The Fisher King (1991)

[Akijama]

The Fisher King Blu-ray

Release date: June 23

http://www.criterion.com/films/28719-the-fisher-king

DIRECTOR-APPROVED EDITION:

New, restored 2K digital transfer, approved by director Terry Gilliam, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
Audio commentary featuring Gilliam
New interviews with Gilliam; producer Lynda Obst; screenwriter Richard La Gravenese; and actors Jeff Bridges, Amanda Plummer, and Mercedes Ruehl
New interviews with artists Keith Greco and Vincent Jefferds on the creation of the film’s Red Knight
Interview from 2006 with actor Robin Williams
New video essay featuring Bridges’s on-set photographs
Deleted scenes, with optional commentary by Gilliam
Costume tests
Trailers
PLUS: An essay by critic Bilge Ebiri

A fairy tale grounded in poignant reality, the magnificent, Manhattan-set The Fisher King, by Terry Gilliam, features Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams in two of their most brilliant roles. Bridges plays a former radio shock jock reconstructing his life after a scandal, and Williams is a homeless man on a quest for the Holy Grail—which he believes to be hidden somewhere on the Upper West Side. Unknowingly linked by their pasts, the two men aid each other on a fanciful journey to redemption. This singular American odyssey features a witty script by Richard La Gravenese, evocative cinematography by Roger Pratt, and superb supporting performances by Amanda Plummer and an Oscar-winning Mercedes Ruehl, all harnessed by Gilliam into a humane, funny modern-day myth.

[Show spoiler]via The Hollywood Reporter:

Gilliam, 73, was still struggling with what happened when he was required to revisit Fisher King for an upcoming home video re-release.

“Criterion are putting out a Blu-ray [edition of The Fisher King] and last week I had to watch it, just for technical reasons," Gilliam tells The Hollywood Reporter. "I'd been pretty depressed since Robin died and watching it was exhilarating because there was Robin — alive and well.”

Full article here

[mhp68]

Day 1, hallelujah

[IndyMLVC]

Although I'm not a fan of this particular film, I'm thrilled that Criterion isn't forgetting about their laserdiscs from the past. I'm hoping I'll be able to replace some of them

[GaragePoet]

glad i held off on upgrading this, love this movie! R.I.P. Robin

[jceperley]

I don't know how this film slipped under my radar for so long. I'm a huge fan of both Gilliam and Williams, but had never heard of this one, UNTIL last February I got to see it on the big screen. It looked great then and have been looking for a Blu-ray ever since. So this is GREAT news!

[wonkavision]

Ok...I'll buy it again.
And I thought I might have to re-buy the film a couple more times before it hit Criterion.

[spf781]

Best news I have heard all day.

[demonknight]

I need to finish this. I started to watch it in December after I watched Fear and Loathing, Brazil, and Death to Smoochy, but I got tired and fell asleep...

This leaves the questions: How long until Life of Brian is upgraded and will Baron Munchausen get a Criterion like I suspect it will?

I bet in the future we get an Imagination Trilogy set from Criterion, like the Yojimbo/Sanjuro set.

More Gilliam is never a bad thing.

[McCrutchy]

Another one back in the fold where it belongs, excellent.

[javi92]

Originally Posted by mhp68

Day 1, hallelujah

Yes, hopefully Criterion comes out with a bang in January after a light December.

[lilboyblu]

Wow, finally something official! I can't wait to watch this again on Criterion; it ought to easily best the old Image disc. My favorite Robin Williams too.

[nashcameronn]

I still haven't seen this film and I've been meaning to for so long. Definitely in for this.

[geekesmind]

what day?

[GenPion]

I have the current edition but will upgrade at some point to the Criterion release -- absolutely a gem of a film and one of Robin Williams best performances.

[MTRodaba2468]

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

Although I'm not a fan of this particular film, I'm thrilled that Criterion isn't forgetting about their laserdiscs from the past. I'm hoping I'll be able to replace some of them

I'm sure if Criterion could re-license all the films they put out on laserdisc, they would. They've already got The Big Chill and Tootsie slated for this year...

The Blu-Ray era reminds me of the laserdisc era, where studios were more inclined to license out various titles, compared to when the DVD boom was going on...

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by MTRodaba2468

I'm sure if Criterion could re-license all the films they put out on laserdisc, they would. They've already got The Big Chill and Tootsie slated for this year...

The Blu-Ray era reminds me of the laserdisc era, where studios were more inclined to license out various titles, compared to when the DVD boom was going on...

It makes me wonder what other Sony titles they have up their sleeve. Will definitely have to pick this up once it's released.

[Lyle_JP]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

It makes me wonder what other Sony titles they have up their sleeve.

Here's hoping their amazing laserdisc of "The Adventures of Baron Munchhausen" comes to blu. And I hope they bring back the 1.66:1 framing for it. The current blu-ray isn't bad, but the framing is too tight.

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

It makes me wonder what other Sony titles they have up their sleeve.

I can only hope for

[Lyle_JP]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I can only hope for

Not to nitpick, but that was originally a Pioneer Special Edition laserdisc, not Criterion Collection.

Not that I wouldn't love to see Criterion take it on.

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by Lyle_JP

Not to nitpick, but that was originally a Pioneer Special Edition laserdisc, not Criterion Collection.

Not that I wouldn't love to see Criterion take it on.

Oh yeah, posted as a Sony title in desperate need of a Blu-ray, not a Criterion LD to bring over, as someone who owns both the 1776 PSE and the Fisher King Criterion, among too many LDs.