IT CAME FROM THE BOTTOM SHELF!

On May 31st, two of the most treasured films in Buster Keaton’s late career are coming to Blu-ray from the boutique label Canadian International Pictures (CIP). In 1965, Buster Keaton made a 25-minute short, The Railrodder, for the National Film Board of Canada. While that film was in production, a second film crew documented the making of the film, which resulted in the insightful 55-minute documentary, Buster Keaton Rides Again. These two films will be offered on Blu-ray, along with Helicopter Canada, 1966 a travelogue film (presented in both 2.76:1 and Smilebox), and a handful of additional Canadian shorts.

You can pre-order the disc at VinegarSyndrome.com. Here is the full info on the release:

Two unforgettably cinematic journeys through ’60s Canada!

BUSTER KEATON RIDES AGAIN – In the fall of 1964, just over a year before his death, Buster Keaton traveled to Canada to make The Railrodder, a silent short that would turn out to be one of his final films. Documenting this mobile production in fascinating and unexpected detail, Buster Keaton Rides Again offers a rare glimpse of the comedy legend’s temperament, philosophies, hobbies, marriage (his third), and occasionally combative creative process. Canadian International Pictures fondly presents this intimate look at one of cinema’s most enduring legends. In addition, this disc includes The Railrodder and six other shorts by director – and Buster Keaton Rides Again co-star – Gerald Potterton (The Rainbow Boys, Heavy Metal).

HELICOPTER CANADA – Made in celebration of the Canadian centennial, this Oscar-nominated documentary offers a stunning aerial exploration of the country’s vast and varied landscape. Featuring impressive widescreen cinematography by director Eugene Boyko, amusingly irreverent commentary, and even a cameo by The Beatles, this enchantingly oddball time capsule brings Canadiana to new heights. In honor of the film’s debt to the sprawling Cinerama travelogues of the ’50s, this disc also includes a presentation of Helicopter Canada in the Smilebox format, simulating the effect of a curved screen.

directed by: John Spotton, Eugene Boyko
starring: Buster Keaton, Eleanor Keaton, Gerald Potterton, Stanley Jackson, The Beatles
1965,1966 / 106 min (combined) / 1.33:1, 2.35:1 / English Mono

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• New 2K transfers from the 35mm interpositives
• Alternate 2.76:1 and Smilebox presentations of Helicopter Canada
• Audio commentary with Gerald Potterton and David De Volpi on Buster Keaton Rides Again and The Railrodder
• Hors-d’oeuvre (1960, 7 min.)
• My Financial Career (1962, 7 min.)
• Christmas Tree Decoration (1963, 5 min.)
• The Ride (1963, 7 min.)
• The Railrodder (1965, 25 min.)
• The Quiet Racket (1966, 7 min.)
• The Awful Fate of Melpomenus Jones (1983, 8 min.)
• Bonus short: Canada the Land (1970, 8 min.)
• Booklet featuring a new interview with Gerald Potterton
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles for all 10 films

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available here at VinegarSyndrome.com!

From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP’s brand new line of home video releases!