappoints with a noticeably gritty appearance, undermining the visual enjoyment of what should be a polished presentation of a new release. Audio quality follows suit, failing to deliver a robust and immersive experience. Furthermore, the absence of supplementary materials detracts significantly from the package's allure, offering little incentive for collectors or fans who enjoy exploring behind-the-scenes content and additional features.

In conclusion, Meeting Spencer offers a viewing experience that some might appreciate, particularly those with a penchant for theatre-related narratives. However, its shortcomings in both cinematic execution and Blu-ray presentation suggest caution. Consider this release more of a fleeting rental than a permanent addition to your collection.