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 listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Jess Rotter) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers.Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
Take a good look.
You’ll never forget this kid.
Going through life without legs, 13-year-old Kenny (Kenny Easterday, playing a version of himself) is active and enthusiastic, resisting the pressure to wear prosthetic limbs. He also finds himself the subject of a documentary made by a visiting French film crew. As the production unfolds, Kenny’s parents (Dragonslayer’s Caitlin Clarke and Fight Club’s Zach Grenier), brother (Kenny’s real sibling Jesse Easterday Jr.), and absentee sister (Girlfriend from Hell’s Liane Curtis) bring long-simmering tensions to the surface, shaking Kenny’s delicate sense of balance. Determined to better understand his place in the world, he hits the road for a daring journey of self-discovery.
An unprecedented cinematic achievement that has earned acclaim, awards, and disbelief all over the world – while remaining largely unknown in North America – The Kid Brother (aka Kenny) is a one-of-a-kind coming-of-age triumph. In his one and only film role, Kenny Easterday lights up the screen with an infectiously appealing performance full of charm and playful abandon. With humanity and ’80s eccentricity to spare, The Kid Brother is a cult phenomenon waiting to happen.
directed by: Claude Gagnon starring: Kenny Easterday, Caitlin Clarke, Liane Curtis, Zach Grenier, Jesse Easterday Jr., Tom Reddy, Alain Saint-Alix 1987 / 95 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Scanned in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and restored by Éléphant - mémoire du cinéma québécois, with sound transferred and restored from the original 35mm magnetic film 4-track final mix
Audio commentary featuring author/film historian Kier-La Janisse and writer/film critic Ralph Elawani
In Kenny’s Company (2022, 33 min.) – An interview with writer-director Claude Gagnon
Yuri & Claude & Kenny (2022, 11 min.) – An interview with Gagnon’s longtime producing partner Yuri Yoshimura-Gagnon
Kenny’s World (2022, 9 min.) – Memories from the film’s international festival tour
Trailers for The Kid Brother and Gagnon’s three previous films (7 min.)
Booklet featuring Rick Trembles’ Motion Picture Purgatory comic strip on the film and a new interview with co-star Jesse Easterday Jr.
"A boy with no legs, an on the edge topic. Mid documentary, mid fiction, very canadian. Good release."
— Thomas H. (5/5)
KENNY!
"Another great CIP release! Love seeing these forgotten canadian classics."
— Adam K. (5/5)
Great release from CP
"Great release from CP"
— Andrew H. (5/5)
Great to find this on
"Great to find this on your website. Not too many spoilers in the description and enjoyed the interviews."
— david d. (4/5)
It was fun.
"It was fun."
— Michael B. (3/5)
80s Piece
"A challenging watch in a certain sense, but laden with so much 80s nostalgia. This was one of the favorite watches from last year"
— Eddie G. (5/5)
Great
"Great"
— Joseph Z. (5/5)
Compelling film, until...
"This is a fascinating fictionalized account of a real life person. The story is intriguing and the acting can be forgiven seeing as how some of the people are playing themselves. Unfortunately for me the movie had one glaring detractor... And that was an unnecessary scene of animal violence. I'm aware that I am more sensitive to this than others, so for some of you that won't be a problem. For me. Me. Means I may not watch this one again. But it's definitely worth checking out at least once. A nice selection of extra features, and I'm always a sucker for a booklet! I'm glad I watched it."
— Anthony L. (4/5)
Unique Flick
"You’ve never seen a film subject quite like the central character in The Kid Brother. A true gem."
— Jonathan G. (4/5)
Sweet Story of Adventure
"A wonderful documentary/fictional adventure, a young boy decides to explore the world around him as best he can. A real sweet story and our protagonist really shows his skills in this unique role. A cool bonus is the Audio commentary by Kier-La Janisse, who is a staple of Canadian film expertise."
— Tarek E. (3/5)
Q&A
More Items to Consider
Cart
0 Item(s)
Stay in the know!
Join our mailing list for updates on new releases, promotions & events.
