Thursday, July 14, 2005


Scene from "The Committee"

Little-Seen Brit Avant
Garde Film on DVD

Eclectic DVD and Basho Records have released The Committee for US distribution on DVD, which marks the first time the film will be seen since its 1968 film debut.

The Committee, starring Paul Jones (seen below in his wedding photo) of Manfred Mann fame, is a unique and controversial document of Britain in the 1960s. Avoiding easy answers, The Committee uses a surreal murder to explore the tension and conflict between bureaucracy on one side, and individual freedom on the other. Unlike many films of the era that vilified the state as repressive, The Committee also explores the inherent weakness of the individual. Writer and producer Max Steuer and director Peter Syke’s complex vision is presented with creative and often bizarre techniques, placing this film firmly within the 60’s psychedelic movement.

The musical score is a major element of this film. Written and performed by the Pink Floyd, the soundtrack is some of the most intellectual music Pink Floyd has ever produced, according to music writer David King. This music has never before been released on any format, and is a must for all Floyd fanatics. Also featured in the movie is Arthur Brown performing his hit Fire.

The DVD includes a CD of the Homemade Orchestra, a classical/jazz fusion group, performing the song The Committee, written by Steuer and Jones, as well as two other Homemade Orchestra tracks. The DVD also includes 50 minute interview with Steuer and Sykes who take us behind the scenes of The Committee. Oscar-winning documentary-maker Jon Blair conducts the interview and explores the fascinating and complex ideas behind the The Committee and humorously reveals the trials of making an independent film.

The Committee

Website: www.thecommitteethemovie.com

Images and Production Stills: www.thecommitteethemovie.com/gallery.htm

Hi-res cover art: www.musicvideodistributors.com/images/300dpi/edd02056.jpg

Item# EDD02056

UPC# 022891205692

Street Date 9/13/2005

Prebook 8/9/2005

Running time 58 Minutes

Audio 5.1

Retail $24.95

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