Better stock up on sunblock -- Grindhouse Releasing are giving Frank Perry's THE SWIMMER (1968) its hi-def debut! Burt Lancaster plays a charismatic socialite who seemingly just appears out of the bushes at a neighbor's poolside get-together. Exchanging pleasantries and the such, he hatches a plan to butterfly stroke back to his family at the other side of the development, traveling cross-country through the backyards and swimming pools of the other residents. However, as his trek unfolds and layers are peeled away, we find all may not be as it seems... An ambiguous and troubling character study, THE SWIMMER may initially appear an atypical title for Grindhouse Releasing, but that hasn't kept them from assembling the thorough special edition a film like this deserves. A notoriously troubled production plagued by clashes between star and director, Oscar-winner Chris Innis dives to the bottom of things with a brand new two-and-a-half hour documentary interviewing varied members of the cast and crew; I'm sure it'll make for a fascinating watch -- Joan Rivers alone is enough to sell me on it! Other supplements include the original New Yorker-published short story read by its author, a liner booklet appreciation by Stuart Gordon, deleted scenes photography, promotional galleries and more. Hopefully this underrated late-'60s tale of suburban woe will finally reach a new, appreciative audience. Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Preorder (3/11/14) now live. Direct link at Cinema Arcana's Upcoming Releases list! http://bruceholecheck.blogspot.com/2009/12/upcoming-dvd-blu-ray-releases-of-note.html Theatrical Trailer! http://youtu.be/6HuleRy4oh8 "Like" the new Cinema Arcana Facebook page to keep up with the latest news, deals, release announcements and more! https://www.facebook.com/cinemaarcana
Will definitely be blind buying this. I love movies about 50s / 60s suburbia and pretty much anything with Burt Lancaster. This was supposedly his personal favorite of his films.
I'm a fan of the Cheever short story it is based on so I may check it out. I've heard a lot of mediocre things about the film though.
Special Features: 2 DISC SET - Deluxe dual layer Blu-ray Edition + DVD combo Spectacular new digital restoration created from 4K scans for optimal picture quality The Story of THE SWIMMER - brand new, five-part, 2-1/2 hour documentary by Oscar-winner Chris Innis featuring in-depth interviews with stars Janet Landgard, Joan Rivers and Marge Champion, composer Marvin Hamlisch, film editor Sidney Katz, assistant directors Michael Hertzberg and Ted Zachary, UCLA Olympic swim coach Bob Horn, and Joanna Lancaster The original NEW YORKER short story read by author John Cheever 12 page booklet with liner notes by legendary director Stuart Gordon (RE-ANIMATOR) Rare production stills from the lost alternate scenes Extensive still galleries, trailers and TV spots AND OTHER SURPRISES!
Special Features: * 2 DISC SET - Deluxe dual layer Blu-ray Edition + DVD combo * Spectacular new digital restoration created from 4K scans for optimal picture quality * The Story of THE SWIMMER - brand new, five-part, 2-1/2 hour documentary by Oscar-winner Chris Innis featuring in-depth interviews with stars Janet Landgard, Joan Rivers and Marge Champion, composer Marvin Hamlisch, film editor Sidney Katz, assistant directors Michael Hertzberg and Ted Zachary, UCLA Olympic swim coach Bob Horn, and Joanna Lancaster * The original NEW YORKER short story read by author John Cheever * 12 page booklet with liner notes by legendary director Stuart Gordon (RE-ANIMATOR) * Rare production stills from the lost alternate scenes * Extensive still galleries, trailers and TV spots * AND OTHER SURPRISES!
DVD Savant weighs in with a typically excellent examination (some spoilers) http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s4443swim.html
Excellent reviews of THE SWIMMER at both Blu-Ray.com http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Swimmer-Blu-ray/80153/#Review and DVD Talk http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/63296/swimmer-the/
The Swimmer gets a re-release with CD Soundtrack "remaster" + new Slipcover. Limited to 2000. https://www.facebook.com/dawnofthediscs/posts/1187070261636191
Excellent news for those who don't already have it; I doubt I'll double dip for the soundtrack. Lancaster's great unsung performance.
