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List Price: $29.95 | | Label: Polygram Video
Salesrank: 82545
Released: March 30, 1999 |
| Our Price: $58.00 |
| Used Price: $38.99 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Completing the loosely connected trilogy that also includes Metropolitan and Barcelona, writer-director Whit Stillman brings his signature style to this casually structured but acerbically witty ode to... well, to the last days of disco. Set in New York during 1980-81, the film follows its half-dozen central characters onto the strobe-lit dance floor of The Club--the anonymous name Stillman gave to the central setting, knowing at the time that his film would be released in close proximity to 54, the bigger-budget movie about the legendary and infamous nightclub Studio 54. In fact, Stillman's film captures the same period with greater accuracy, and draws us into the waning disco craze with more incisive wit and deft handling of a first-rate cast.
The film's casual plot revolves around six recent college graduates, and Stillman charts their clashes and intimacies with a keen sense of human foibles and frailties, pausing throughout for such characteristic touches as a hilarious conversation about the sexual politics of Disney's Lady and the Tramp or the homoerotic subtext in an episode of Wild Kingdom. Sharp dialogue is in rich abundance here, and through it all Stillman captures the fading glory of disco as his characters make the transition toward adult responsibilities. It's here that we see how this film is subtly intertwined with Stillman's earlier work, and where we gain a fuller and more satisfying appreciation of a filmmaker who has carved a singular niche for himself in the world of independent movies. --Jeff Shannon
The Last Days of Disco Reviews:
Last But Not Least 
2009-10-03 - Whit Stilman is one of my favorite directors, who I think has been woefully underrated, he recently had this previously out of print film The Last Days of Disco undergo the Criterion treatment. This ensemble cast was one of the first things I saw the stunning Kate Beckinsale in. She was great as the acidic Charlotte-so unlikable. It also stars Stilman regular Chris Eigeman and Chloe Sevigny in the impressive ensemble cast about the mating/dating rituals of yuppies in the early 80s. It is my third favorite Stillman film after Metropolitan (which also got the Criterion treatment) and Barcelona (which deserves the Criterion treatment). That being said it was better than I remember previously with the witty Stillman-esque dialogue including a hilarious take down of Lady and the Tramp. This DVD is a new restored high-definition transfer supervised and approved by Whit Stilman with audio commentary from Stillman, Sevigny and Eigman. Four deleted scenes with commentary. There's also an audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from his book The Last Days of Disco, with Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards. There are also a behind the scenes featurette, original theatrical trailer, and an insightful essay by novelist David Schicker.
A Masterpiece 
2009-09-16 - If you are looking for a skin-flick, shallow acting, famous faces, predictable plotlines, and simplistic humor, look elsewhere. Or if you want another Studio 54 or Saturday Night Fever to get your fix, just watch Staying Alive. But if you enjoy adroit social commentary, subtle and ironic humor, capable acting by actual talents, and a screenplay you will find yourself quoting years later: look no further. This is such an outstanding and rare work of filmmaking I don't where to start. Suffice it to say, after a 10th viewing, you are still finding nuggets and layers to delight in. How many times have I found myself saying, "but what if, 'thine own self' is not so good? Wouldn't it be better to say, to thine own self, not be true?" Once you find yourself addicted, watch Barcelona and Metropolitan. Soon you will be convinced, the writer, director, and producer of these films, Whit Stillman, is a genius. But if you don't get it, you never will. And that's okay, because Stillman makes film *celebrating* elitism. It's part of their charm.
the days of being numb
2009-08-27 - Through these rose colored glasses is this some paradise I see? If history is made at night who will remember come this dawn? In the waning eve of the throbbing disco era our innocents stateside adopt brusque verve in their late night club hopping challenges. Some even come armed with charm. Whit Stillman is still sharp in his use of wit and dialogue for his early 1980's upwardly mobile Manhattan yuppies whom stumble move than dazzle with awkward anticipation of just what the night beholds.
In his third outing of this certain specific demographics (regardless of time and space) we would recognize these players anywhere. They are not contenders although some might luckily land in lofty places eventually. In this game of social chess they are all pawns for amusement purposes as comedy rains over any real life decisions or dramatics. There are some great laughs and most of them are subtle in a vein Stillman has made his own. The Last Days Of Disco should appeal more to those who hope intellectuals take a mighty fall. Good but not great, there's a lot more going on than late night adventure. Redeeming with heart and intent a decade after the initial release Criterion brings certain justice full circle. If Metropolitan offers the best sofa serenading in mid-town then his Last Days Of Disco has a similar bunch cutting some handwoven oriental rug knowing not what they dance, just that they do. These best laughs are those at ourselves many years later when we can see the folly of our youth.
The Criterion Edition was Worth the Wait!
2009-08-21 - With The Last Days of Disco, Whit Stillman completed his loose-knit trilogy of films about doomed Preppies in love. Much like vintage Woody Allen, the characters in Stillman's films exist in a hermetically-sealed world on the Upper East Side of New York City. His characters are affluent and well-educated but with messy relationships. Last Days of Disco sets all of this against the backdrop of the decline of the disco era. It is a testament to Stillman's skill as a filmmaker that he does this all with a fantastic sense of humor and a real affection for his characters, even the ones that aren't all that likable.
For quite some time there had been rumors that the folks at the Criterion Collection were planning a special edition of this film. Stillman had even talked it up in interviews. The previous DVD came and went rather quickly before going out-of-print, fetching steep prices on eBay, so for fans of this film it nice to have Last Days of Disco finally readily available.
There is an audio commentary by director Whit Stillman and actors Chloe Sevigny and Chris Eigeman. Stillman wastes no time diving into the origins of his film and how Winona Ryder was almost cast as Alice but her agent was slow in responding and Sevigny got the role. The actress has a charming, self-deprecating wit and points out her awkward dancing style. Eigeman says that he almost didn't do the film because the studio felt that he wasn't famous enough. He was also worried that he'd be typecast; playing a character similar to the ones he did in Stillman's two previous films. The director speaks eloquently about his interest in disco on this chatty, engaging track.
Also included are four deleted scenes with optional commentary by Stillman, Sevigny and Eigeman. There is a subplot with Jimmy (Astin) that fleshes out his feelings for Alice and Charlotte. There is also more footage of Des outside of the club. It develops his character more and is nice to see, particularly if you're a fan of Eigeman. Stillman puts the footage in context and explains why it was cut.
Stillman reads from his 2000 book, The Last Days of Disco, With Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards, which is a novelization of the film from the point-of-view of Jimmy Steinway and also picks up after the events in the film.
A nice inclusion is a vintage featurette from the time of the film's release. This promotional material features behind-the-scenes footage and soundbites from Stillman and his cast.
"Stills Gallery" features a collection of photographs from the film with captions written by Stillman that consist of personal recollections of making the film.
Finally, there is an original theatrical trailer.
My Favorite Movie
2009-07-13 - I have been hooked on this movie since I saw the preview years ago. I have been hanging on to my VHS copy all these years and am thrilled it is being re-released on DVD. I love the witty dialog in this movie. It is a little long winded for some but I think it is another Stillman masterpiece. My favorite movie!
