Short Cuts (1993)

[Oscar Rothman]

https://www.criterion.com/films/376-short-cuts

New, restored 4K digital transfer, approved by cinematographer Walt Lloyd, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
Alternate 5.1 soundtrack mix, plus isolated music track
Conversation between Altman and actor Tim Robbins from 2004 Luck, Trust & Ketchup: Robert Altman in Carver Country, a 1993 feature-length documentary on the making of Short Cuts
To Write and Keep Kind, a 1992 PBS documentary on the life of author Raymond Carver
One-hour 1983 audio interview with Carver, conducted for the American Audio Prose Library
Original demo recordings of the film’s Doc Pomus–Mac Rebennack songs, performed by Dr. John
Deleted scenes
A look inside the marketing of Short Cuts
PLUS: An essay by film critic Michael Wilmington


The work of two great American artists merges in Short Cuts, a kaleidoscopic adaptation of the stories of renowned author Raymond Carver by maverick director Robert Altman. Epic in scale yet meticulously observed, the film interweaves the stories of twenty-two characters as they struggle to find solace and meaning in contemporary Los Angeles. The extraordinary ensemble cast includes Tim Robbins, Julianne Moore, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Lemmon, and Jennifer Jason Leigh—all giving fearless performances in what is one of Altman’s most compassionate creations.

[baheidstu]

Good film, classic Altman, nice to see this one finally getting an upgrade.

[dissention]

Still no Kael commentary, I see. Ugh.

[Scottie]

Two-disc set. Interesting.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Two-disc set. Interesting.

The extras alone are like 3 hours+ I believe, so they'd have to since the film is over 3 hours long as well. Pretty stacked release.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The extras alone are like 3 hours+ I believe, so they'd have to since the film is over 3 hours long as well. Pretty stacked release.

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification!

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The extras alone are like 3 hours+ I believe, so they'd have to since the film is over 3 hours long as well. Pretty stacked release.

Yah, these newly added Criterion pages have messed up returns all over, so the fact that this has the feature-length documentary is lumped in with an interview in a way that makes it sound like the interview is just an excerpt from the doc unless you really pay attention to it. I was fooled for a minute into thinking they had dropped the doc for some reason.

[Scottie]

Database entry.

[ThisKid]

Grabbing this in the November B&N sale. I haven't seen any other Altman films before, so what other Altman films should I look at to get in the November sale? I purchased The Player and Nashville in the sale, and they seem cool, so are there any other films worthwhile?

[Iamspartacus]

I love Altman and rank his top five as such:

1. Nashville
2. The Player
3. Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean
4. Short Cuts
5. 3 Women

The only Altman that i know I don't care for is Buffalo Bill

[Cremildo]

Originally Posted by Iamspartacus

I love Altman and rank his top five as such:

1. Nashville

Agreed.

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

I like most of Altman's movies, but my top three are definitely Images, 3 Women, and Short Cuts.

I was blown away when I first saw Short Cuts on DVD circa 2005; amazing film, and I liked all of the interlocking stories. It helps that I'm fascinated with L.A. (though I've only visited there twice, and never lived there).

In any case, this film will look great in high-def.

[Crimson King]

MASH is Altman's best IMO.

[formula_nebula]

Sweet! Been wanting to own this. Glad it's finally coming.

[MTRodaba2468]

I'm glad that Criterion is finally upgrading this one (although as others have mentioned, I'm likely going to have to hang onto my DVD set for the book of Carver stories).

[soarinsteven]

One of my favorite Altman films, and one of the few Criterion DVDs I still have left waiting to upgrade, so yay!

[AGH]

Surprisingly, I didn't like Nashville. Would I enjoy Short Cuts? To give an idea, I liked The Player and 3 Women.

[I KEEL YOU]

Always nice to see more Altman. Not sure if I'll get this one because I'm not really a fan of his ensemble films, but I sure am glad that it's being released.

[Walts Ghost]

Definitely gonna have to pick this up. Love me some Altman.

[lolwut]

I've been wanting to see this ever since Magnolia. Insta-buy!