Vinegar Syndrome Labs

The Belly of an Architect

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Steak Mtn.) is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Welcome Vinegar Syndrome Labs (VSL) to the VS Sub-Label family! As with each of our sub-labels we are hoping to expand and defy expectations with the diversity of films we restore and release. As the name implies, VSL will serve as a kind of testing area for releasing genres and eras of film that one might not immediately expect to come from VS. The ultimate objective of VSL will be to see if these types of films will find an audience, and if so, pursue and release more of them…and even if not, still serve as a means of restoring more of the weird, rare, and unusual movies you might not expect from Vinegar Syndrome.

Lauded American architect Stourley Kracklite has been invited to Rome to supervise the construction of a new building being modeled after the work of famed 18th-century builder Etienne-Louis Boullée, whose structures have served as Kracklite’s primary source of creative inspiration. Accompanied on his trip by his newly pregnant wife Louisa, Kracklite soon begins suffering from stomach pains, being constantly undermined by his subordinates, a possible affair blossoming between his wife and a work rival, and an obsession with the stomach of Caesar Augustus. His life continues down a path of obsession and self-destruction while wandering through the beautiful architecture and atmosphere of both ancient and modern Rome. 

Starring acclaimed six-time Emmy® nominee Brian Dennehy (First Blood, Looking for Mr. Goodbar) in one of his most celebrated performances, filmmaker Peter Greenaway's (Drowning by Numbers) 1987 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or nominated THE BELLY OF AN ARCHITECT is an intense study of self-destruction brought to a fever pitch. Co-starring Chloe Webb (Sid & Nancy), Lambert Wilson (La Femme Publique), and Stefania Casini (Suspiria), this strikingly beautiful and unflinching drama, filmed against the majesty of Rome by master lensman Sacha Vierny (Belle du Jour) comes to Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome Labs, newly restored in 2K.

directed by: Peter Greenaway
starring: Brian Dennehy, Chloe Webb, Lambert Wilson, Sergio Fantoni, Stefania Casini
1987 / 119 min / 1.85:1 / English Stereo

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative
  • Commentary track with film historians Eugenio Ercolani and Tony Strauss
  • "Stately Progress" (18 min) - editor John Wilson on Peter Greenaway and The Belly of an Architect
  • "Caput Mundi" (28 min) - an interview with architect Gianpaolo Ercolani
  • Reversible sleeve artwork
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.6380954 / 5 from 105 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Belly of an Architect, a 1987 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or nominee, is a beautifully filmed drama starring Brian Dennehy. Customers praise the film's stunning visuals and the exceptional performances, particularly Dennehy's portrayal of a tormented architect. The release of this limited edition Blu-ray, newly restored in 2K, has been highly acclaimed.

Summary topics

  • Visual Quality: 26%
  • Actor Performances: 10%
  • Product Release: 8%

Review topics: ["colors","frame","quality","picture","shipping","looks","style","presentation","packaging","sound","set","work","film","dennehy","movie","performances","greenaway","release","score","transfer","art","features","slipcover","nature","characters","compositions","music","blu-ray","director","eye"].

Review highlights

  • "A phenomenal film with a career-best performance from Brian Dennehy."Evan P.
  • "Looks amazing and Brian Dennehy's tummy looks pristine"Dukes A.
  • "Brian Dennehy is so good in this it’ll make you want to eat a pound of pasta."Wayne C.

Reviews

Peter Greenaway FTW!!!

"Greenaway & Hal Hartley was my favourite directors 35 years ago. . ."

Hans B. (4/5)

Love Greenaway

"Greenaway is such a fascinating filmmaker who doesn't get the credit he deserves. Wonderful film!"

Travis R. (5/5)

Visually Stunning Character Study

"A beautifully shot and emotionally complex drama, elevated by a strong presentation with rich color and impressive detail. The release does justice to its striking cinematography and performances."

Thomas L. (4/5)

my new favorite edition of this beast of a film

"this new restoration shines in every aspect and, although a 4K was desired, this blu-ray is enough to set aside my previous favorite edition. as for the film, easily the most accesible Peter Greenaway opus, contains a breathtaking tour of iconic buildings of Rome from all ages and prime Brian Dennehy portraying the sad descent and decay of Stourley Kracklite. the music of Wim Mertens really adds a new dimension to the gorgeous cinematography."

Crespo P. (5/5)

Belly time

"What an interesting movie about illness, ego, rebirth and architecture. Beautiful music throughout the whole film. I’ll rewatch it soon for sure"

Gustavo M. (5/5)

A must have Greenway

"Excellent presentation and packaging. A must have for any Peter Greenway fan. The only complaint is that it’s not 4k but the transfer is still excellent."

Chris F. (5/5)

More Greenawy is good

"Great to see another Greenaway film on bluray! A very accessible film. Brian Dennehy is excellent. The new restoration is beautiful. Commentary is excellent."

David K. (5/5)

More Greenaway is always welcome

"Didn’t expect this one from this sub label but had to get it. I know Severin is also doing more Greenaway these days, so let’s hope VS and sub labels can maybe do the same."

Keith M. (5/5)

Belly of an Architect

"Great edition of a great Greenaway film. Very happy with this!"

Peter V. (5/5)

Recommended

"Good upgrade over already good BFI release. Love the artwork. Visually spectacular and conceptually interesting, more accessible than most other Greenaway films."

Richard M. (4/5)

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