True Stories (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

True Stories is one of my favorite films, not just because I am a David Byrne fan, but because I'm a lifelong Texan and grew up in a small town much like the film's fictional Virgil. I don't know many people who even know about this film's existence, much less are huge fans of it, but it is a film that slowly has built up a cult-level fanbase. There was a obligatory bare-minimum DVD release of the film many years ago. It was simply a direct digital capture of what was probably the format for the original VHS release, with no extra features and a slapdash menu and packaging. When I heard that The Criterion Collection was going to give the film their trademark treatment, I was thrilled. I just received and watched my Blu-Ray copy, and it does not at all disappoint.What they have done to restore this film is incredible. Having only seen the DVD copy all these years, the restored picture and remixed audio of this release is an absolute revelation. Everything is in its original widescreen, and the film's incredible photography can finally be appreciated in its full glory. There are lots of extras, and the new cover, packaging, and even the beautifully put together menu screen shows that whoever directed this release treated it with the reverence and respect it has always deserved, but never even came close to getting. One of the most interesting bits in the extras is a series of deleted scenes involving an alternate subplot involving The Cute Woman that got cut out, for reasons that probably seem obvious once you see them.Of course, for fans of Talking Heads, another really intriguing part of this package is a copy of the film's full soundtrack on CD. Released for the first time, I understand it can also be purchased independent of the Criterion release. However, this has also been a long-awaited missing piece to the Talking Heads musical catalog, and it is finally made available.If you are at all a fan of this film, picking up this version is a no-brainer. Even if you already know it backwards and forwards, but all you've ever seen is the video or DVD, it is very much like seeing it again for the first time.

When I saw the original release of True Stories in a theater, I sat there laughing out loud at David Byrne's delightfully off-beat humor. Other patrons behind me kept shouting, "Shut up! It's NOT FUNNY!" This is one of my favorite movies, a warm-hearted pastiche of life in a small Texas town. But it might not be everyone's cup of tea. There are so many moments that I found wonderful: the fashion show, Spalding Grey's explanation of business, the man dancing in the office window. None of those moments move the plot along (if there is one) or give us new insight. But together, all of the pieces create a subtle sort of message about what it is to be human. And along the way, Byrne's earnest yet silly commentary guides us along. I've rarely seen a movie that's so innocent yet self-aware and so enjoyable to watch. I'm thrilled that Criterion has finally given this movie the quality treatment it deserves, with lots of extras (including the long-sought-after original soundtrack) and impressive packaging.

Critereon still does it right when it comes to picture quality and extras/packaging. (I do wish they'd just put the original posters on their covers but at least they're giving some graphic designer work so...) I've been waiting for an anamorphic version of this for YEARS after the disappointing full screen DVD release by Warner Brothers and this was worth the wait! That is all. Love it or hate it it's True Stories. I'm in the love camp. If you hate it you are totally entitled to your wrong opinion. Go watch Transformers or something.

As great as it is to have the movie on Blu Ray, the real treat for me is the music CD. The LP of the film music was incomplete, so back when this came out on VHS, I made a cassette recording of the full audio. I could listen to it in the car any time I liked. Of course, I haven't had a cassette player in the car for more than 20 years now! We get the kids singing "Hey Now," Steve Jordan singing "Radio Head," and of course John Goodman singing "People Like Us." The only thing missing is his "Meow meow, meow-meow" bit, but of course that's still in the movie.

A wonderfully fun movie by David Byrne that grows on you the more times you watch it. A movie far ahead of its time. I purchased the digital version that was cropped to standard TV a few years back and loved it. Never did I think this movie would receive this kind of treatment... to those that made this possible, thank you! This version is visually crisp in widescreen with 5.1 surround DTS-HD... what an upgrade! With lots of special edition features.Extras: Comes with a phony tabloid in newspaper format and a cd featuring the movie soundtrack with covers by the actors (As opposed to the separate Talking Heads - True Stories CD... which is excellent!)

This beautiful, artistic movie finally gets the treatment it deserves. Formerly only available on a 4:3 pan and scan version. Bonus features include a making of which really underscores the importance of presenting this in its intended format. Excellent performances throughout, including ine of John Goodman’s first appearances on the big screen. 5.1 sound is superb. Worthy of the Criterion treatment.

David Byrne's TRUE STORIES is a pro-human film that's full of humor, charm, and empathy. Unfortunately we can see plenty of modern examples of hatred and division being actively promoted in the modern era--TRUE STORIES celebrates connection. It was probably the most important DVD release of 2018, and I desperately hope that more artists will follow its lead. David Byrne is a true, capital-A Artist. And every song is a winner.