Middletown (Various, 1982)

[Oedipax]

Icarus Films has released this series of documentaries as a four-disc set:

Inspired by the studies of Robert and Helen Lynd in 1929 and 1935, this classic six-part series by Academy Award and Emmy winner Peter Davis (HEARTS AND MINDS) explores both the continuity and the change embodied in the people and institutions of one Midwestern community: Muncie, Indiana.

Of the six films, I've only seen Seventeen which just on its own pretty much requires that I buy this - a remarkable work that captures an intimiate portrait of high school life in the U.S.

I was under the impression that this was relegated to institutional pricing limbo, but fortunately as of this past week it's also available for individuals. Amazon's currently got it for $29.99.

[stereo]

I watched episodes 1 & 2 (Campaign and The Big Game) last night. The films are completely compelling and so definitely worth the Amazon price (it was selling for $45 for quite awhile), but be warned: the video quality is terrible. While I'm sure this has mostly to do with source quality it looks little better than someone's VHS recording off of PBS in the early '80s. That said, I wouldn't let that stop you, esp. as I can't imagine this will get another better release anytime soon. It's still totally watchable, just don't expect any digital miracles.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

Intriguing. Are there some recommended DVD reviews of this available?

[Oedipax]

Quick and dirty screenshot comparison. Not sure I matched the same exact frame, and the VHS capture isn't mine, so there might be different compression settings and color profiles happening. But this gives you some idea of the improvement in the DVD, which I do think is noteworthy even though the film is probably always going to look technically rough due to its run-and-gun origins.