Radio On

Details

Sold Out / OOP

Please Note: This Fun City Editions release, manufactured and distributed by OCN, is going out of print due to the transition of Fun City Editions from OCN to MVD. Certain other Fun City Editions titles, which you can see at this link, will remain in distribution via OCN for the duration of their term. 

This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Sister Hyde) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Taking its name from the ironic moniker for late 1960s and '70s New York, Fun City Editions is a new boutique label focused on reissues of maverick repertory cinema and music that can best be described as works that exist "outside of their time." Spanning an array of genres, artists and countries, but with a unifying focus on forgotten and overlooked treasures, each Fun City release, be it a Blu-ray or vinyl LP, will present new restorations and comprehensive extras which contextualize and illuminate the artistic and historic value of the piece. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

Christopher Petit’s debut feature Radio On is the rare road movie from England. Since its 1979 release it’s become a cult classic and been recognized as one of one of the “100 Greatest British Films” (Little White Lies). Robert (David Beames), the film’s enigmatic protagonist, embarks on a road trip from London to Bristol, to investigate the recent death of his brother. A remarkable collection of art rock, punk and new wave—David Bowie, Devo, Kraftwerk, Robert Fripp, Ian Dury and more—soundtracks Robert’s journey. The austere urban and rural landscapes he drives through are beautifully and strikingly rendered in black and white by cinematographer Martin Shäfer (who had been Wim Wenders’ camera operator). As Robert drives westward, the radio newscasts he hears and the strangers he meets address the dire sociopolitical and economic state of “Winter of Discontent”-era Britain. Petit deftly melds these stylistic, narrative and documentary elements, resulting in an undeniably eerie and reflective mood that casts a hypnotic spell on the viewer.

Directed by: Christopher Petit
Starring: David Beames, Sting, Lisa Kreuzer, Sandy Ratcliff
1979 / 104 min / 1.85:1 / English Mono

Additional info:
• Region A Blu-ray
• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from original 35mm negative
• Audio commentary with filmmaker and historian Kier-La Janisse
• Audio interview with director Chris Petit
• Archival video interview with director Chris Petit and producer Keith Griffiths
• “Before the Explosion of the Image Bank," a new video interview with director Chris Petit
• “Radio On (Remix)," Chris Petit's follow-up digital video essay
• Booklet with essays, stills and cast / crew information
• Image Gallery
• Original theatrical trailer
• Inside cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles