Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Cracking Up

Art Label

Cracking Up

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Art Label is the new outlet for envelope-pushing arthouse and experimental cinema. Growing from previous work under the Verboden Video and Culture Shock Releasing banners, Art Label is focusing on films that challenge traditional rules of form and content. Art Label is broadening its roots in horror and exploitation, reaching into other dimensions of expression to give new kicks to a well-versed audience of cinematic thrill seekers. Even the most hardened moviegoers will find stimulation in Art Label's releases.

Danny Gold is hilarious on stage, and a nightmare everywhere else. He brings the intensity of a Lenny Bruce performance to every aspect of his life -- friendships, work, love, sex, and amphetamine abuse. Danny crashes through the Lower East Side like a human wrecking ball, leaving a path of ruined relationships and burnt bridges in his wake. Every success makes him more intent on self-destruction, and no one can stop watching... or laughing.

All involved consider Cracking Up to be the "thesis project" following the Movie of the Month videos, taking everything they learned about improvised storytelling for the screen and amping it up for a scripted and rehearsed 16mm feature film. A comic tragedy, but also a time capsule of the NYC performance art scene of the early 90's, Cracking Up was co-written and directed by Matt Mitler (The Mutilator, Deadtime Stories), and features a who's who of New York talent -- Kevin Brown ("30 Rock"), Debra Wilson ("Mad TV"), Camryn Manheim (Happiness), Kimberly Flynn (Striptease), Frank Senger (Léon: The Professional), Jeff Eyres (Pledge Night) Toby Huss ("The Adventures of Pete & Pete") Robert Prichard and Jennifer Babtist (Class of Nuke 'Em High), and most of the cast members from the Movie of the Month Club videos.

Art Label is proud to present our new, director-approved 4K restoration from the original 16mm negatives for Cracking Up's Blu-ray debut.

directed by: Matt Mitler
starring: Matt Mitler, Kevin Brown, Carolyn McDermott, Kiki Flynn, Debra Wilson, Chuck Montgomery
1994 / 91 min / 1.66:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray
  • Feature-length commentary with Matt Miter, co-writer Ted LoRusso, co-star Carolyn McDermott, and composer Arthur Rosen
  • "Backing Up: Looking Back at Cracking Up" featuring new interviews with Matt Mitler, Robert Prichard, Jennifer Babtist, Chuck Montgomery, Jeff Eyres, Kiki Flynn, Jason Brill, Debra Kaplan, Bob Sikoryak, and Julia Martin
  • A new, director and cinematographer approved black and white version of Cracking Up
  • Introduction to the black and white version by director Matt Mitler
  • Deleted scenes
  • The complete "Honesty Laundry Detergent" commercial
  • Raw footage of 4 scenes (with optional commentary)
  • Three Lives Sketches (1991) featuring cast from Cracking Up
  • Live performance of Matt Mitler's sketch, Shindlerfella (1995)
  • Two original Cracking Up trailers
  • English SDH on all of the movies

    Overall rating: 4.4358974 / 5 from 39 reviews.

    AI Generated Review Summary

    Cracking Up, a limited edition slipcover from Art Label, features a 4K restoration of a 1994 film with special features including interviews, deleted scenes, and raw footage. Customers appreciate the comedy and the release, though feedback on the film itself is mixed.

    Summary topics

    • Special Features: 13%
    • Comedy Quality: 33%
    • Release Quality: 23%

    Review topics: ["buy","comedy","release","film","restoration","features","gold","extras","characters","watch","flair","gem","collection","experience","performances","label","viewing","artwork"].

    Review highlights

    • "Good comedy, great release." — Fin L.
    • "Great features fantastic release with comedy elements..." — jerrod a.
    • "The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture!" — Paul K.

    Reviews

    Entertaining comedy drama

    "This release is a fun addition to my collection. Follows the rise of a comedian impersonator. Excellent restoration, entertaining story and characters. Mine came with a slipcover with nifty artwork. Cool extras on disc."

    — Kresh R. (3/5)

    A wonderfully weird gem restored perfectly

    "Cracking Up is exactly the kind of off-kilter, hard-to-find comedy that Vinegar Syndrome excels at rescuing. The restoration is gorgeous — the colors, detail and grain look better than this film has ever been presented. The movie itself is a chaotic, surreal, anything-goes ride, and this release finally gives it the respect it never got on home video. The extras are surprisingly generous and really add context to Lewis’s approach and the era the film comes from. If you're into cult comedies, this is essential."

    — Thomas L. (4/5)

    Quality Film

    "A hilarious yet anxiety inducing film"

    — Travis O. (5/5)

    AL002

    "This is the only release by Art Label that I own so far and now I'm curious for their other outputs. Although I had never heard of director Matt Mittler and the SURF REALITY, I was immediately fascinated by the 90s art scene of NYC and its colorful characters. This is a very experimental, but funny film. I love that they restored the movie from its original 16mm negative. And it looks grainy because of the initial format of course, but the restoration is amazing. The disc is stuffed with tons of extras, which let you dive even deeper into the world of Matt Mittler and his contemporaries. There is even a complete 2nd version of the film in black and white. Highly recommended for open minded art movie lovers."

    — Dominik F. (4/5)

    Cracking Up

    "Its mix of comedy, drama, and transgressive energy gives it the feel of a fringe‑theatre monologue blown open into cinema."

    — Pierre-Yves L. (3/5)

    Interesting Film

    "This collection of comedy was interesting to me. Many consider it to be pure comedic gold, and though I did like the movie, it wasn't my particular taste in comedy, as performance art isn't generally my cup of tea. The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"

    — Paul K. (4/5)

    An incomparable viewing experience

    "This is pure comedy gold for anyone brave enough to give it a watch. The restoration only adds to the experience."

    — Mark H. (5/5)

    I love Art Label

    "Very interesting!"

    — Avery E. (5/5)

    This unconventional film combines slapstick humor with a touch of heartfelt emotion.

    ""Cracking Up" is a delightful romp through the absurd and whimsical, showcasing the unmistakable comedic flair of its director, Paul P. This offbeat film blends slapstick humor with a dash of heart, creating a unique viewing experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The plot revolves around a quirky cast of characters who navigate the ups and downs of life and love, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that only get better with each scene. The performances are entertaining; the actors embrace their roles with a playful enthusiasm that enhances the film's charm. Visually, "Cracking Up" features an engaging aesthetic that reflects its eccentric tone, complemented by a matching soundtrack that adds to the overall enjoyment. Vinegar Syndrome’s release does justice to this hidden gem, offering a well-restored version that highlights the film's colorful cinematography. What sets "Cracking Up" apart is its ability to find humor in everyday situations without crossing the line into crudeness. It's a refreshing reminder that comedy can simultaneously be both clever and silly. Whether you’re a fan of cult comedies or just seeking something different to watch, "Cracking Up" is a fantastic addition to any collection. In conclusion, this film is a worthwhile choice for anyone looking to enjoy a lighthearted escape. Vinegar Syndrome has truly outdone itself by bringing this classic gem back to life for new audiences and long-time fans."

    — Brandon C. (5/5)

    The Story of Danny Gold

    "Never heard of Danny Gold before. Picked it up as it´s an Art Label release. Interesting watch."

    — Hansi L. (4/5)

    Q&A

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