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 release. The limited edition slipcover 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!
Two unforgettably cinematic journeys through ’60s Canada!
BUSTER KEATON RIDES AGAIN - In the fall of 1964, just over a year before his death, Buster Keaton traveled to Canada to make The Railrodder, a silent short that would turn out to be one of his final films. Documenting this mobile production in fascinating and unexpected detail, Buster Keaton Rides Again offers a rare glimpse of the comedy legend’s temperament, philosophies, hobbies, marriage (his third), and occasionally combative creative process. Canadian International Pictures fondly presents this intimate look at one of cinema’s most enduring legends. In addition, this disc includes The Railrodder and six other shorts by director – and Buster Keaton Rides Again co-star – Gerald Potterton (The Rainbow Boys, Heavy Metal).
HELICOPTER CANADA - Made in celebration of the Canadian centennial, this Oscar-nominated documentary offers a stunning aerial exploration of the country’s vast and varied landscape. Featuring impressive widescreen cinematography by director Eugene Boyko, amusingly irreverent commentary, and even a cameo by The Beatles, this enchantingly oddball time capsule brings Canadiana to new heights. In honor of the film’s debt to the sprawling Cinerama travelogues of the ’50s, this disc also includes a presentation of Helicopter Canada in the Smilebox format, simulating the effect of a curved screen.
directed by: John Spotton, Eugene Boyko starring: Buster Keaton, Eleanor Keaton, Gerald Potterton, Stanley Jackson, The Beatles 1965,1966 / 106 min (combined) / 1.33:1, 2.35:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
New 2K transfers from the 35mm interpositives
Alternate 2.76:1 and Smilebox presentations of Helicopter Canada
Audio commentary with Gerald Potterton and David De Volpi on Buster Keaton Rides Again and The Railrodder
Hors-d'oeuvre (1960, 7 min.)
My Financial Career (1962, 7 min.)
Christmas Tree Decoration (1963, 5 min.)
The Ride (1963, 7 min.)
The Railrodder (1965, 25 min.)
The Quiet Racket (1966, 7 min.)
The Awful Fate of Melpomenus Jones (1983, 8 min.)
Bonus short: Canada the Land (1970, 8 min.)
Booklet featuring a new interview with Gerald Potterton
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles for all 10 films
Overall rating: 4.72 / 5 from 25 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
This Blu-ray release from Canadian International Pictures offers a rich collection of films, including a rare look at Buster Keaton's final work and a stunning documentary on Canada's landscape. The release is praised for its content and is considered one of the top offerings from CIP.
"Fabulous documentary finally getting a well-deserved release." — Armand P.
"An insightful film; very poignant to see such a talented person practicing his craft." — Ken D.
"Fascinating and unexpected release" — K S.
Reviews
He do be riding.
"He do be riding."
— Jeff S. (3/5)
Buster Keaton + Canadian Cinerama
"I'm a sucker for Cinerama and Buster Keaton. This one had my name all over it. Two films, plus several shorts and commentaries. What's not to love?"
— Jeremy F. (5/5)
Buster Rides Again
"An insightful film; very poignant to see such a talented person practicing his craft."
— Ken D. (5/5)
Buster Keaton Rides Again / Helicopter
"Fabulous documentary finally getting a well-deserved release."
— Armand P. (5/5)
Fantastic release!
"The transfer looks beautiful and the packaging is top-notch as always from Vinegar Syndrome. Both Buster Keaton Rides Again and Helicopter Canada are presented with great care, and it’s a real treat to have them together in one set. Highly recommended for film lovers and collectors."
— Ruihan W. (5/5)
Love these CIP releases
"These CIP releases are a like a whole new world of cinema opening up."
— Andrew K. (5/5)
Unforgettable
"CIP is the best, and this one delivers an unusual time capsule of a 20s star in a Canadian documentary from the 1960s. Check it out!"
— matthew l. (5/5)
The master behind the scenes
"A very rare close up look at the making of a film with an absolute legend"
— Chris T. (5/5)
A perfect example of why physical media still matters
"BUSTER KEATON RIDES AGAIN provides an exceptional view into a creative process for a thoroughly expert talent in his twilight years, still filled with drive. Behind-the-scenes in its particular scope (the short they're filming is included on the blu-ray), it ends up being fascinating for its relationship dynamics, too, and perspective of an elder. HELICOPTER CANADA serves as a must-have watch. It's informative and insightful, but most of all it has fantastic photography - in particular, since it's just shy of 60 years old, it captures a gone-now Canada that's thoroughly charming to see. Especially interesting to watch the alternate picture ratios for this feature, the excellent photography really shows off well. SHORT FILMS by Gerald Potterton are all entertaining, very cool to be able to see these for both context and historical value."
— Donald M. (5/5)
Great Buster Keaton collection Was
"Great Buster Keaton collection Was able to get the release with the slip on the flash sale Worth the purchase"
— Shane M. (4/5)
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