Often discussed, but rarely understood, collectors are driven by an obsessiveness that mainstream society struggles to understand. Through conversations with dozens of devoted record collectors, Vinyl offers an unblinking and amusing look at this phenomenon, exploring the personal struggles that lead to collecting, the negative ways it impacts some, and the essential joy it brings to others, helping them achieve a sense of meaning, purpose, and comfort.
The first feature-length documentary from one-of-a-kind filmmaker Alan Zweig, Vinyl introduced his trademark idiosyncrasies and confessional approach fully formed. Resisting traditional notions of likability, he reveals as much about himself as he does about his subjects, which include a mix of everyday vinyl devotees alongside cultural figures like Bruce LaBruce, Guy Maddin, Don McKellar, and Harvey Pekar. But even as Zweig reckons with the debilitating side of collecting, he reveals his own deep commitment to the subject with an honesty that will resonate with collectors and non-collectors alike.
directed by: Alan Zweig starring: Alan Zweig, Bruce LaBruce, Guy Maddin, Don McKellar, Harvey Pekar, Geoff Pevere 2000 / 110 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Transferred from the best surviving tape master
New extended mirror introduction by director Alan Zweig
New audio commentary featuring Zweig moderated by filmmaker/podcaster Jay Cheel
New audio commentary featuring Zweig in conversation with editor Christopher Donaldson and producer Greg Klymkiw
New audio commentary featuring Zweig in conversation with critic/author Geoff Pevere and Vinyl superfan August Dorney
New audio commentary featuring Zweig in conversation with composer Scott Cramer (Drysdale)
Vinyl: The Alternate Take (2011, 96 min.) – Feature-length companion film comprised entirely of footage cut from Vinyl
New audio commentary on Vinyl: The Alternate Take featuring Zweig and Cheel
Extended interviews with Guy Maddin, Don McKellar, and Harvey Pekar
Additional outtakes
Booklet featuring an essay on Vinyl by filmmaker and executive producer Bruce McDonald
