A Gritty Dive Into New York’s Sub Culture

Read Time:3 Minute, 53 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Mondo New York (2-Disc Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray + CD]
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Genre: Documentary, Music
Year Released: 1988, 2023 MVD Rewind Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Harvey Keith
Writer(s): Harvey Keith, David Silver
Cast: Joey Arias, Rick Aviles, Joe Coleman, Emilio Cubeiro, Karen Finley, Dean Johnson, Phoebe Legere, Lydia Lunch
Where To Watch: available December 19, 2023; pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: This will be one of those films you immediately connect with or one that you just don’t understand. I feel like I genuinely fell somewhere in between. While the style wasn’t my cup of tea, I have a soft spot for these ground-level projects that make you feel like you’re in the film. With MONDO NEW YORK, we get a vivid visual and auditory journey to the heart of New York City's underground art scene. A visual spectacle restored in 2K HD, it's a time capsule capturing the raw energy and unbridled spirit of the late 1980s. It's a narrative that weaves through the city's cultural fabric, showcasing an era where avant-garde wasn't just a concept but a way of living, a vibrant movement.

MONDO NEW YORK, is a peak through the keyhole into the pulsating underground culture of New York City. Under the direction of Harvey Keith, the film brings to life the city's unapologetic and bold cultural terrain. At the outset, MONDO NEW YORK greets us with an unforgettable opening scene. Lydia Lunch, silhouetted against New York's iconic skyline, sets the stage for a compelling journey through a world inhabited by dreamers, rebels, and misfits. This opening is a bold statement of the film's intent to explore and push boundaries.

One of the film's most striking features is its raw portrayal of New York's artistic heartbeat. The film takes risks as it delves into the lesser-seen subcultures of the city, including BDSM clubs and voodoo rituals. These segments offer an objective look at facets of New York life that often go unnoticed in mainstream media.

Guiding the audience through this vibrant and sometimes challenging landscape is the enigmatic Shannah Laumeister, portraying a nameless blonde whose silent journey sharply contrasts with the exuberant characters she meets. Her presence in the film adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Then there's the soundtrack, a pivotal character in its own right, curated by Johnny Pacheco. This eclectic blend of genres mirrors the film's diverse range of performances and experiences, adding an immersive quality to the viewing experience. The fact that in 2023, we got a CD soundtrack with a film made my day; this experience allowed you to feel the movie while listening.

MONDO NEW YORK stimulates thought and reflection on the essence of art, fame, and the human condition. The film leaves a lasting impact, sparking discussions about society and the role of artists in challenging and reshaping them. For enthusiasts of the raw, unfiltered expression of New York's 1980s art scene, MONDO NEW YORK stands as a cult classic. Its release on Blu-ray invites a new audience to connect with this influential film, cementing its status as a thought-provoking piece of cinema history.

MONDO NEW YORK is a compelling watch for anyone intrigued by the history of New York's underground culture. This film is a testament to the city's resilient spirit and the bold artists who dared to defy conventions, altering the cultural landscape of an iconic city. Capturing the spirit of an era with authenticity and passion, MONDO NEW YORK is a significant and enriching addition to documentary cinema.

Bonus Materials
– Brand new 2K HD transfer from the original camera negative presented in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
– Optional English Subtitles
– Interview with Joe Coleman (HD, 49:33)
– Interview with Joey Arias (HD, 49:48)
– Interview with Shannah Laumeister (HD, 36:16)
– Interview with producer Stuart Shapiro (HD, 27:20)
– Photo Gallery
– Soundtrack CD
– 18-Page Booklet
– Reversible Artwork
– Collectible 2-Sided Mini-Poster
– Limited Edition Slipcover

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT, MVD REWIND]