Plot: What’s it about?
A small band of friends is about to throw a massive rave inside an abandon warehouse. But in order to make this event a success, they need to find some killer music, decorate the place, and of course, invite tons of people who want to dance all night long. After an email is sent announcing the rave, a couple hundred kids start making plans on when to go, how to go, and with whom. Leyla (Lola Glaudini) sends out an email to all who will listen, asking for a ride to the shindig and soon enough, her phone is ringing off the hooks with offers. Elsewhere, Colin (Denny Kirkwood) is prepared to surprise his current girlfriend, Harmony (Mackenzie Firgens) at the rave and wants his brother, David (Hamish Linklater) to be present as well. In most instances, David wouldn’t attend a rave, but he agrees because of his brother’s insistence. Once they arrive at the rave and Colin’s surprise is revealed, David consumes some illegal substances and his whole perspective is changed. David and Leyla will cross paths at the rave, but their story is only one of many that unfolds while the records spin.
Along with some incredible music and intense visuals, this film has some very good writing and the characters are diverse & likable. We never get to know them too much because the film moves at a brisk pace, but the depth is adequate for this type of picture. The storyline isn’t complex by any means, but again it is more than up to task for this style of movie. I was never let down by the writing at any point, although a few characters should have gotten some extended screen time. This is a very unique and effective film, one I think will stand up very well to repeat viewings. Add in a terrific disc and Groove is well worth the investment, whether you rent or purchase the title. If you want more on this film, an interview with director Greg Harrison can be found on this site, in which I discuss the process behind this disc with him.
Groove was written, edited, and directed by Greg Harrison, who makes his feature film debut with this picture. Although it is his first effort and the resources were limited, Harrison delivers a more than solid film and never falters much in the basic presentation. I think Harrison and his crew have captured a unique brand of visual and audial power, which alone is worth the price of admission here. The writing is also very good, but the visuals and soundtrack are nothing short of fantastic. I don’t extensive experience when it comes to raves and such, but I do think Harrison’s film has a realistic texture and tone, which adds a lot to the movie’s impact and appeal.
Video: How does it look?
This is the first foray into 4K territory for the movie and it uses a very rich and pulsing color scheme and I expected some problems, but I was pleased to find no such instances. Even in the richest reds and oranges, no bleeds or smears are evident in the least. The colors also remain distinct, even when several layer on top of each other. No problems with contrast either, although some grain can be seen in darker scenes. The grain is minimal however and no real trouble surfaces in the end. This is a very complex film in terms of visuals, but this transfer delivers on all counts. It’s certainly a lot better-looking in 4K than Blu-ray.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included DTS HD Master Audio track is outstanding. Music is so vital to the film and in this mix, it sounds crisp and pulses through the surrounds. I have heard some excellent music on this format, but a few sequences in this film rival even the best I’ve heard. The mix needed to come through here and thankfully, it does and with flying colors. The rest of the elements don’t suffer however, as subtle sound effects and dialogue also come through in fine form. Of course, dialogue is not always meant to be loud and clear in this film, but you’ll hear everything you need to, rest assured.
Supplements: What are the extras?
It appears as if most of the supplements from the previously-released Sony Blu-ray have made the leap, though nothing new has been added. The isolated score seems to be missing, however.
- Audio Commentary – The commentary track with director Greg Harrison, cinematographer Matt Irving, and one of the film’s producers. These three seem very enthusiastic here and really offer insight into how & why Groove was made. I didn’t hear many silent spaces on the whole, this is an informative and enjoyable audio track.
- Behind the Scenes – A standard and all too short segment with some, you guessed it, behind the scenes footage.
- Extended & Deleted Scenes – A selection of deleted and/or extended sequences is also found on the disc, which you can view with or without Harrison’s comments. Again, more insight is offered here and Harrison is quick to discuss why the scenes were axed from the flick.
- Casting Auditions – A couple minutes of audition tape footage can be seen, which again offers optional commentary from Harrison.
- Camera Test – We learn how Harrison and his crew manipulated the slow motion process used in the film.
- Music Video – “Heaven Sent” by Bedrock
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
Depending on your perspective, Groove was either ahead of its time or just another exploitive movie that never really took off. I don’t really know where I stand. What I do know is that this film does have its audience, and they’re all 25 years older than when this first came out. Sony’s 4K disc gives us an improved picture, a decent selection of extras and a rockin’ soundtrack.
