This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Brandon Schaefer) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
The Film Desk is a theatrical and disc distributor founded in 2007 by Jake Perlin, dedicated to releasing masterpieces of international cinema, with a focus on titles never before released in the United States, or long out of circulation, primarily in new 35mm prints.
Harry Plotnick (Martin Priest), a New York City numbers runner, is back on the streets after a nine month prison stint, looking to reclaim his turf. Along with his sidekick Max (Henry Nemo), Harry accidentally crashes into the car of his ex-wife Kay (Maxine Woods), ex-brother-in-law Leo (Ben Lang), and his daughter (Sandra Kazan), who he hasn't seen in decades. Caught in a whirlwind of Jewish family life and all kinds of New York strivers, Harry encounters mobsters, lawyers, caterers, an overbearing sister, another daughter he has never met, cops, rabbis, and radio hosts.
Discouraged by laughless test screenings, director Michael Roemer pulled the film from release. The film finally surfaced in 1989, and was immediately heralded as one of the greatest of all American independent films. Re-released theatrically in 2023, and recognized by a new generation, The Plot Against Harry is a true masterpiece.
directed by: Michael Roemer
starring: Martin Priest, Henry Nemo, Ben Lang, Maxine Woods, Jacques Taylor, Sandra Kazan, et al
1970 / 81 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.72093 / 5 from 86 reviews.
The Plot Against Harry Blu-ray offers a restored version with fantastic look, fresh and modern feel, and great performances. The subtle comedy and endearing characters make it a unique and enjoyable film experience.
Review topics: ["looks","feel","packaging","work","film","comedy","movie","gem","characters","release","performances","audience","humor","restoration","harry","extras","features","treatment","man","reason","transfer","acting","visuals","gang","art","flick","classic","cinema","indie","comparison"].
"On one hand, I do understand why The Plot Against Harry flopped so hard upon its initial release. As a comedy, it’s bone-dry - there aren’t many punchlines here - and so much of it is rooted in Jewish behavioral idiosyncrasies. But you look at this, and you see the seeds of, like, Jim Jarmusch and Aki Kaurismaki’s whole film careers. Once you get on that wavelength, then the movie becomes a scream. Highly recommended."
"Very interesting release! Thanks!"
"Awesome restoration of this hidden gem. The comparisons with Uncut Gems and various Scorsese are definitely apt. The dark, dry humor brings the Coens to mind as well. Great movie."
"Long overdue release of what I feel is one of the best comedies ever made. Superb performances. Great extras. Just an all around wonderful release from The Film Desk, who never fail to deliver the goods"
"So happy that Film Desk has put out yet another great release of a Michael Roemer. Highly recommend picking this one up along with their previous release of Vengeance is Mine."
"Glad to have this low-budget, deadpan comedy in my collection, which seems like it paved the way for later works by Scorsese and the Coen brothers."
"A strange, low-key, half-forgotten film that instantly becomes more interesting once shown properly. The humor is bone-dry and observational, closer to a sociological document than a gag machine. VS’s release turns what would have remained a curiosity into something you can actually re-evaluate — you finally get to see the film rather than squint through damaged dupes."
"This was great-deserves a bigger audience."
"A wild ride of a movie. So good. Worth owning."
"Perfect cult film! Great edition"
0 Item(s)
