True Stories (1986) [The Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray + CD] [2018]

Why is this only available in 4:3 aspect ratio?

I have wanted to see this film for more years than I care to admit to (I remember a screening being advertised when I was a University fresher back at the Dawn of Time), but I have somehow never gotten round to tracking down a copy - until now. Currently unavailable as a Region 2 DVD, I had to resort to buying a virtual copy, and I was a little worried that the film would not live up to my expectations. Thankfully, the film proved to be an enjoyable and quirky slice of Eighties' America, “true” stories from the tabloids as reimagined by David Byrne. Complete with cowboy hat and boots, he cuts a curiously uncomfortable figure as he explores the lives and loves of the residents of a small town in Texas during the run up to their Celebration fo Specialness. There is very little in the way of plot and I wouldn't say it was a masterpiece, but is definitely worth a look if you appreciate eccentric characters, lashings of whimsey, and some great songs delivered in an ecclectic range of styles.

Criterion are not cheap, but so worth it.My old TV is only HD ready and the picture is great, this is a 4K transfer.Packaging is sublime, the usual booklet presented as a newspaper and it comes with a CD of the full film soundtrack, not released previously.In a cinima verite style David Byrne's character is almost alien like in his travelouge and introduction to the characters of Virgil Texas, and characters it has in abundunce. John Goodman is excellent throughout.

The picture is fresh, there's plenty of content. What time is it? No time to look back.

Finally, I've managed to get a copy of this film which plays in the UK!This is a querky film which gently takes you on a ride through a country town in the USA. The music is typical "Talking Heads" and the story progresses via various cameos at a town's yearly celebrations. David Byrne of the group and John Goodman star. Charming.

That was a really good movie, confusing but funny, it had everything. A car. A man. A wife. Monkey tail woman? Everything! Watch it. You can trust me. Robin Williams would like this

Such a sincere little film, beautifully directed. It has some fantastic shots, some emotionally charged thoughtful comments and a fantastic soundtrack. I recommend this to anyone who is okay with a more unconventional film, there isn't really a traditional structure to the film just a series of events happening in the world of fictional Virgil, Texas.the acting is brilliant, particularly by the young John Goodman and our host David Byrne, it's a film with so much heart and passion that I'd recommend anyone watch this, but with the addition that some may not like it if they don't like "weird". It's a cute film with soul, and if you give it the chance it really delivers.

The point is to elevate the ordinary - showing the depths of superficially shallow existence. Spreading the music a bit more evenly, rather than putting most of it into the last twenty minutes, would have been effective.