Double Dip Demands is a column in which I propose films that deserve a re-release on DVD/Blu-Ray with more special features, better transfers and other nerdy bits. Some of the films have no DVDs out there for Region 1 viewers, and some of them have a really crappy version that's bare bones or poorly put together. Who speaks for these films? I do.
The Film: They Live (1988)
Cast & Crew: John Carpenter (writer/director); Ray Nelson (based on his short story "Eight O'Clock in the Morning"); "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster
Plot Synopsis (from IMDB): A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth.
Is It Out on DVD Currently?: Yes - but in a bare bones release with no extras.
Why Does it Deserve Special Features?: Discarded and derided at the time of its release, They Live is a clever and profoundly prescient movie that arrived in theaters wearing the trappings of a dumb B-Movie. They Live has since gone on to influence many other films and filmmakers, as well as graffiti artists, video game designers with its stylish simplicity and biting social commentary. A forerunner to 21st century cultural memes, They Live lambastes consumer culture and the vapid selfishness that defined Reagan-era America and is just as relevant in today's world of Weapons of Mass Distraction.
What Should be on the Disc?
- Feature Length Commentaries:
- Writer/Director John Carpenter and co-composer Alan Howarth
- Writer/Director John Carpenter, Actors Roddy Piper and Keith David
- Authors Jonathan Lethem, Naomi Klein and Jonathan Hickman
- The Siege of JusticeVille: Economic, environmental and social politics in Ronald Reagan's America. Economic and cultural writers reflect on the decade and its use as the backdrop for They Live. The real effects of these policies at the time as well as the legacies felt today. Additionally, a look at the resurgence of these policies around America.
- They Want Benign Indifference: A look at the use of entertainment and pop culture as spiritual sedative. Looking at the works of Neil Postman (Amusing Ourselves to Death), Marshall Mcluhan (Understanding Media) and Naomi Klein (No Logo), Jonathan Hickman (The Nightly News) amongst others, this feature examines how ephemeral events are used to lull people into apathy and the disconnect that exists between impact and activism.
- Wake Up: The enduring legacy of They Live as seen in the works of Darren Aronofsky, Shepard Fairey (who took the OBEY mantra from this film) and Duke Nuke'em ("I came here to kick ass and chew bubblegum" line that was popularized in that game came from They Live). Also included is Jonathan Lethem and his decision to write a 200 page essay analyzing the film.
- Real Fucking Ugly: Make-Up artist Frank Carissosa, director of photography Gary Kibbe and John Carpenter on the look of the film, the alien menaces and the various production design efforts used in creating the multiple levels of reality at work.
- Crazy Mother: Keith David and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper on the 5+ minute fight between them. How it was conceived and its enduring legacy (including its use in South Park's "Cripple Fight" episode).
- The Signal: Videos used in the film, including the Underground TV broadcast, commercials, faux-Siskel & Ebert segment, etc. Also include the video of full fight from "Cripple Fight" as well as the music video for SQ1's "Can You Feel..." which is based on They Live.