Downtown81
Jean-Michel Basquiat is, of course, now known as one of the most important and influential artist of the late 20^th century. But when he was still a struggling artist trying to settle on his vision, and make a name for himself, he starred (as himself) as a struggling young artist, working to raise the cash to prevent his eviction, in the low budget docu-drama “Downtown 81,” which celebrates its 15th anniversary today, since its initial release on July 13, 2001.

Made in 1980-1981, directed by Edo Bertoglio, and written and produced by Glenn O’Brien (who knew Basquiat from his appearances on O’Brien’s public access TV show “TV Party”), the film presented an unflinching version of New York City during that period.

The areas the film is set were occupied by abandoned buildings, graffiti, drug dealers, prostitutes, strip clubs and porn shops. But there was also an ongoing vibrant underground art scene with new talent and new forms of expression, all merging into one powerful movement.

Finally released on this day in history, July 13, 2001, almost 20 years later, “Downtown 81” became an instant cult classic, making its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, 13 years after Basquiat’s death in 1988. It helped further cement Basquiat’s stardom in the art world. Until very recently, it was an underseen film that was and still is rarely screened; in the past, it was typically screened from a sub-par print, or inferior video copies.

While the film was shot in 1981, it was not actually completed until 2000.

AD – BUY ‘DOWNTOWN 81’ DIGITALLY REMASTERED ON DVD

Finally, in 2014, North American distributor, Music Box Films, and Submarine Deluxe, released a remastered and restored strictly VOD version that debuted on June 24^th of that year.

A year later, the company would release the film as a digitally restored collector’s edition on DVD, with special bonus features that include: archival footage, interviews, audio commentary, a special 32-page collector’s booklet and more.

The collector’s restored and remastered DVD package was officially released on June 30, 2015, and by Music Box Films and Submarine Deluxe, so you can rent, buy and also download and stream it if you haven’t seen it, or simply want to revisit it, on this 15th anniversary of its release.

The “Downtown 81” cast included Jean-Michel Basquiat, Deborah Harry, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, James White and the Blacks, DNA, Tuxedo Moon, the Plastics, and Walter Steding and the DragonPeople.

The film features an eclectic soundtrack with music by Blondie, DNA, Tuxedomoon, The Plastics, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, James White and the Blacks, Gray, Liquid Liquid, Walter Steding, John Lurie, Marvin Pontiac, Lydia Lunch, Suicide and Melle Mel.

Trailer:

Downtown 81

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