Old Joy 12/19 Blu-ray (Rental)

Two old friends reunite for a quietly revelatory overnight camping trip in Kelly Reichardt’s breakout feature, a microbudget study of character and masculinity that introduced many viewers to one of contemporary American cinema’s most independent artists. As they drive from Portland into the woods in search of a secluded hot spring, expectant father Mark (Daniel London) and nomadic Kurt (Will Oldham) make fumbling attempts to reconnect, butting up against the limits of their friendship and coming to grips with just how much their paths have diverged since their shared youth. Adapted from a short story by Jonathan Raymond and accompanied by an atmospheric Yo La Tengo score, Old Joy is a contemplative, wryly observed triumph whose modest scale belies the richness of its insight. DIRECTOR-APPROVED BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • New 2K digital restoration, approved by director Kelly Reichardt and cinematographer Peter Sillen, with uncompressed stereo soundtrack • New interviews with Reichardt, Sillen, and author Jonathan Raymond • New conversation between actors Daniel London and Will Oldham • Trailer • PLUS: An essay by film critic Ed Halter and the short story by Raymond on which the film is based