In MAINSTREAM, a young woman (Maya Hawke) thinks she’s found a path to internet stardom when she starts making YouTube videos with a charismatic stranger (Andrew Garfield) – until the dark side of viral celebrity threatens to ruin them both.
For thoughts on Mainstream, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/_Ii4uA0MNE8?t=3409]
Video Quality
Mainstream comes to Blu-Ray with a fetching AVC encoded 1080p transfer that showcases the look of the film very well. The picture throughout is mostly clear with only brief instances of murkiness during a few of the darker scenes. Black levels are admirable but could stand to be a bit deeper. Skin tones are natural throughout with some impeccable details present in certain shots. Some of the makeup implemented once Link starts hosting the show is nicely textured.
Where the transfer stands out is the impressive level of detail both in the increasingly flamboyant costumes and the locations. Everything from the backstage interiors to the texture of the costumes is quite impressive. The cinematography features vibrant pops of color even with swaths of the movie taking place in a low-lit bar. The costumes and set decoration are where the movie provides its boldest colors. Overall, this is quite an impressive transfer that should satisfy anyone who checks it out.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that has quite a bit of depth and power throughout. For a film that gets steadily more performative as it builds, it is important that dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by any of the other sounds. Thankfully, this is never an issue with this track. Activity in the low end is effective when it comes to the music but otherwise subtle and mostly used to add a bit of texture to some of the more kinetic moments.
The music of the soundtrack maintains a nice fidelity so that nothing ever feels lacking. Environmental sounds are important to the experience, and this track brings these elements to life quite capably. The use of the rear channels to create a fully enveloping world works quite well. The directionality is quite precise so sounds always present as natural when coming from their respective points. RLJE Films has delivered a terrific track for this film. This disc includes English SDH subtitles.
Special Features
There are no special features provided on this disc.
Final Thoughts
Mainstream is an acutely peculiar film that does its level best to add something substantive to the cultural discourse over social media. While the pitch black satire often reflects the ugliest tendencies of human nature, the actual critique feels a bit unfocused and rote. Andrew Garfield is by far the reason to watch this as he takes on a larger-than-life role that never lacks enthusiasm. The remainder of the cast also does a solid job, but it is hard to compete with Garfield when he is giving it his all. Director Gia Coppola is still finding her way behind the camera, but there are flickers of great talent throughout. RLJE Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation but nothing in the way of special features. If you are a fan of Andrew Garfield, or just movies that have a bizarre sense of reality, give this one a shot.
Mainstream is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: RLJE Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
