Film preservation organization Film Media announced today it has completed restoration on writer-actor Duane Whitaker’s 1998 debut feature Together and Alone and confirmed October 9, 2018 as the release date for the HD Digital Encode and On-Demand Blu-ray.
TOGETHER AND ALONE Blu-Ray available at AlternativeCinema.com
A darkly comic look at the lives of Hollywood hopefuls, Together and Alone was called a “low budget ensemble gem” by the American Cinematheque during its initial limited theatrical release and has been long sought-after by fans of gritty independent ‘90s dramas such as Coffee and Cigarettes and Clerks. Helmed by Texas native Whitaker, best known for his role as Maynard the sadistic pawn shop owner in Pulp Fiction and who has appeared in over 75 features since his transplant to Hollywood in the ‘80s, the film features an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Daniel Roebuck (River’s Edge), Joe Unger (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Mariah O’Brien (Being John Malkovich), Stacie Randall (Trancers 4) and Casey Siemaszko (Back to the Future).
The Film Media release marks the first time Together and Alone will be widely available in North America in any format.
Synopsis:
Noted writer-actor Duane Whitaker (EDDIE PRESLEY, PULP FICTION) steps into the director’s chair with this darkly comic 1998 black-and-white “ensemble gem” (American Cinematheque) about a night in the life of Hollywood hopefuls and has-beens. Stories intertwine as the characters slog their way through dubious acting classes, bomb at stand-up and obsess over their sex lives at the local coffee shop. But don’t mistake this for THE PLAYER, this motley crew is much further down the food chain. Also starring Joe Estevez, Thomas Draper, Daniel Roebuck, Joe Unger, John Bishop, Casey Siemaszko, Tim Thomerson and Mariah O’Brien.
Film Media owner Michael Raso commented, “I started Film Media in 2016 with the aim to restore, preserve and raise awareness of obscure and outstanding examples of independent cinema shot on motion picture film. When an associate brought Together and Alone came to my attention, I jumped on the opportunity to work with writer-actor-director Duane Whitaker to restore and release his outstanding BW shot-on-film drama. There is a quiet brilliance in the bleak humor of this movie about the industry underdogs of Los Angeles, and you cannot help rooting for the characters no matter how quirky or misguided they may seem. Luckily, Duane was able to lay his hands on a robust assortment of extras including outtakes and an 8mm short “Cowboy Hippie Killer” that along with his commentary and an expansive documentary featurette really round out what I feel is an exemplary Film Media release.”
DVD Technical Specs and Extras
Run Time: 84 mins
Catalog Code: fm3225
UPC: 61238532259
SRP: $19.99
Director: Duane Whitaker
Cast: Duane Whitaker, Joe Estevez, Thomas Draper, Daniel Roebuck, Joe Unger, Sarah Bib, Mariah O’Brien, Stacie Randall and Casey Siemaszko
Format: Professionally manufactured on-demand Blu-ray, Digital
Aspect Ratio: 16×9
Extras: Theatrical Trailers, Commentary by Director Duane Whitaker, Outtakes Reel with Commentary, 8mm short “Cowboy Hippie Killer”, Documentary Featurette
