Film Movement Classics

Girls Town

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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 (designed by Sam Smith) 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.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Mid-1990s, New York City. Patti, Angela, Emma and Nikki are high school seniors and best friends preparing for life beyond graduation. Their dreams for the future differ greatly – Angela wants to become a poet, Emma and Nikki have are heading for college, and Patti is a young mother looking for stability in her kid’s life – but the four bright, young women are steadfastly loyal to each other in a way only teenagers know how to be. Their lives are then completely upended when, after being sexually assaulted, Nikki unexpectedly commits suicide. Grieving, angry and forced to return to daily life without satisfying recourse for their feelings, the girls must come of age with a newfound understanding about the patriarchal world in which they live.

Led by Lili Taylor, Bruklin Harris, Anna Grace and recent Academy Award-nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (KING RICHARD), the 1996 award-winning Sundance indie was co-written by the actors in collaboration with first-time filmmaker Jim McKay, lending “a welcome little gust of teen-age realism” (The New York Times) to the film’s coming-of-age narrative. One of the first films of its kind to frankly address sexual violence as women experience it, GIRLS TOWN continues to be relevant in a post-#MeToo world. An energetic, all-female soundtrack featuring 1990s musical icons Queen Latifah, PJ Harvey, Roxanne Shante, Salt-N-Pepa and others underscore the films timeless message of empowerment.

The 4K restoration by IndieCollect was funded with support from the HFPA Trust, Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust, IndieCollect donors, and Fellow Citizen, Inc.

directed by: Jim McKay
starring: Lili Taylor, Bruklin Harris, Anna Grace, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Guillermo Diaz, Michael Imperioli

1996 / 90 min / 1.37:1 / English DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Making of
  • Conversation with director Jim McKay and activist Yasmeen Hassan
  • Select Scene Commentaries with cast and crew:
    • JIM MCKAY (Director) on NIKKI
    • JIM MCKAY (Director) on CORNER DELI
    • AUNJANUE ELLIS-TAYLOR (Actor) on NIKKI AND EMMA ON THE BED
    • ANNA GRACE (Actor) on BASEMENT: NIKKI’S DIARY
    • LILI TAYLOR (Actor) on JOSH’S CAR
    • ANNA GRACE (Actor) on EMMA AND DYLAN IN THE CAFETERIA
    • JIM MCKAY (Director) on ANGELA AND HER MOM
    • LAUREN ZALAZNICK (Producer) on THE DUGOUT
  • Trailer
  • 20-page booklet with essay by Julia Gunnison
  • English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.7619047 / 5 from 21 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

GIRLS TOWN is a limited edition slipcover for a 1996 indie film that explores the lives of four high school seniors in New York City. The film is praised for its raw and unapologetic storytelling, intense drama, and great performances by the cast. It includes a 4K restoration, English subtitles, and additional features such as making-of conversations and scene commentaries.

Summary topics

  • Performances: 25%
  • Film: 25%
  • Drama: 30%

Review topics: [work, drama, film, performances, portrayal, movie].

Review highlights

  • "Fine drama featuring terrific performances by young woman including the great Lili Taylor."Kenneth C.
  • "Great performances in this 90s comedic drama."Stephen H.
  • "Great performances, awesome extras"Andrew I.

Reviews

Six Feet NYC

"Girls Town, directed by Jim McKay, is a raw and emotionally honest indie drama that captures the lives of teenage girls in New York City as they navigate friendship, grief, and identity. Shot in a semi-improvised style, the film feels incredibly natural and intimate, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Its story unfolds after a tragic event that deeply affects a tight-knit group of friends, leading to moments of anger, vulnerability, and reflection. What makes Girls Town stand out is its authenticity—both in performances and dialogue—giving it a powerful, almost documentary-like presence. The Blu-ray release from Film Movement presents the film with a clean high-definition transfer that preserves its grounded, low-key visual style. The image maintains its natural texture, staying true to the original look without over-processing. As with many titles in their catalog, the release includes a selection of thoughtful extras, featuring interviews and contextual essays and commentaries that explore the film’s production and themes. It’s a carefully handled edition that allows modern audiences to rediscover this understated but impactful piece of 90s independent cinema."

Jaume M. (5/5)

Unique perspective of young intelligent women

"Fine drama featuring terrific performances by young woman including the great Lili Taylor."

Kenneth C. (5/5)

A forgotten '90s indie ready for re-discovery

"A timely release from Film Movement (via VS), given recent releases of Dogfight from Criterion and Household Saints from Kino -- all 3 starring Lili Taylor, who was every inch the '90s US indie queen that Parker Posey was. Until recently, this seems to have been somewhat forgotten, so very thankful that a light is being shone on these forgotten but important films."

Timothy E. (4/5)

MIKE LEIGH A'LA AMERICA

"Natural performances of immerse tenderness, wit and humor. Women live their everyday lives. They succeed, they fail, they live, I'm honored to accompany them."

Topi B. (5/5)

"Vinegar Syndrome is simply the best place to get the 4K's, Bluray's & Boxset. . . wow. . . incredible company🎬👍"

Roland (5/5)

90s Indie Perfection with Lili Taylor

"This 90s indie gem is an immediate classic, blending humor, raw emotion, and a touch of revenge in a way that feels effortless and endlessly engaging. Lili Taylor delivers a career-defining performance, showcasing her range and charm as she navigates a story that is both funny and heartbreaking. With its killer soundtrack, authentic teen energy, and subtly over-the-top moments, the film captures the spirit of 90s indie cinema at its finest. It’s understated yet unforgettable, a perfectly crafted character study that deserves cult status and endless rewatching."

Mitchell C. (5/5)

Great film!

"Four high school senior girls navigate friendship, trauma, and personal struggles in urban America. After one friend's tragic death reveals painful secrets, the remaining trio support each other while confronting their own challenges."

Sebastian V. (5/5)

100% Satisfied!!!

"I’ve always loved this movie and been waiting almost 30 years for it to come out on DVD and Blu Ray. I watched it and the 4k resolution looked amazing. I’m a very satisfied customer. I also liked all of the special features."

Malcolm C. (5/5)

Girls

"a powerful movie"

Sean I. (5/5)

Girls town

"Like Kids through a softer female gaze but still directed by a man. A 90s time capsule with a good soundtrack"

Justin S. (4/5)

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