The Swimmer (1968) (Blu-ray/DVD Review)
Directed By: Frank Perry
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Janet Landgard, Janice Rule, Joan Rivers
Rated: PG/Region A/1:85/1080p/Number of Discs 2
Available from Grindhouse Releasing
Grindhouse Releasing is proud to present the ultimate late-60s studio-produced cult film, THE SWIMMER. In his finest performance, Burt Lancaster stars as Ned Merrill, a man who confronts his destiny by swimming home, pool by pool, through the suburban nightmare of upper-class East Coast society. Based on the acclaimed short story by John Cheever, and directed by Frank Perry (DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE, MOMMIE DEAREST), THE SWIMMER is a film like no other, a feature-length TWILIGHT ZONE episode by way of THE NEW YORKER.
What an odd film. Still, in many ways what a great film. Grindhouse Releasing has dug up this film that doesn’t fit anywhere and has cleaned it up with one of the best transfers you’ll ever find for a movie like this and put it out on a great release. The movie is a haunting one in a lot of ways. You can’t get that from the trailer, but you had to know if this company was releasing it something was off about it. And I mean off in the best way possible. We watch Ned as he rolls along his way from pool to pool. How much time is passing as he does this? Is he even in this world anymore? There is more questions than answers with, The Swimmer. I like that about the movie and feel something like this can be just what the doctor has ordered every now and again.
There is an eerie vibe in the air almost as soon as this one starts rolling. Things just seem like they are uneasy, even in the most relaxing of setting. Burt Lancaster does a great job, as the man’s eyes almost tells as weird a story as the film. This is a thinker of a movie to watch. What the hell does it all mean? That’s open for you, but I think regardless you will be thinking that over once the credits start to roll. If you want to take a chance on an artsy and puzzling at time film, then by all means watch this one. The film looks beautiful and the whole thing manages to be extremely creepy without being a horror film. That takes some skills there alone.
– 2 DISC SET – Deluxe Dual Layer Blu-ray Edition + DVD combo
– Spectacular new digital restoration created from 4K scans for optimal picture quality
– The Story of THE SWIMMER – brand new, five-part, 2-1/2 hour documentary by Oscar-winner Chris Innis featuring in-depth interviews with stars Janet Landgard, Joan Rivers and Marge Champion, composer Marvin Hamlisch, film editor Sidney Katz, assistant directors Michael Hertzberg and Ted Zachary, UCLA Olympic swim coach Bob Horn, and Joanna Lancaster
– The original NEW YORKER short story read by author John Cheever
– 12 page booklet with liner notes by legendary director Stuart Gordon (RE-ANIMATOR)
– Rare production stills from the lost alternate scenes
– Extensive still galleries, trailers and TV spots
– AND OTHER SURPRISES!
