PAVEMENTS Gets 4k/blu-ray Release & Special Edition Via Vinegar Syndrome

Last month, we caught the Seattle premiere of the new film, Pavements, a pseudo-documentary honoring the iconic Stockton, California indie rock pioneers, Pavement. We loved it. Is it fair to assume that I enjoyed it because I’m already a huge Pavement fan? Sure, but that’s also the very reason that I could have easily despised it. Pavement fans are going to be the most difficult demographic to impress when producing something of this nature. The reason it works is because director Alex Ross Perry was clearly very conscious about creating something FOR the fanbase and focused on that aim more than anything. There was a lot of fear regarding the implication that this might be a biopic, because they are generally terrible, but while it’s true that one was being produced, only portions of it were included by design. Pavements isn’t entirely a documentary either, at least not in the classic sense. If anything, it’s an amalgamation of separate ideas, narratives, and approaches  — some of which almost devour one another — into something entirely new and wholly unique. There are so many elements that sound dubious on paper, like a full-scale musical production and even a Pavement museum that was temporarily constructed. Simply put, all of these pieces are Frankensteined into a monster that was difficult for us not to love. Due to the nature of the subject, the very irreverence this movie displays, and the way that it refuses to adhere to any typical formula, actually exhibits the most reverence possible.

Being an indie release based around a niche subject operating in an unorthodox and not easy to define format, the distribution of Pavements and its future felt questionable. The release has had limited theater engagements and festival appearances, but what about those who missed them or live in areas unlikely to host screenings for films like this? The great news is that distribution is moving swiftly. Just last week, the movie arrived on digital platforms, and today, we already have the scoop on a physical release. If you’re a fan of the band but still haven’t seen this documentary/biopic/musical hybrid yet, you should consider throwing it on at home. Once you do, there’s a good chance you’ll be interested in owning a physical copy for yourself. I know that we are.

Due to the pastiche approach that combines multiple different projects into one unified film, it was difficult not to think about what might be included on a Blu-ray when one was ultimately produced. With the editing, research, and vintage footage being such integral aspects of the production, what outtakes and special features would we be getting? Today, we find out.

The folks at Utopia Distribution, who are behind the release, have announced a 2-disc 4k/Blu-ray set that is currently available for preorder on the Vinegar Syndrome website. The assumption is that the set may be available elsewhere in the future, but as of now, this is the only place to purchase it. Additionally, there is an option for a special edition version produced by Vinegar Syndrome and OCN Distribution that features a spot gloss slipcover designed by Steak Mtn. The slipcase edition is limited to 2000 copies and, according to Vinegar Syndrome will only be available on their website and at select indie retailers. “Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.” You can wait and see if you can track these down later, but it’s worth noting that both versions are marked down on sale right now through their site. I own the slipcase edition they put out for Harmony Korine‘s Mister Lonely and fully support Vinegar Syndrome and everything they’ve been doing. They’re great.

Among the special features included on the Pavements Blu-ray is feature commentary with director Alex Ross and editor/producer Robert Greene and a post-screening conversation from the 62nd New York Film Festival featuring director Alex Ross Perry, producer/editor Robert Greene, and members of the band Pavement, moderated by NYFF artistic director Dennis Lim. Beyond that, Utopia promises “a treasure trove of nearly two hours of bon us footage and deleted scenes.” There are several segments related to the music and biopic listed, but nothing that looks like the full version of either of them is included. I guess we’ll see. What it does have is band rehearsal footage and video of Thurston Moore interviewing Stephen Malkmus at the “Pavements Museum.”

Head to Vinegarsyndrome.com to check out the details for yourself and/or preorder.