NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (October 2021): Imprint have transferred Gus Van Sant's Drugstore Cowboy to Blu-ray. The 1080P is in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The DVDs had colors all over the place from green hue to orange skin tones. Contrast is significantly superior (more pure whites, deeper black levels) and the film has a purposeful rough edge (very textured) to it that is supported far better by the Blu-ray transfer that is on a dual-layered disc with a very high bitrate (6X that of the weak PAL DVD.) It is rarely crisp but that is a function of the shooting style.

NOTE: We have added 60 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint use a linear PCM 2.0 channel track (24-bit) in the original English language. Drugstore Cowboy has just a few aggressive moments - one gunshot - that come through with depth. The score was by Elliot Goldenthal (Heat, Interview With the Vampire, Pet Sematary, A Time To Kill, Public Enemies.) There is some other excellent music in the film, including For All We Know by Abbey Lincoln, Little Things by Bobby Goldsboro, Put a Little Love in Your Heart performed by Jackie DeShannon, I Am performed by Roky Erickson & Jack Johnson, Cherry Lips performed by The Robins and other music capturing the film's era and moods. There is also an isolated score track with effects. It all sounds fine in the uncompressed transfer. Imprint offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

Included on the Imprint Blu-ray is the 2001 commentary by Gus van Sant and Matt Dillon found on the Artisan DVD where they discuss the 'hat on the bed' superstition, the director of photography Robert Yeoman, the Elliot Goldenthal score - Gus heard his score in Pet Sematary. They relate that both their fathers were golfers who had played with each other independently of knowing them. The locations are talked about, Gus talks about this being his major feature with a star (Dillon), a lot of author James Fogle... it's good - very relaxed and they remember together certain production details. It's enjoyable hearing their thoughts of over 20-years ago. The Blu-ray also has the 1/2 hour Making-of documentary founds on the 2001 US DVD. There is also a new visual essay by filmmaker Chris O’Neill running about 11-minutes entitled 'Ahead of the Curve' - I loved his observations, There is a new featurette on composer Goldenthal, a dozen minute interview with Kelly Lynch called Diane's Addiction - she who had worked as a flight attendant after leaving college and a model for the Elite modeling agency before acting. Lastly is a theatrical trailer.

Gus Van Sant's Drugstore Cowboy is based on the autobiographical novel by James Fogle. Personally I am a huge fan of Van Sant's films (Mala Noche, Paranoid Park, My Own Private Idaho, Gerry etc.) and Drugstore Cowboy was the start of his unique brand of cinema. It is both highly memorable and very re-watchable. The Imprint Blu-ray is easily the best home theater a/v presentation - it has the valuable commentary, a new visual essay, interview and limited edition packaging. This is a keeper for me. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze