Search - Withnail & I [Criterion Collection] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1987 DVD Release: 07/10/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 48 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 28 Genres: Comedy, Black Comedy, Buddy Film

Screenwriter Bruce Robinson made his directorial debut with this British comedy. Withnail (Richard E. Grant) is an unsuccessful, pill-popping actor; "I," or Marwood (Paul McGann), is Withnail's roommate and another equally underemployed actor. The time is 1969: Withnail is fast becoming a burned-out relic of the '60s, while Marwood is trying to reassimilate into society. The two take a trip to the country in hopes of rejuvenating themselves, but things go from worse to even worse. Given the intimacy and insight of the screenplay and dialogue, one shouldn't be surprised that Bruce Robinson (who adapted the film from his own novel) based Withnail & I on his own experiences. The film proves that certain "Age of Aquarius" types were just as bollixed-up in Britain as they were in America. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Richard E. Grant - Withnail
Paul McGann - Peter Marwood ("I")
Richard Griffiths - Monty
Ralph Brown - Danny
Michael Elphick - Jake

Bruce Robinson's bleak, comic cult classic is given new life in this Criterion Collection DVD edition. From the stylish Ralph Steadman artwork in the menus to the excellent digital transfer of the movie, =Withnail and I makes for a winning DVD. The 1.85:1 widescreen image is appropriately dark and murky, and it's equally clean and defined. The audio might seem tinny at times, especially during the rock anthems that occasionally crop up, but the dialogue is crisp and clear. The chief bonus feature is a 25-minute documentary, "Withnail and Us," that defines the movie's impact on a legion of fans, as well as the cast and crew. Director Bruce Robinson and actors Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, and Ralph Brown all provide fascinating background into the movie and its influential legacy. The other bonus features aren't as enlightening. The Ralph Steadman photo gallery gives a glimpse at 20 photos Steadman took of Grant and McGann as character studies prior to filming. The photos are nowhere near as rugged and immediate as the photography in the movie, so the gallery is a bit of a disappointment. The one-and-a-half minute trailer is suitably irreverent and mocking. A brief Robinson essay in the DVD's liner notes is revealing and poignant. The limited edition poster of the film art is folded and creased inside the DVD's case, making it somewhat pointless. Selecting "Chapters" gives instant access to the DVD's 22 chapters. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide