Posted Mon Jul 16, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by Tom Landy
Some things are better left buried when the acclaimed dramatic thriller is uncovered on Blu-ray in July.
In an early announcement to retailers, Cinema Libre will release 'Heaven Strewn' on Blu-ray on July 31.
When two friends take a road trip to the desert in search of meteorites they end up with more than they bargained for and something far more valuable. Consequently, they soon learn that what you find in the desert may not be yours. Written, directed and produced by Jeremiah Gurzi and shot on 16mm Eastman Kodak motion picture film stock with anamorphic prime lenses, 'Heaven Strewn' is a dramatic, thriller with unexpected surprises.
Great performances and authentic dialogue drive this bravura first feature film by Jeremiah Gurzi, who is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Gurzi received the coveted 2010 Panavision first time filmmaker grant package and support from the Eastman Kodak Company for 'Heaven Strewn.' With years of television lighting experience under his belt, Gurzi’s eye for visual aesthetics have been enhanced by his decision to film completely in 16mm with custom anamorphic lenses built exclusively for the project by Panavision. After the project wrapped Panavision dismantled the lenses making this film one of a kind. Gurzi says that “it was important for me to shoot on this format to gain a more natural and organic picture. I hope that with a slightly muted color palette it would accent performance, enhance narrative and hopefully lend itself toward an experience viewers could enjoy. The inherent artistry and skill set associated with exposing film stock is an art form entirely of itself and one that complimented 'Heaven Strewn' harmoniously.” However, after a year of prep, the original director of photography had to resign from the project just three weeks before the shoot, fortunately David Myrick was able to step in.
Gurzi’s inspiration for 'Heaven Strewn' stems from his upbringing in Nevada and his circle of friends who experimented with drugs and alcohol, which later turned into substance abuse problems for some. Combining his fascination of societal outcasts and behavioral traits, 'Heaven Strewn' became an exploration of the emotional characteristics of two such individuals. “It may be the result of me questioning the idealistic notion that complacent patriotism within the fabric of our society can positively effect and shape change. Maybe this curiosity is rooted in my own developmental insecurities or just intrinsically imbedded within my subconscious psyche as a human being. Regardless of its analytical or psychological origins, the fact is these folks have helped shape and mold our planet. These are the pioneers of yesterday’s industrial revolution and the promise of tomorrow's spiritual evolution,” says Gurzi.
Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, photo gallery, and the official trailer.
Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.95.
You can find the latest specs for 'Heaven Strewn' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 31.
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