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 Steak Mtn) is limited to 1,000units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of independent film. Its unique distribution model makes independent films available to a national audience by releasing them in theaters as well as on VOD. Partnered with OCN Distribution, IFC will release new titles on home video and revisit past favorites in brand new editions, with many making their HD physical media debuts.
Based on the acclaimed Jerzy Kozinski novel, THE PAINTED BIRD is a meticulous 35mm black and white evocation of wild, primitive Eastern Europe at the bloody close of World War II.
The film follows the journey of The Boy, entrusted by his persecuted parents to an elderly foster mother. The old woman soon dies and the Boy is on his own, wandering through the country-side, from village to farmhouse. As he struggles for survival, The Boy suffers through extraordinary brutality meted out by the ignorant, superstitious peasants and he witnesses the terrifying violence of the efficient, ruthless soldiers, both Russian and German.
When the war ends, The Boy has been changed, forever.
directed by: Václav Marhoul starring: Petr Kotlár, Nina Šunevič, Alla Sokolova, Udo Kier 2019 / 169 min (combined) / 2.39:1 / Czech, German, Russian, Latin DTS-HD MA 5.1
Additional info:
2-Disc Region A Blu-ray
11 Colours of the Bird feature-length making-of documentary
New audio commentary with writer and researcher Jonathan Owen
New video interview with director Václav Marhul by Alci Rengifo and Sebastian Carrasco of the Breaking the 180 podcast
The Painted Bird: A Video Essay by filmmaker Salvador Carrasco
Booklet featuring new writing by film critic and programmer Anton Bitel
"Very striking cover and bold spine choice having it wrap around the cover in such a way. The film is stunning in its black and white photography. Which provides a serious clash when showing some of the most horrific images ever put to screen. Which is quite the testament they managed. Very interesting to see how they made it. That kid is a fantastic actor."
— Logan S. (5/5)
Great Companion to the novel
"A masterpiece of film making. Beautiful cinematography highlighting a boys hellish journey from village to village during the war. This is a perfect compliment to one of the best novels ever written by Jerzy Kosinski. The book and movie are great companions. I re-read it during pauses in the movie and got so much more. The author describes things in a way that the movie cant fully express and the movie captures so much the book couldn't fully express. While alive the author refused to sell the rights to anyone BUT Fellini or Bunel. Learned this in the extras which were best extras I've seen in awhile. There is actually a whole movie narrated by the director and main actor showing the making of this film. The brutality of this film is hard to watch on its own. . . . just like hard liquor this is best chased with the actual book and the extras. A very intense unforgettable experience."
— david t. (5/5)
Harrowing movie - but a truly incredible watch
"Relentless in its miserablism, and the animal scenes are harrowing. Over and over again, man’s inhumanity toward fellow man - child, here - is overwhelmingly saddening. It’s beautifully photographed, truly incredible black-and-white cinematography!, and the use of silence and non-verbal acting is very effective. It’s an incredibly difficult watch, it’s heartbreaking and tragic over and over again, to a point where it borders on feel-bad-p*rn, but to view it that way is to surrender to the fatigue of it all. || The “making of” documentary is a fascinating watch, so much went into this film being made, that it almost seems unfair to criticize any aspect of it (that’s not to say it’s immune to being criticized). The other extras are equally engaging, and do help make some sense of how the whole entity is purposed. The slipcase, insert artwork, and especially the booklet make this an inspiring purchase, well done, very well done, all ways round."
— Donald M. (5/5)
Really touching Black and war
"Really touching Black and war movie, with stunning cinematography. Petr Kotlar who is super young really holds his own against my 2 favorites Udo Keir and Harvey Keitel. A nice amount of extras too with the feature length Making Of which is worth the price alone."
— Bryan K. (5/5)
Unforgettable
"The Painted Bird is a haunting and unflinching look at the horrors of war through the eyes of a child, and it’s not an easy watch. The cinematography is striking, capturing both the bleakness and beauty of its world in a way that sticks with you. While extremely intense, the film’s raw power and emotional weight make it unforgettable."
— Shawn M. (5/5)
Powerfully Disturbing
"This movie is extremely powerful & anyone who watches this really needs to brace themselves for some unsettling scene’s. Very sad moment’s that had me shaking my head in disbelief many time’s. With that being said, black & white cinematography is astounding & adds mood & effect to this already powerful story,… On the level with Schindler’s List, it’s that good,…Wow…thank you Vinegar Syndrome for this great piece of movie art. ."
— Roland E. (5/5)
The Painted Bird
"Magnificent film in a new release so I had to double dip. A whole disc with extras and booklet with new writing. A must see film. Very Highly Recommended"
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Dark
"but great for learning Esperanto, if you can carry the wight of this overweight film. Still the performances are excellent, as should be expected form the great cast."
— Oleh S. (3/5)
Great film, but so depressing!
"I knew what I was getting into with this but figured other people should know that this is a disturbing and depressing film, but it might be a masterpiece. It’s exactly what I was looking for, packaging was amazing, transfer is great, and the bonus special features are awesome, but just be warned that the film itself may ruin your day."
— Chris S. (5/5)
Paint your bird
"Very interesting partner title. One you will want to pick up and give a watch to. No spoilers, but very interesting overall!"
— Griffin C. (4/5)
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