David Lynch: The Art Life (2016)

[Scottie]

A rare glimpse into the mind of one of cinema’s most enigmatic visionaries, David Lynch: The Art Life offers an absorbing portrait of the artist, as well as an intimate encounter with the man himself. From the privacy of his home and painting studio in the Hollywood Hills, a candid Lynch conjures people and places from his past, from his boyhood in Idaho and Virginia to his experiences at art school in Boston and Philadelphia to the beginnings of his filmmaking career in Los Angeles—in stories that unfold like scenes from his movies. This remarkable documentary by directors Jon Nguyen, Rick Barnes, and Olivia Neergaard-Holm reveals the story behind Lynch’s early years as a painter and director drawn to the phantasmagoric, while also illuminating his enduring commitment to what he calls the “the art life”: “You drink coffee, you smoke cigarettes, and you paint, and that’s it.”

Disc Features
High-definition digital transfer, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
New interview with codirector Jon Nguyen
PLUS: A new essay by critic Dennis Lim

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/David...lu-ray/181739/

[happydood]

Huh. I'm in, but I didn't see this coming as a standalone.

[drat]

I was hoping this would be included on one of his feature films too. But at that price ($30 retail/$15 during a B&N sale) it's hard to resist.

[postmodel]

I will buy this due to the price, however, given Criterions reputation for Special Features I am disappointed. Makes me wonder if there will be an eventual David Lynch Set with this included...

[Ray Jackson]

Seems like something I would enjoy watching once.

...but that would be enough.

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Seems like something I would enjoy watching once.

...but that would be enough.

Would agree with that, even as a big Lynch fanboy. Definitely worth seeing though, especially with Twin Peaks airing as it is now.

[javi92]

Kind of sucks this takes up a spine number. Seems like it should have been a bonus on a stacked release of something else.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by javi92

Kind of sucks this takes up a spine number. Seems like it should have been a bonus on a stacked release of something else.

Look what happened with Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words.

Both documentaries should have been treated like Liv & Ingmar.

[stvn1974]

Huge Lynch fan here but I just can't see spending money for this when it would be a one time watch. Should have been an extra on Lost Highway or from a box set.

[GasmaskAvenger]

I hope if an Inland Empire Criterion happens, we get the entire collection of the old DavidLynch.com shorts, animations and skits as bonus material. Preferably on its own blu-ray disc.

[stvn1974]

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

I hope if an Inland Empire Criterion happens, we get the entire collection of the old DavidLynch.com shorts, animations and skits as bonus material. Preferably on its own blu-ray disc.

I loved that site. Lynch would also stop into the chat room from time to time. I remember when Eraserhead went up for pre-order on his site and it was like 18 months waiting because he kept saying that it just wasn't good enough over and over. Then one day it was just delivered in a black shoebox.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I loved that site. Lynch would also stop into the chat room from time to time. I remember when Eraserhead went up for pre-order on his site and it was like 18 months waiting because he kept saying that it just wasn't good enough over and over. Then one day it was just delivered in a black shoebox.

I still have the Dynamic dvd and the German Inland Empire- sadly I lent out the dvd of Inland Empire and never got it back so that precious second disc is gone. But the former can be had cheaply and due to the nature of the productions, I'm satisfied that the clarity we have will be as good as I need.

But, yeah. He has so many masterpieces that it's hard to claim one, but Lost Highway is certainly a contender and deserves the spot as well as anything.

[starman15317]

I actually just rented this on iTunes but have yet to watch it. Not surprised that they did a standalone release for this, but if Criterion does end up releasing Fire Walk With Me, hopefully they include this as a bonus feature (two birds with one stone and all).

[happydood]

Originally Posted by starman15317

I actually just rented this on iTunes but have yet to watch it. Not surprised that they did a standalone release for this, but if Criterion does end up releasing Fire Walk With Me, hopefully they include this as a bonus feature (two birds with one stone and all).

Richard and Linda, am I right?

[monorail91]

I'm fine with this as a standalone release (it's a very unique and noteworthy documentary film in its own right) but disappointed by the lack of extras. Would have loved deleted scenes, maybe a conversation with Lynch with his thoughts on the doc (or documentaries in general), gallery of his art, even a tour of his house? Appreciate the value price but would rather have a more loaded disc.

[Scottie]

Not sure if it's been mentioned elsewhere, but the documentary is streaming free for Amazon Prime members.

https://www.amazon.com/David-Lynch-A...%3A14069184011

[Scottie]

REVIEW

[Scottie]

PACKAGING

[nikon76]

This stands alone as a feature. It's beautifully done and is essential repeat viewing. It can b a guide to the artist life, an incentive. It may be be more valuable to creative types as opposed to strictly Lynch film watchers. But this movie is so good, I'd keep it on loop.

[BobbyMcGee]

I really enjoyed the "Mysteries of Love" special feature on the Blue Velvet Blu-ray. Lynch is a fascinating artist and I look forward to learning more about him in "The Art of Life".