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Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Steak Mtn) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of independent film. Its unique distribution model makes independent films available to a national audience by releasing them in theaters as well as on VOD. Partnered with OCN Distribution, IFC will release new titles on home video and revisit past favorites in brand new editions, with many making their HD physical media debuts.
Director Paul Schrader (writer of Raging Bull and Taxi Driver) and screenwriter Bret Easton Ellis (author of American Psycho) team up for THE CANYONS, a searing indictment of Hollywood culture and the year's most controversial film. Young trust-fund baby Christian (James Deen) is working on financing a horror film simply to keep his dad off his back. His girlfriend-turned-plaything Tara (Lindsay Lohan) is helping him with casting, and his producer, Gina, is trying to get her boyfriend Ryan the lead role. But unbeknownst to Christian and Gina, Ryan and Tara were once a couple, and as soon as the two meet again at an audition, their romance is rekindled. When Christian discovers that Tara has been having an affair, he begins to play a series of cruelly escalating mind games with both Ryan and Tara, leading to an act of violence from which there can be no redemption. Featuring fearless and unprecedented performances from it's young cast, THE CANYONS is a thought-provoking examination of privilege run amok. Presented in its unrated director's cut.
directed by: Paul Schrader starring: Lindsay Lohan, James Deen, Nolan Gerard Funk, Amanda Brooks, Gus Van Sant 2013 / 99 min / 2.35:1 / English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
New audio commentary by film historian Adrian Martin
New video interview with director Paul Schrader
Haunted By Paul Schrader's The Canyons - a new video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Creating The Canyons featurette
The Cast featurette
The Crew featurette
The Locations featurette
The Look featurette
The Style featurette
Theatrical Trailer
Booklet with an essay by film critic Mitchell Beaupre
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.33125 / 5 from 160 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Canyons Blu-ray release is highly praised for its exceptional film quality, special features, and unique packaging. Customers appreciate the thoughtful design of the slipcover and case artwork, as well as the insightful interviews and featurettes included. The performances and overall movie experience are also highlighted as noteworthy aspects of this release.
"The film looks amazing, and the aesthetic of the packaging really taps into that of the film itself." — Paul B.
"One of Schrader's greatest efforts for my money, and finally having a high quality release is a treasure." — William M.
"The quality of the release by IFC is top notch and the slipcover looks good to boot." — Brent B.
Reviews
Tawdry, But Effective
"THE CANYONS made some cinephiles look sideways at Paul Schrader, you don’t get to FIRST REFORMED without it. I’m still not sure if I like the ending, but I’m glad this release is leading to some second (or first) looks at a film that was labeled as nothing but cheap stunt casting from some provocateurs. Looking forward to watching Alexandra Heller-Nicholas’s video essay."
— Maxim P. (4/5)
The Canyons
"Lindsay Lohan feature — solid movie that finally seem to be getting some appreciation. The Canyons surprised me. It’s beautifully shot, packed with gorgeous people and scenery, and the accompanying video essay is excellent, digging into the leads and the controversy surrounding them at the time. I’d never even heard of the infamous James Deen before this, but yeah… I definitely know who he is now. Good partner label release. I enjoyed it."
— Anthony R. (5/5)
Fine
"Somewhere between Cinemax and Lifetime. Well acted and the directing is great. Slipcover is fine for this release."
— Brett C. (3/5)
Schrader held back
"In concept I really liked this, but I think both Paul Schrader and Lindsey Lohan held back and so this didn't turn out as good as it could have. It's purported to be shocking, but it's too tame, not erotic enough, not bonkers enough. I think Lindsey Lohan didn't really have confidence in herself, despite what she's trying to portray, and Shrader didn't have confidence enough to push her. The movie isn't as bad as its been made out to be, but it doesn't really deliver. Good bargain pickup and the special features are nice."
— Adam C. (3/5)
I liked it.
"This movie gets a lot of heat apparently, but I thought it was decent. Got it on sale, too."
— Chris S. (5/5)
Better and weirder than its reputation
"I know this one has a mixed reputation, but I actually found it pretty compelling. The Canyons has a very icy, uncomfortable vibe that really sticks with you, and that worked for me. It is definitely an odd film, but that is also part of the appeal. Glad to have it in such a strong edition."
— Thomas L. (4/5)
Paul Schrader masterpiece
"The Canyons is a chilly, voyeuristic thriller about ambition, desire, and emotional vacancy in modern Hollywood. Directed by Paul Schrader and written by Bret Easton Ellis, it follows a manipulative young producer and his actress girlfriend as their relationship unravels amid jealousy, infidelity, and a growing sense of moral rot. The film uses its Los Angeles setting not as glamour but as a backdrop for characters drifting through a world defined by power plays and transactional intimacy."
— Tarek E. (3/5)
Soaked in BPD
"I caught this flick back around its release and remembered liking but haven't seen it since. I decided to go in on VS's release and am glad I did. 13 years later it's even more depressing, passive aggressive and image-obsessed. For a film that was made long before the Instagram and TikTok explosion the fact our main characters are always on their phones really keeps the film current. I liked Deen and his performance of a true psychopath. . . just completely monotone even when clearly losing control of his emotions. Impressed by Lohan as well and damn she has a nice bod. Recommended."
— Nathan I. (5/5)
Dark Tale
"Top performances in a somewhat bleak film"
— KEVIN S. (4/5)
A Curious and Unconventional Character Study
"The Canyons is a film that’s almost defined by curiosity. Between the cast, the behind-the-scenes story, and the creative team, it’s hard not to go in wondering how it all comes together. What surprised me is that it works best when viewed as a cold, detached character study rather than a traditional thriller. There’s a strange kind of fun in how uncomfortable and controlled everything feels. The performances are intentionally flat and distant, which adds to the film’s unsettling tone. It’s not entertaining in a conventional way, but it is interesting and keeps you watching. The included essays add a lot of value. They help frame the film’s intent and production context, which makes the experience more rewarding. Without that added perspective, it’s easy to miss what the film is aiming for. Overall, this is a fascinating and unconventional release that’s worth checking out, especially if you enjoy films that spark discussion more than straightforward enjoyment."
— Tim L. (5/5)
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