IT CAME FROM THE BOTTOM SHELF!

Smile (1975) is one of my favorite comedies of the 1970s, and it has long been on my list of “most wanted” titles in high definition. Happily, a new boutique label, Fun City Editions, will release this “slice of life” comedy gem on Blu-ray on April 27th.

The upcoming release is now available for Pre-order HERE.

Here is the full information on the upcoming release from the purchasing page on VinegarSyndrome.com:

This special limited edition embossed slipcover is limited to 2,000 units and is only available here at VinegarSyndrome.com!

Fun City Editions is a new boutique label focused on creating deluxe home video editions of maverick repertory cinema that can best be described as works that exist “outside of their time.” Spanning an array of genres and countries, but with a unifying focus on forgotten and overlooked treasures, the initial wave of titles will come from the New American Cinema. Each Fun City release will present stunning new restorations produced and overseen by Vinegar Syndrome and comprehensive extras which contextualize and illuminate the film’s artistic and historic value. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

The town of Santa Rosa is abuzz. That’s because it’s time again for the yearly Young American Miss Pageant. Talented “misses” from up and down California have gathered for the annual event where they will be choreographed by prickly song and dance man Tommy (Michael Kidd, whose many choreography credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Guys and Dolls), produced by businesslike ex-pageant winner Brenda DiCarlo (Barbara Feldon, TV’s Get Smart) and judged by blustery RV salesman and town booster Big Bob Freelander (Bruce Dern, Coming Home, Nebraska and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Meanwhile, Bob’s young son Little Bob (Eric Shea, The Poseidon Adventure) and his pals get into some hormonally-fueled hijinks. Michael Ritchie’s (The Candidate, Fletch and The Bad News Bears) bittersweet satire of this peculiar tradition of small town Americana is a bona fide comedy classic of the New Hollywood era.

The contestants include Melanie Griffith (Something Wild), Annette O’Toole (Superman III), Colleen Camp (Apocalypse Now) and Joan Prather (TV’s Eight is Enough). Veteran character players Geoffrey Lewis (Thunderbolt and Lightfoot) and Nicholas Pryor (Risky Business) are part of Bob’s cohort. Ritchie’s award-winning behind-the-camera collaborators include writer Jerry Belson (TV’s The Odd Couple and The Tracey Ullman Show), editor Richard A. Harris (Terminator 2 and Ritchie’s Downhill Racer) and director of photography Conrad Hall (In Cold Blood and Fat City). Smile has been restored from archival elements and comes to Blu-ray for the first time ever.

Directed by: Michael Ritchie
Starring: Bruce Dern, Barbara Feldon, Michael Kidd, Geoffrey Lewis, Melanie Griffith
1975 / 113 min / 1.85:1 / English Mono

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• New 2K restoration from its 35mm interpositive
• “Dernsie’s Credo,” a newly filmed interview with actor Bruce Dern
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery
• Booklet with a new essay by film historian Mike McPadden
• Newly recorded audio commentary by actor-filmmaker Pat Healy and film curator Jim Healy
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing