Over two decades ago, struggling actor and Oscar nominated screenwriter Bruce Robinson (The Killing Fields) unleashed his directorial debut feature upon the world – the semi-autobiographical comedy, Withnail & I. Since its release, the film has quite rightly become a cult classic, widely praised by critics and the public alike. One of the most quoted films of all time, it even spawned its own drinking game which has become nothing short of a rite of passage for college and university students everywhere. Now Anchor Bay UK is releasing Withnail & I on Blu-ray and, we are assured, it's never looked so good. We shall see.
Set in 1969, the film concerns the booze-fuelled exploits of its eponymous out of work actors, the acerbic and elegantly wasted Withnail (Richard E. Grant), and the anxiety-ridden "I" (Paul McGann). Seeking release from their frustrations, a diet of alcohol, pills and grass and the squalor of their Camden flat, they embark on a trip to the picturesque surroundings of the Lake District and a week in a cottage owned by Withnail's uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths). Almost immediately on arrival they begin to realize they have "gone on holiday by mistake" and they find their wits and their friendship are about to be tested by a lack of food and drink, the inhospitable locals, the terrible weather and the unexpected arrival of their "eccentric" benefactor.
Boasting a devine comedic script, eminently quotable dialogue and perfectly judged performances by Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann, Withnail & I ranks as one of the greatest British comedy films ever made. You can read our review of Anchor Bay's DVD release (which has the same extra features by the look of it) here.
Withnail & I will be released on UK Blu-ray disc by Anchor Bay UK on 31st August 2009 at the RRP of £19.99. The following special features have been retained from the DVD release:
- Audio Commentary by Actors Paul McGann and Ralph Brown;
- Withnail & Us Documentary;
- Original Theatrical Trailer;
- Behind the Scenes Stills by Ralph Steadman.
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