Downtown 81

I love him and I wish he was still alive. Such a creative genius such a cool movie. The independent film is over 40 yrs old so it gives that early 80’s grunge feel. Definitely not HD but still cool to watch.

If you're expecting a documentary of Basquiat, you will be sorely dissapointed. If you're expecting a movie qua movie, you'll be less dissapointed, but not as much. Downtown 81 is at the very least an art film that happens to feature Basquiat, as well as the "stars" of nyc circa '79. If you have never seen films of this type you are in for a ride. Apropos of this genre, Downtown 81 is ostensibly low budget, quirky, but most of all, historical. Historical not in the sense that it is an important film, but rather historical as a document. Not since Mondo New York have i encountered a film that captures so well the feeling, mood, vibe, and color of this so very interesting period in both the underground of New York, but also the art scene. I would even add that it gives one a glimpse of life in general in what the description on the reverse of the package calls "pre-Giuliani New York"; a very different Manhatten than what we all might expect.As both a fan of Basquiat and of Schnabel's movie, I would assume the other fans of either or both will find this film quite entertaining. Otherwise, I recommend it for anyone interested in the 80's art scene, the early nyc punk/new wave scene, or those curious about the underbelly of the nyc of this period.Additionally, what makes this release so interesting and important are the extras, especially the segment from an early cable tv show featuring Basquiat during the SAMO years.All in all, not a bad bang for the buck, as well as a great addition to any cd collection of one whose curiosity has been piqued by this particular time.

because there was a fire the audio track had been lost. Most people could be found to revoice their work in the movie but since Jean Michel had died this is instead another man.., so If you are looking for the authenticity of him this isnt it. The movie itself is wild fantastic though.

What was underground New York City became overground USA in a big way since 1981. This is a true gem of a film, especially because of Basquiat's central character presence and part biographical depiction throughout. If you don't know what the 1980s art, music, literary and social scene was REALLY about, Downtown 81 will give you a very honest, clear and hilarious idea of this era as a starter.I didn't want Downtown 81 to end. I knew this art scene and totally got it as a witness that hung-out in and around the lower East side of Manhattan ("Alphabet City" and Greenwich Village) when it was still authentically funky, culturally outside the box, sometimes dangerous for the clueless, and usually creatively stimulating. Be sure to view all the extras for context --- especially the public access TV show footage which was hysterical, yet enlightening in hindsight over 30-years later. For better or worse, this area of Manhattan is relatively and culturally neutered now --- but a little safer for the clueless.

See the late, great Jean-Michel BASQUIAT *play himself [sic]* in this extraordinary film. Absolutely astounding; film made possible by renowned artists including Debbie Harry (Blondie) and others. You’ll thank them all when you see this. RIP Basquiat.

This is a film featuring many of the creative minds responsible for shaping post-Factory and post-Punk... No Wave.The various featured fashion, musical, performance and visual artists who all take center stage at pre-determined points of the film were mostly still struggling at the time of filming and famous not long after it wrapped. Basquiat aside... The long-awaited recovery and release is as (if not more) important than most anything else you'll ever read on the subject of NYC of the period. Seeing Basquiat in a very purposeful portrayal is an added bonus.

Something I think everyone who is an artist should see. If you have not ever heard about this man Basquiat is incredibly special. He dies young, but his art as SAMO and after and even before, have shaped my life, and the live of lots of others. If you enjoy graffiti, artistic documentarys, fine art, or just art, this is one that you shouldn't skip. It is a great package, and there are lots of extra features on the 2nd disc that help people REALL understand this file. Its not subtitled, its in ENGLISH, has subtitles tho.Who Killed Samo?

Initially dubious about this film, I read every Amazon review before purchasing and was pleased to find the quality and substance even better than I'd hoped. I love the movie "Basquiat" and now I'm amazed how well it portrayed the artist & his life, having now seen Downtown 81. Don't miss the Special Features, particularly the photo galleries; it was gratifying to learn than many of the talented people associated with the film have really made something of their lives. We can only wonder what more Basquiat would have achieved or how his art would have evolved if he were alive today. But at least we have his art of the '80s, and this film.

Perfect

日本語の字幕ではありません

When going through University Art School in the mid 1980s, I was seriously warned off studying this period of art 'history' as it was happening in New York. I'd personally discovered Jean Michel Basquiat in a US art mag (pre google and computers), and was writing essays on the New York graffiti artists of the metro. Warhol was also forbidden territory by the Art Elite educator of the time. I'm now studying the collapse of the Art Industry over the last 30 years, and the absence of tuition of Art History and Art Theory in modern Art Schools, partly due to the behaviour of the Art Elite in New York (and London) as they manufactured (as we now understand it) yet more fake art 'history' patina, to line their own pockets, which instigated their spectacular downfall.The way the Art Elite used graffiti artists such as Basquiat (most particularly Basquiat) by taking them inside their world, merely to make profit; bled them dry then abandoned them, was appalling. It was the beginning of a huge shift in their power base. The 1980s was a pivotal point in time for the Art Industry, when it's Elitism began to crumble on many fronts. It eventually lost even it's place in the Art School curriculum. In this decade, the focus of importance shifted from the Artist to the Gallery Owner and the Collector. The Artist rose again, of course, under the umbrella of Conceptual Art, and eventually totally subsumed the Art Elite with their energy and initiative. I believe the makers of this movie captured far more than the funky New York scene of the times.This DVD package is a 30th Anniversary edition, remastered 2015, in an exquisitely designed submarine box with 2 discs, one the movie and the other chock full of bonuses. Also enclosed is a fully illustrated introductory essay on the movie..BTW.... Check out the soundtrack. David Bowie's movie "Basquiat" (1996) is also relevant.

I bought this on DVD in the early 2000s, lent it to someone, and didn't get it back.My partner's an artist and she loves Basquiat's work, so about 20 years later I bought it again so we could watch it together.It's a fascinating historical document showing New York in the early '80s – the art, fashion, and music scenes.A highlight for me was hearing the great drumming for Kid Creole and the Coconuts. I searched who the drummer was and found out it was Winston Grennan – a Jamaican session drummer who worked for Studio One, Treasure Isle, and many other studios in JA, then moved to the US and worked with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, and Herbie Hancock.Even more interesting to find out that Winston Grennan was the creator of the 'one-drop' rhythm.To top it off, the main piece of music used throughout the film is amazing – 'Drum Mode' by Basquiat's band, Gray.If you're into JM Basquiat's work and you like early '80s experimental music, buy this film! I'd also recommend buying the soundtrack CD as well ...

Fantastic expose of a cultural change in full swing. Basquiat et al on form and leading the way from downtown across the world. A must see.