Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie Review

A fascinating documentary about the development of a community stage-play

Spettacolo is an inspiring documentary about a group of townspeople who band together every summer season to perform a play in their small community of Monticchiello, Spettacolo explores how the ordinary people of the town transform their own daily difficulties, successes, and common experiences into art by playing themselves on stage. Produced by Jeff Malmberg (Welcome to Marwen), Chris Shellen (Marwencol), and Matt Radecki (Loveless in Los Angeles), Spettacolo is a fun documentary that any theater enthusiast will find worthwhile.

The documentary showcases the community's rehearsals as they practice lines, act out staging, work on set building, outlining, attend group meetings, and experience even more components common in the development of producing plays. The documentary explores the transformative power of art with its birds-eye view of the summer-play being developed.

"Help! I forgot my line."

Having grown up around theater on an almost daily-basis (as my mother was a director who made a number of quality play productions), I always found it to be fascinating to see the extraordinary work being done to develop a production. For anyone who has ever had an inside look at what its actually like developing a play, Spettacolo is a remarkably accurate portrayal of what its like for individuals to band together and create a slice of art.

There are some impressive production elements at work as well: the documentary has a pleasant score composed by Lele Marchitelli (The Great Beauty, The Young Pope) and a noteworthy visual aesthetic with cinematography by Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol), who also served as producer on the feature. The filmmaking is top-notch for a documentary and it helps to expand one's appreciation of the film. With direction by Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol) and Chris Shellen, Spettacolo is an ode to the love of theater and the dedication of one community brought together to make art as a collective whole. There is real beauty in the art of collaboration and this inspirational story is an example of the power of art. Seek it out.

Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Blu-ray release features a strong 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 1:85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The film has exceptional color, clarity, and detail. The film does contain some archival footage which is in poor shape in comparison and is spread out throughout the film (including some old recordings of rehearsal play footage which looks to be in upconverted standard-definition). Even despite the inclusion of some archival scenes showcasing less impressive picture-quality, the main cinematography for the film is in excellent shape. Overall, the quality is exceptional for a behind-the-scenes documentary.

Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two separate lossless audio options: Italian 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Italian Uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (in 48 khz/24 bit depth). The soundtrack is crisp with superb definition throughout the presentation. Clarity is exceptional and dialogue sounds great throughout. While the surround usage can be described as being modest (and only some of the final scenes fully utilize the surround channels for a fully immersive experience), the level of crisp fidelity on display is never a disappointment. As a documentary, the laid-back sound design is to be expected – as per-the-norm. However, music expansion is reasonable on the 5.1 mix. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a 7 page booklet and comes in a clear case with an inner art print.

Amleto (HD, 2:00, Dolby Digital 1.0) is a short film directed by Jeff Malmberg. The short focuses on a black cat as it roams the city and goes on its own unique adventure.

The Play (HD, 6:35) is a recording of the opening of the play which was produced and performed in Spettacolo. The play (entitled "Palla Avvelanta") is performed by citizens in the community. Includes an introduction and a scene from the opening night performance.

Andrea Paints (HD, 4:30) is a silent exploration of the painting of Andrea. The extended sequence simply showcases the artist as he works on one of his own illustrations.

Andrea's Reaction to the Film (HD, 6:54) is an interview (subtitled in English) in which Andrea discusses his opinions about the final film and its response from audiences. He discusses the importance of the film and its deeper meaning to him.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 23:18) can be viewed as a play-all or as individual segments.

The following cut scenes are included: How Many Scenes? (HD, 00:44), Old Hands (HD, 1:49), La Spia (HD, 1:21), Fact and Fiction (HD, 1:09), Rehearsal #3 (HD, 2:04), Liberation Day (HD, 1:03), Fellini Comes to Town (HD, 00:42), Old Roles (HD, 1:00), Phone Interview (HD, 1:40), Post Office (HD, 00:43), Quota 300 (HD, 1:09), Costume Closet (HD, 00:50), Crumbling Walls (HD, 00:55), La Rocca (HD, 1:42), An Idea for a Play (HD, 00:42), Bella Bella (HD, 1:03), Honey (HD, 1:10), Second Life (HD, 00:32), Cuts (HD, 1:31), and Ferrari Parade (HD, 1:29).

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:18)

Lastly, the release includes trailers for other films available from Grasshopper Films: Nocturama (HD, 1:21), Casa de Lava (HD, 00:39), Escapes (HD, 1:32), Bronx Gothic (HD, 2:26), Kate Plays Christine (HD, 2:23), and Don't Blink: Robert Frank (HD, 1:48).

Spettacolo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

For theater lovers of all ages, Spettacolo is an impressive documentary-feature about the development of a play. The film showcases the enormous amount of passion and dedication one small community brings to the table with the creation of their yearly summer production. Getting an inside look at the process is something that anyone who has been involved in theater will understand and relate to. The release includes an impressive presentation and a selection of nice extras to round out the release. A trip to Spettacolo is a worthwhile one.