The Fare Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Fare Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 1, 2020

“The Fare” aims to conjure the vibe of a “Twilight Zone” episode, even electing to play with B&W as part of its push for mood. It’s a brain-bleeder from writer/star Brinna Kelly and director D.C. Hamilton, who deliver a time loop tale that’s almost completely contained to a single cab riding along in the middle of nowhere.

Gino Anthony Pesi stars as Harris, a cabbie hit with the gradual understanding that his daily experience may be stuck on repeat, encountering Penny (Kelly) over and over again, working with the customer to break the loop. Without much fresh air, “The Fare” is primarily interested in dialogue and a slow swell of panic, and for low-budget entertainment, Hamilton gets something out of the material, which, to its credit, contains a genuine surprise when it comes to Harris’s final destination.

The Fare Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Fare" is an odd looking movie, and the AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation does what it can with all the digital manipulation going on, especially with efforts to transform color cinematography and broad daylight events into black and white noir. Compression issues are common here, struggling with backgrounds, which occasionally burst with banding. Detail is acceptable, providing a pleasing read of faces, getting close to skin surfaces. Cab specifics are noted. Delineation is acceptable, but black levels tend to shift, creating some milkiness along the way.

The Fare Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital track deals primarily with dialogue exchanges, which retain freshness throughout the listening experience. Emotionality is preserved. Scoring is satisfactory, securing the mystery mood with clarity. Surrounds handle atmospherics and cab interior tone well, offering a few separation effects to wake things up. Low-end comes through for violent weather

The Fare Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director D.C. Hamilton.

• Commentary #2 features writer/actress Brinna Kelly.

• "Alternate Realities" (1:35, HD) presents unused footage from "The Fare," with explanation from Hamilton.

• "Beyond FM" (1:03, HD) is a clip of the radio program played during the movie.

• "Flashback Scene Breakdown" (2:53, HD) is a storyboard comparison featurette, with a split-screen study of initial design and final product.

• Gag Reel (3:26, HD) collects flubs and laughing fits.

• "The Look of 'The Fare'" (9:02, HD) is a conversation with Hamilton and cinematographer Josh Harrison.

• "Lost in the Fog" (4:37, HD) is an extended sequence from "The Fare," with intro provided by Hamilton.

• "Original Opening" (2:06, HD) provides an ill-conceived introduction to the feature, with thoughts provided by Hamilton.

• "Secrets of 'The Fare'" (15:17, HD) is an interview with Kelly, who's ready to share her inspiration for the movie and the clues she put into the screenplay.

• T.V. Spot (:30, HD) is offered.

• And a Teaser Trailer (1:04, HD) and a Trailer (1:30, HD) are included.

The Fare Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While "The Fare" is interesting, the material would've been much better served as a short film, as Kelly's ideas are stretched thin by the demands of feature-length moviemaking. The picture wears out its welcome before it climaxes, but there's certainly plenty here for fans of mysteries, sci-fi, and Serling-style strangeness.