Utopia

Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliche

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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 listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Haunt Love) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Utopia is a film acquisitions, sales, and technology company with a ‘filmmaker first’ approach. Utopia focuses on creating new revenue and monetization opportunities, improving the direct-to-consumer experience, and helping filmmakers maintain a global presence. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing Utopia's brand new line of home video releases!

Poly Styrene was the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band, and a key influence on the riot grrrl and Afropunk movements. But Poly didn’t just leave behind a cultural footprint. She was survived by a daughter, Celeste, who became the steward of her mother’s legacy and demons, which plagued Poly’s life and scarred the pair’s relationship. With narration by Ruth Negga, this film follows Celeste’s journey to better understand Poly as an icon and mother.

directed by: Paul Sng, Celeste Bell
starring: Ruth Negga, Kathleen Hanna, Vivienne Westwood, Thurston Moore, Jonathan Ross, Pauline Black, Neneh Cherry
2021 / 96 min / 1.78:1 / English DTS HD-MA 5.1

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Q&A from SXSW 2021
  • Selected Scene Commentary with Directors Paul Sng and Celeste Bell
  • Booklet featuring an essay by Dana Reinoos and intros by directors Paul Sng and Celeste Bell
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.7222223 / 5 from 36 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliche is a Blu-ray release featuring a documentary on Poly Styrene, the first woman of color to front a successful rock band in the UK. The film, directed by Paul Sng and Celeste Bell, is narrated by Ruth Negga and includes commentary from the directors, a booklet with an essay, and English SDH subtitles. Customers praise the documentary as heartwarming and fantastic.

Summary topics

  • Documentary Content: 28%
  • Documentary Quality: 28%

Review topics: ["packaging","doc","documentary","film","extras","release","story","booklet","movie","exception"].

Review highlights

  • "Huge fan of X-Ray Spex and this insightful documentary as great."Mark S.
  • "I love music documentaries, and this one is no exception."Sebastian V.
  • "Great documentary, filmed with heart by the subject's daughter."Kyle B.

Reviews

fascinating subject, decent film

"A real trailblazer!"

Kevin F. (4/5)

Poly Styrene: Legend

"Brilliant and moving documentary about just how incredible Poly Styrene really was. If you like punk, check this out"

RICHARD L. (5/5)

Oh Bondage, Up Yours!

"I bought this sight unseen and I am so pleased that I did. This is a beautifully packaged release of a moving documentary. The extras are notable and complement the film experience quite well. In a world of polystyrene, who would've though we could use more Polly Styrene? Thank you for a great release!"

John D. (5/5)

Oh Bondage, watch this!

"Decent doc about a fairly interesting topic."

Erich H. (4/5)

The story of a legend

"I loved this movie and I'm so glad I was able to get a copy with the limited edition slipcover, the colors on it really pop out on my shelf!"

Jeremy A. (5/5)

Does Poly Styrene justice

"I clearly remember hearing X-Ray Spex ages ago for the first time and wondering who was providing the amazing voice. This documentary does a great job of telling you. My only wish is that this had come with a poster as an extra, too, because the cover artwork is amazing! I mean, just look at it! Great partner release."

Ed G. (5/5)

Love X-Ray Spex!

"One of the best rock docs I've seen in years! Love this release!"

Nicholas C. (5/5)

POLY STYRENE I AM A CLICHE

"I love documentary films, especially about musicians I adore. I thought I may have missed my chance on buying this and not check out more about Poly Styrene in the extras of this release. This is one of my repeat viewings in my collection."

nicolas s. (5/5)

Innovative Performer

"Huge fan of X-Ray Spex and this insightful documentary as great. It did tug on the heartstrings a bit more than I would have liked but still good."

Mark S. (4/5)

From the Yellow Pages. . .

"A heartwarming doc on a very special indie punk band leader. The punk movement and she and her group X Ray Spex played the roxy, her song Oh Bondage Up Tours stuck. A film made by her daughter Celeste Bell and Paul Sing. Even if you´ve never heard of Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, it´s worth your while. She took the name Poly Styrene out of the Yellow Pages as she wanted something to symbolise our time, plastic and artificiality. It´s got a big heart telling the story of Poly Styrene and her impact. Highly recommended"

Hansi L. (5/5)

Q&A

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