Plot: What’s it about?
This is the ninth offering in Quickband’s series titled Short. As you might guess from the title, this disc is loaded with short films of all types and includes some bonus materials as well. I tend to like most of the shorts I’ve found in this series, but I feel the last couple discs have been below average. This disc seemed to have some interesting pieces on it, but turned out much like the past couple and left me somewhat disappointed. But I suppose the good thing with a release like this is the variance of materials included, which means there should be something for everyone somewhere on this disc. Given the low price involved, fans of short films should pick this disc up to check it out. While I didn’t care for this disc much, I have loved some previous issues and hope to see more from Quickband in the future. The main content is divided into five sections and below I will summarize the contents of each section.
Narrative
1. Maestro- This short deals with a violin player who provides background music during a card game. I didn’t care much for this one, as it seemed to be filled with forced dialogue and poor acting. I liked the music, but little else. This short includes production notes and an alternate audio commentary track.
2. My Beautiful Me- A couple discusses possible solutions to their problem of not being able to have a baby of their own. This is another decent but forgettable short, worth watching once but that’s about all. This short includes the theatrical poster, production notes, and a commentary track.
3. Sidewalkers- A ten year old girl and her five year old brother work as con artists within a supermarket. This is the type of short that makes this series worthwhile, a totally fresh and hilarious one. This one comes loaded with extras…a commentary track, alternate video of the original digital video version, photo album, and production notes.
4. Love Bites- A paranoid dude tries his best to catch his girlfriend while she is cheating on him. This is another terrific short film, filled with great dialogue and laughs. Extras include commentary track, making of mini-documentary, and production notes.
5. Clown Car- When their car breaks down a troupe of clowns is forced to survive on seltzer water and cream pies. Three in a row! Another hilarious and innovative short film, this is what this series is all about! You’ll also find a director’s commentary, storyboards, and production notes.
International
1. Bloodlock- This Australian short features a young man whose debts end up causing his entire family troubles. This is a solid short film, the acting is good and I think I will revisit it in the future. Extras include commentary track, deleted scenes & outtakes, and production notes.
2. Tiny Sunbathers- This is a strange short film that needs to be seen to be understood, and maybe not even then. It’s visually effective but will go over most folks’ heads. You’ll also find production notes on this short.
3. The Raven- This is an animated take on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story. The basic animation is quite effective and visually powerful, this is one of the better shorts on this release, to be sure. Also included are the original German narration, director’s commentary, storyboards, and production notes.
Documentary
1. Alternative Head- This mini documentary is about sculptor Vladimir Metani, and how his work is ignored in the present. This isn’t my boat by any means but perhaps fans of this type of art will enjoy. An audio commentary track and production notes have also been included.
Experimental
1. Vertical Air- This piece fuses together the music of Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith and the images of Robert Fenz. This is another decent but unmemorable short, but it is worth watching once. Extras include an interview with the musician and production notes.
Spoken Word
1. Backstage With Heather Woodbury- This is basically an interview with novelist Woodbury, who has an awful lot to say. I found this to be humorous but I doubt I will look for more of her work in the future. You’ll find a bonus excerpt of Woodbury’s act and some production notes.
Video: How does it look?
The shorts are all presented in their original aspect ratios, from 1.85:1 widescreen to full frame. The overall quality is quite good though it varies between the shorts. The colors seem bright when they must be and reserved when needed. Suffice it to say these shorts look better than ever and are as they were intended to appear.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio formats used vary from short to short, but they all sound solid and acceptable. Some sound better than others, especially the ones with Dolby Digital tracks of course. So while the sound might not blow you away with these shorts, you will hear it all loud and clear.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Aside from the extras listed in the individual segments, trailers for The Big Tease and The Whole Nine Yards are included.
