Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Theatrical: Superior Pictures

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

• 2010 audio commentary with Zwigoff
• 2006 audio commentary with Zwigoff and critic Roger Ebert
• More than fifty minutes of unused footage (14 segments)
• Stills gallery (30 images)
• 28-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum and artwork by Charles, Jesse, Maxon, and Robert Crumb and an 8-page 'Famous Artist Talent Test' leaflet by Charles Crumb

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Description: Terry Zwigoff’s landmark 1995 film is an intimate documentary portrait of the underground artist Robert Crumb, whose unique drawing style and sexually and racially provocative subject matter have made him a household name in popular American art. Zwigoff candidly and colorfully delves into the details of Crumb’s incredible career and life, including his family of reclusive eccentrics, some of the most remarkable people you’ll ever see on-screen. At once a profound biographical portrait, a riotous examination of a man’s controversial art, and a devastating look at a troubled family, Crumb is a genuine American original.

 

 

Audio :

Extras :

We have two commentaries - a new one with Zwigoff from this year and a second - already available on the Sony SE DVD from 2006 with Zwigoff and critic Roger Ebert. Ebert tries to do some gentle probing with questions and the director does impart some anecdotal production information. It is very low-key but has interesting moments. In the new commentary Zwigoff admits reluctance and again relates similar information. I think I preferred the one with Ebert but both may have value to fans of the film. The, more than, 50-minutes of unused footage (divided into 14 segments) is a decent companion to Crumb where those craving more will find it in a less polished format. There is some further information imparted here - and I enjoyed some bits more than others. There is also a stills gallery (30 images) and a 28-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum and artwork by Charles, Jesse, Maxon, and Robert Crumb. Also included is an 8-page 'Famous Artist Talent Test' leaflet by Charles Crumb - fans will get their moneys worth from this newsprint addition.

BOTTOM LINE:
Crumb is an honest and non-judgmental portrait of a true, uncompromised, character. Robert Crumb is an artist in the classic sense - he explores the chemistry of his own desires, fetishes and the view of a world, in his eyes, that's gone 'bad'. He is a fascinating bundle of psychological imagination and unbridled sexual bents. As opposed to accepting the insanities of modern culture - he has created, and basically lives in, his own. It's a great movie - although I don't see extensive benefit from it being released on Blu-ray, but I doubt we're going to see it looking any better. It's hard to say if the improved appearance will cause you to bond more closely with the unique characters in the documentary - but it is quite possible. It's one of those films that you feel deserves a bigger audience and the Blu-ray edition will, undoubtedly, do just that! An odd choice by Criterion - but an excellent one. Recommended!