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 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!
Haunted by memories of a recent affair, securities advisor Robert Harrison (The Andromeda Strain’s Arthur Hill) feels a growing sense of alienation from his wife Myrna (Last Night’s Charmion King) and their sons Michael (John Kastner) and Guy (Jon Michaelson). As Michael embraces radical politics and Guy becomes dangerously isolated from his peers, Robert remains largely oblivious, distracted by visions of his recent mistress (Point Blank’s Sharon Acker) and other infidelities. As confidence in Robert fades, the family spirals out of control, which paves the way for a shocking, perception-shifting discovery.
The first Canadian film to compete for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this remarkable feature directorial debut from George Kaczender (In Praise of Older Women, Agency) builds on the experiments of Michelangelo Antonioni and Alain Resnais to deliver an impressively modern, unsentimental look at family dysfunction and midlife malaise. The only original screenplay by celebrated novelist Timothy Findley (The Wars), Don’t Let the Angels Fall taps into the existential currents of ’60s literary icons John Updike (Rabbit, Run) and John Cheever (The Swimmer) to deliver a haunting, evocative, occasionally psychedelic experience.
CIP is proud to present this overlooked Canadian classic in a special edition featuring over two hours of equally assured Kaczender shorts, including the Michael Sarrazin (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) delinquent gem, You’re No Good.
directed by: George Kaczender starring: Arthur Hill, Sharon Acker, Charmion King, Jon Michaelson, John Kastner, Michèle Magny, Monique Mercure 1969 / 99 min / 1.33:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 2K from the 35mm interpositive
Audio commentary featuring actor Jon Michaelson
Five short films directed by George Kaczender: Ballerina (1964, 28 min.), Phoebe (1964, 28 min.),You’re No Good (1965, 28 min.), Little White Crimes (1966, 28 min.), and The Game (1968, 28 min.)
Impressions of Expo 67 (1967, 8 min.)
Bonus short: Toys (1967, 8 min.)
Booklet featuring a new essay by Sherrill Grace, author of Tiff: A Life of Timothy Findley
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles for all eight films
Overall rating: 4.882353 / 5 from 17 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
Review topics: [film, release, worth, movie].
Review highlights
Reviews
Quietly Devastating
"Don't Let the Angels Fall is one of those films where very little seems to be happening, yet I found myself completely absorbed by it. It has this melancholy running through the whole thing, following people who seem disconnected from one another and perhaps from their own lives as well. I particularly liked how understated it is. Nothing is pushed too hard, and the film trusts you to notice the small moments and silences that say far more than any big dramatic scene could. It will probably be too slow for some, but it really worked for me and stayed in my head afterwards. Another excellent discovery from CIP."
— Antonio T. (5/5)
Love love love!
"Amazing quality all around!"
— Thomas R. (5/5)
Phenomenal
"I bought this sight unseen and I am so pleased that I did. The movie is fantastic, but aside from a powerful film, it looks so good. The care that was put into this release is visible all over. The supplemental selections are incredible. Truly. What a treat to include so many top notch shorts with this magnificent film. Thank you."
— John D. (5/5)
Don't Let the Angels Fall
"Great movie !"
— Pierre L. (5/5)
Loved it
"Loved this one. I wasn't sure about it early on, but it gets better and better as it goes. There is some really great dialog in this movie, in a couple of scenes in particular. Recommended!"
— Scott P. (5/5)
Vacancy
"Canadian cinema with a distinct European influence: a portrait of emotional isolation and its savage consequences. A mature and exciting step forward in Canadian film, with a beautifully understated performance by Arthur Hill."
— Brian H. (5/5)
Very well made, interesting film.
"Very well made, interesting film. Very good bonus content on this release as well."
— Chris T. (5/5)
Fantastic release
"Stunning release of a great Canadian drama. Highly recommend it."
— Marcel W. (5/5)
Highly recommended.
"A man has an affair and he and his estranged family disintegrates. The look, the music, the editing, and the mood...it blew my mind."
— Jeff S. (5/5)
Don't Let the Angels Fall
"I didn't know the answer just like the father. Read the synopsis and if you are interesting, go ahead. It's worth watching"
— Hyogwan L. (5/5)
Q&A
More Items to Consider
Cart
0 Item(s)
Stay in the know!
Join our mailing list for updates on new releases, promotions & events.