Thanks for Sharing Blu-ray Review

"Thanks for Sharing" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, delivering a commendably crisp and clear visual quality. Filmed using an Arri Alexa, the high-definition presentation portrays New York City's vibrant cityscape with notable depth of field and fine detail, especially when the camera roams around Manhattan. However, the film occasionally exhibits medium-range shots that fail to pop with exceptional fine detail or explosive color. The transfer's strengths lie in its consistent clarity and accurate saturation, despite not offering many moments of "wow" factor. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the presentation is free from noticeable artifacting or artificial sharpening.

The visual experience is characterized by two distinct color palettes that mirror the film's narrative arcs. During scenes of personal success and contentment, the colors are invitingly vibrant and detailed, contrasting starkly with the cold, dull palette used to reflect moments of inner conflict and temptation. The choice of natural lighting in some interior scenes adds a touch of murkiness, yet black levels remain consistently strong and rich throughout. Although there are sporadic instances of minute noise and a brief flickering during a skyline shot at the 46-minute mark, these issues are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall visual quality.

"Thanks for Sharing" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while proficient and possessing moments of impressive audio clarity, ultimately falls short in terms of dynamic range and immersive mixing. Dialogue clarity is excellent, presented cleanly with commendable directionality, particularly during scenes involving background conversations from neighboring characters. The mix effectively captures the ambient environmental noise typical of New York City, such as in the scene where Neil cycles through the bustling streets, demonstrating a meticulous approach to spatial placement.

However, the overall audio mix does not fully capitalize on the format's potential. While the introductory vanity reels are a highlight, showcasing active rear channels and seamless imaging effects, the rest of the film reverts to a standard, almost simplistic audio treatment common in romantic comedies. Most sound effects are front-focused, with surround channels being underutilized. Notably, environmental effects come into play mainly in scenes set in Central Park and on city streets, adding some depth and realism.

Music within the film is balanced across all channels, yet lacks dynamic mixing, except for a standout scene at a hippie dance party where psychedelic sounds create an engaging auditory experience. The overall limited dynamic range is a missed opportunity for the lossless format. There are also minor inconsistencies, with one scene's dialogue sounding unnaturally stuffy. In summary, the mix is professional and proficient but lacks the sophisticated use of spatial audio that audiophiles might expect from a high-quality DTS-HD track.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "Thanks for Sharing" present a robust package that complements the main feature well. The Filmmaker Commentary by writer-director Stuart Blumberg and co-writer Matt Winston diverges from an initial informal chitchat to more profound insights into the screenplay evolution and casting decisions, although at times it veers towards mere scene descriptions. The Gags section provides a mix of genuinely funny moments and some that might only amuse the cast. Deleted Scenes showcase additional character depth, notably three explicit scenes and others that either enhance the narrative or provide delightful improvisations. Lastly, One Step at a Time: Making of Thanks for Sharing feels more like a promotional EPK rather than an in-depth exposé, covering interviews with the cast and crew along with snippets from the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Director and co-writer insights on screenplay evolution and casting.
• Gags: On-set bloopers and funny moments.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes explicit content and extensions of key character moments.
• One Step at a Time: Making of Thanks for Sharing: EPK-style featurette with cast and crew interviews.

"Thanks for Sharing" explores the realm of sex addiction through a narrative centered on three distinct characters at varying stages of recovery. Mark Ruffalo stars as Adam, a recovering addict who marks his fifth year of sexual sobriety. Conveyed with sincerity, Adam’s routine of morning prayers and support group attendance reveals his commitment to overcoming past demons. He receives encouragement from his sponsor, Mike (Tim Robbins), a man with 15 years of sobriety under his belt, who advises Adam to reengage in relationships. This advice lays the groundwork for Adam's encounter with Phoebe (Gwyneth Paltrow), a cancer survivor wary of addict ex-boyfriends, providing a romantic subplot that interweaves predictably into the film’s narrative.

Josh Gad portrays Neil, a compulsive sexual deviant engaged in acts short of harassment which land him in court-ordered addiction meetings. This character adds a layer of poignancy to the movie, underscoring the spectrum of sex addiction—from casual internet pornography to perilous public misconduct. Neil’s dynamic with Dede, played by pop star Pink (Alicia Moore), injects a rawness into the plot and offers Neil a redemptive arc. Dede's vulnerability and strength shine through Moore's compelling performance, preventing the storyline from slipping into complete triviality.

While the initial half of "Thanks for Sharing" competently captures the solitary despair and hopeful strides in addiction recovery, it falters as it gravitates toward trite and formulaic rom-com territory in its latter half. Standout scenes include an emotionally charged confrontation between Mike and his son Danny (Patrick Fugit), showcasing a rare moment of genuine intensity amidst otherwise predictable plot developments. Ruffalo’s portrayal lacks the gravitas seen in similar works such as "Shame," yet is buoyed by strong ensemble performances, particularly from Moore, whose authentic depiction breathes life into what could have been an otherwise easily dismissed character. Despite its inconsistencies, the film maintains engagement through its balance of heartfelt drama and light humor.

"Thanks for Sharing" is an ambitious film with a notable cast, but its execution leaves much to be desired. Mark Ruffalo and Gwyneth Paltrow serve as an appealing lead couple while Tim Robbins delivers a measured performance as Mike. However, it is Pink and Patrick Fugit who truly shine, providing the core emotional depth in their supporting roles. The film, unfortunately, suffers from a lack of cohesion and an uneven tone, ultimately rendering the narrative less impactful than intended.

Visually, the Blu-Ray presentation is commendable; shot digitally, it offers a fairly good picture quality. The audio, while serviceable, is not particularly remarkable, but it gets the job done for an indie flick of this nature. The special features provide some additional value, with the writer's commentary standing out as particularly insightful.

In conclusion, "Thanks for Sharing" struggles to maintain a consistent tone and falls short of being wholly engaging. While the strong performances and technical merits are worthy of some praise, the film’s unevenness detracts from its overall effectiveness. It might be best to rent this one before making a commitment to add it to your collection.