Down by Law

( 6 )

Overview

Jim Jarmusch's landmark independent film Down By Law comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. Subtitles are accessible in both of those languages as well. Supplemental materials include reflections from Jarmusch, an interview with cinematographer Robby Muller, footage from a 1986 Cannes Film Festival press conference with the director and his three lead performers, the original ...
See more details below
DVD (Black & White / Wide Screen)
$24.15
BN.com price
(Save 3%)$24.99 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (DVD)
  • All (13) from $14.99   
  • New (12) from $14.99   
  • Used (1) from $18.35   

More About This Product

Overview

Jim Jarmusch's landmark independent film Down By Law comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. Subtitles are accessible in both of those languages as well. Supplemental materials include reflections from Jarmusch, an interview with cinematographer Robby Muller, footage from a 1986 Cannes Film Festival press conference with the director and his three lead performers, the original theatrical trailer, and other extras. This is a superb release from Criterion, showing once again why they are one of the most respected names in home video.
Read More Show Less

Special Features

Widescreen 1.78:1; Thoughts and Reflections by Jim Jarmusch; 2002 Video Interview with Director of Photography Robby Muller; 1986 Cannes Film Festival Press Conference with Jarmusch and Stars John Lurie, Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi; 1986 John Lurie Interview with Commentary; Outtakes; Music Video of Tom Waits Singing Cole Porter's "It's All Right with Me," Directed by Jarmusch; Q&A with Jarmusch; Jarmusch's Phone Calls with Waits, Benigni and Lurie; Isolated Music Track; Production Polaroids; Location Stills; Original Theatrical Trailer; Enlgish and French Dolby Digital Mono audio tracks; English and French subtitles.
Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Gregory Baird
Infused with the hip, deadpan charm that is his trademark, indie auteur Jim Jarmusch's second film is a sly, understated comic gem. Set in Louisiana, the slim story concerns a pimp John Lurie, an out-of-work radio DJ Tom Waits, and an Italian expatriate Roberto Benigni who become friends while sharing a jail cell, but the plot is almost beside the point. Down by Law revels in its offbeat characters and their tentative stabs at friendship in long scenes that capture the poetry of everyday life. Waits and Lurie ooze their distinctive downtown charisma, but it's the Italian comic superstar Benigni who provides the film's real spark. His character's broken, phrasebook English and puppy-dog lovability steal the show, holding the film's unlikely trio together through a handful of not particularly harrowing adventures in the Louisiana bayous. As with all Jarmusch films, the whole is much, much more than the sum of its parts. Robby Müller's starkly gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, Lurie's restrained and bluesy score, and Waits's songs combine to create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's ultra-dry humor. The result is an odd blend of character study and fairy tale with a sneaky allegorical resonance that is uniquely Jarmusch and completely captivating.
All Movie Guide
Though not as critically successful as his debut, Stranger Than Paradise, director Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law is a worthy follow-up in a similar vein. It features the same deliberate rhythm, off-beat characters, deadpan humor, and emphasis on photography (by the famed German cinematographer Robby Müller). Willfully original and intensely independent, the typical Jarmusch film isn't a product that mainstream audiences are likely to enjoy. He combines his enigmatic characters with the esoteric pacing and sensibility of his peer, Wim Wenders. Down By Law is slightly more accessible than Wenders' films, however, due to the slapstick presence of Roberto Benigni. Benigni's staccato voice and mincing of English clichés are very funny, though Jarmusch occassionally lets him run on too long. Luckily, the director keeps the rest of the film generally obtuse, uncertain and interesting.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • Release Date: 10/22/2002
  • UPC: 037429172025
  • Original Release: 1986

    • Rating:

  • Source: Criterion
  • Aspect Ratio: Alternate Wide Screen (1.78:1)
  • Presentation: Black & White / Wide Screen
  • Sound: Dolby Digital Mono
  • Language: English, Français
  • Time: 1:47:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 21,395

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Tom Waits Zack
John Lurie Jack
Roberto Benigni Roberto
Nicoletta Braschi Nicoletta
Ellen Barkin Laurette
Vernel Bagneris Preston
Richard Boes Detective
Adam Cohen Uniformed Cop
David Dahlgren Guard
L.C. Drane L.C.
Jay Hilliar Guard
Joy N. Houck Jr. Detective Mandino
Ralph Joseph Detective
Eliott Keener Guard
Alan Kleinberg Corpse
Carrie Lindsoe Young Girl
Alex Miller Guard
Billie Neal Bobbie
David Petitjean Cajun Detective
Rockets Redglare Gig
Archie Sampier Prisoner
Timothea Julie
Technical Credits
Jim Jarmusch Director, Screenwriter
Cary Brokaw Executive Producer
Claire Denis Asst. Director
Otto Grokenberger Executive Producer
Jim Stark Co-producer
Alan Kleinberg Producer
Melody London Editor
John Lurie Score Composer
Donita Miller Makeup
Robby Müller Cinematographer
Naomi Neville Songwriter
Tom Rothman Co-producer
Russell Schwartz Executive Producer
Rudd Simmons Production Manager
Tom Waits Songwriter
Carol Wood Costumes/Costume Designer
Read More Show Less

Scene Index

Side #1 -- Down by Law
1. Prologue [4:27]
2. Titles [1:22]
3. "We Can't Live in the Present Forever" [3:45]
4. These Boots Are Made for Walking [2:22]
5. "If You Was a Good Pimp" [3:14]
6. "A Piece of Chicken" [3:27]
7. Do Not Enter [1:17]
8. "Someone to Take Care of You" [2:33]
9. "It's a Sad & Beautiful World" [2:15]
10. "I'm in a Bad Mood" [3:43]
11. Lagnlappe [4:09]
12. "You Don't Even Exist" [8:18]
13. "Right Here on WYLD" [3:29]
14. "Makin' Time Go Slower" [1:03]
15. "Call Me Bob" [3:38]
16. Italian Hiccups, American Cigarettes [2:11]
17. "Do You Like Walt Whitman?" [:54]
18. "La Bella Finestra" [1:41]
19. "We Are a Good Egg" [4:22]
20. "I Scream-a, You Scream-a" [2:50]
21. "Hit Was a Prison Film" [2:15]
22. A Walk in the Yard [:48]
23. Mark Twain Will Save You [1:29]
24. "My Family in Half an Hour?!" [2:24]
25. "All I Ever Knowed" [1:39]
26. Bob Frost [:47]
27. "Goin' Around in Circles" [5:21]
28. Which Way Now? [2:39]
29. "I Love to Catch, to Dream..." [3:10]
30. Civilization [4:35]
31. "It's a Mirage" [1:43]
32. "Like in a Book for Children" [3:18]
33. "Have to Keep Going" [4:04]
34. "Wish You Were Here" [3:56]
35. Two Roads Diverged in a Wood [1:27]
36. End Credits [2:57]
Side #2 -- Special Features
1. Working With Jim [4:26]
2. Camera/Lenses [1:32]
3. Film Stock/Prep [3:26]
4. Master Shots/Lighting [1:54]
5. Momentum/Teamwork [3:17]
6. Camera Operating/Shooting [6:25]
7. Looking Back [1:37]
1. Standing Around [1:56]
2. Beginnings [9:25]
3. Meetings [6:00]
4. Intentions [6:28]
5. Money [1:59]
6. "My Life Is Changed!" [3:29]
7. Influences [6:43]
8. Actors [2:05]
9. Nodding Off [3:37]
1. Scene 3B [2:41]
2. Scene (R) 12 [:56]
3. Scene 13A [1:45]
4. Scene 14A [1:13]
5. Scene 15 [3:01]
6. Scene 16 [2:08]
7. Scene 19 [1:24]
8. Scene 31 [:39]
9. Scene 35/36 [1:50]
10. Scene 37C [:55]
11. Scene 39A [:32]
12. Scene 40A/B [1:04]
13. Scene 41 [2:09]
14. Scene 45A [:54]
15. Scene 48B [:32]
16. An Alternate Ending [2:15]
Read More Show Less

Menu

Side #1 -- Down by Law
   Play the Movie
   Chapters
   Jim's Thoughts & Reflections
      Play
      Index
         Intro
         Music
         New Orleans
         The Title
         Tom Waits
         Beginnings of Down by Law
         Black & White
         Script Conventions
         Joy of Filmmaking
   Theatrical Trailer
   Set-Up
      Audio
         Dolby Digital Mono
         French Dub Track
         Isolated Music Track
         Jim on Dubbing
      Subtitles
         Subtitles: Off
         English SDH
         French
      Color Bars
Side #2 -- Special Features
   Robby Müller Interview
      Play
      Index
   Cannes
      Play Press Conference
      Press Conference Index
      John Lurie Interview
         Play Interview
         Play With Commentary
   Outtakes
      Play
      Index
   "It's All Right With Me"
      Play
      Jim on Shooting This Video
   Q&A With Jim
      Pronouncing "Jarmusch"
      References From Akron
      Fights Like a Pussy?
      Is Waits Really Drunk?
      All-Night Parties
      Some $1,000,000 Budget
      Robby Müller's Different Eyes
      New Wave or Punk?
      Jack & Zack Again?
      Hair
      The South
      Transcendent Genius & Menu
      Favorite Books
      Pornographic Writing Details
      Editing
      Best Advice Tom Waits Ever Gave You?
   Phone Calls
      Tom
      Roberto
      John
   Production Polaroids
      Jack's Description
      Prologue
      Jack's
      Zack's
      Prison
      Prison With Bob
      Jailbreak
      Bayou
      Woods
      Tintop & Beyond
      From Outtakes
   Location Stills
      Ferrera Stills
         Interiors
         Swamp
         Bayou
         Woods
         Tintop & Beyond
      Anderson Stills
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 6 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(6)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    My favorite movie

    I saw New Orleans after I had seen this movie and I am sure I saw more because of it. Great film and great music. It's Raining sung by Irma Thomas written by Naomi Neville (Allen Toussaint) is a gem in this movie and available on a great CD from Charly - Soul. I got to know New Orleans, Irma Thomas and Allen Tossaint - all from this movie. See it.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    It's an interesting premise with three convicted criminals sitting in a cell. Nothing happened that was suggestible in any jail parlance, so don't worry. What is implied by the film and the prison is life is ultimately about dealing with boredom and how boredom can break down those coveted relationships we have.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Also my favorite movie

    With a cast of Tom Waits, John Lurie and Roberto Benigni, direction by Jim Jarmusch, and music by Tom Waits and John Lurie, there is not really a way this could be a bad movie. Tom Waits' and John Lurie's music fits perfectly into the grimey after-hours New Orleans setting, and Roberto Benigni, (always the confused Italian tourist) brings some heartwarming humor to the table. After all three escape from a Louisiana prison, they are left to their own wits traversing the bayou with little idea where they are. In beautiful black and white, this movie is unbeatable on all fronts. With beat generation coolness and noir influences, Down By Law cannot be missed.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 17, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 30, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 20, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews