Robert Altman Short Cuts Criterion Collection DVD

Robert Altman’s 1993 film Short Cuts is based on a screenplay which Robert Altman co-wrote with Frank Barhydt. It was Raymond Carver’s poem and nine short stories that inspired this film albeit the change of Carver’s novel Pacific Northwest backdrop to contemporary Los Angeles setting in this film. The film tells the story of twenty two main characters who seek the meaning of life and solace. How fate and luck intervene in their search. In this vivid adaptation of Raymond Carver short stories not only it was meticulously directed by Robert Altman but also the ensemble cast (won Golden Globe award for best ensemble) deliver fearless performances. Aside from winning the Golden Globe Best Ensemble, Robert Altman Short Cuts other accolades include winning the prestigious Golden Lion and Volpi Cup for Best Ensemble Cast at Venice Film Festival, Academy Award nomination for Best Director and Golden Globe nomination for Best Screenplay.

Editor Geraldine Peroni supervised and Director Robert Altman approved this new high definition digital transfer from a 35mm interpositive struck from the original super 35mm camera negative. MTI Digital Restoration System was utilized to remove scratches, dirt and debris. The soundtrack of this Robert Altman Short Cuts Criterion Collection DVD was mastered at 24-bit from a 35 mm optical track print, and to reduce hiss, clicks, pops and crackle audio restoration tools were used. The transfer is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and with total running time of 183 minutes.

Special features on this Robert Altman Short Cuts Criterion Collection DVD are:

• High definition digital transfer restoration supervised by Editor Geraldine Peroni and approved by Director Robert Altman


• Special Edition Double Disc features approved by Director Robert Altman


• Isolated music track


• Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound soundtrack


• English subtitle for the deaf and hearing impaired


• Video conversation between Actor Tim Robbins and Director Robert Altman


• Feature-length documentary on the making of Short Cuts; Luck, Trust and Ketchup: Robert Altman in Carver Country


• PBS documentary on the life of Raymond Carver; To Write and Keep Kind


• The development of the screenplay; Segment from BBC Television’s Moving Pictures


• Audio interview with Carver, conducted for the American Audio Prose Library (Length one hour and recorded in 1983)


• Original demo recordings of the Doc Pomus–Mac Rebennack songs (performed by Dr. John)


• Film critic Michael Wilmington’s essay


• Inside look on the marketing of Short Cuts


• Deleted Scenes

Robert Altman Short Cuts feature film credits:

Director - Robert Altman
Producer - Cary Brokaw
Screenplay - Robert Altman and Frank Barhydt
Executive Producer - Scott Bushnell
Director of Photography - Walt Lloyd
Editor - Geraldine Peroni
Production Designer - Stephen Altman
Costumes - John Hay
Original Score - Mark Isham
Music Producer - Hal Willner
Associate Producers - Mike Kaplan and David Levy
Based on Raymond Carver writings

Robert Altman Short Cuts feature film cast:

Ann Finnigan - Andie MacDowell
Howard Finnigan - Bruce Davison
Paul Finnigan - Jack Lemmon
Casey Finnigan - Zane Cassidy
Marian Wyman - Julianne Moore
Dr. Ralph Wyman - Matthew Modine
Claire Kane - Anne Archer
Stuart Kane - Fred Ward
Lois Kaiser - Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jerry Kaiser - Chris Penn
Honey Bush - Lili Taylor
Bill Bush - Robert Downey Jr
Sherri Shepard - Madeleine Stowe
Gene Shepard - Tim Robbins
Doreen Piggot - Lily Tomlin
Earl Piggot - Tom Waits
Betty Weathers - Frances McDormand
Stormy Weathers - Peter Gallagher
Chad Weathers - Jarrett Lennon
Tess Trainer - Annie Ross
Zoe Trainer - Lori Singer
Andy Bitkower - Lyle Lovett
Gordon Johnson - Buck Henry
Vern Miller - Huey Lewis
Aubrey Bell - Danny Darst