Blu-ray
The 1.78:1 widescreen transfer of Searching for Sugarman is mastered at 1080p. The resolution and colors are all up to par. The documentary uses old video materials and photographs, newly shot footage as well as some animation sequences, all of which are done nicely, contrasting and enriching each other. The English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is done beautifully, which is important for a movie where songs play such a huge part. The music by Rodriguez sounds powerful and rich, the songs are really potential hits and will be with you the next morning. The numerous interviews are clear and easily discernible (despite the different aspects of the talking heads) which makes the whole experience really enjoyable. Closed captioning is in English; subtitles are in English and French.
Extras
The extras include a full-length audio commentary with director Bendjelloul and Rodriguez, who mostly focus on production stages and crucial decisions made during the filming but also features Rodriguez present his point of view on the story.
"Making Sugar Man," is a 30-minute documentary that discusses production issues in more detail and "An Evening with Malik Bendjelloul and Rodriguez" is a 11-minute interview with the director and star of the doc.
There is a theatrical trailer as well, plus a flyer advertising the Searching for Sugarman soundtrack (which is amazing, BTW).
All in all, this is a great package for all music aficionados and newly found fans of Rodriguez. I personally couldn’t get enough of this musician, such a different figure in the world of ‘me me me’ celebrities.
Verdict: Searching for Sugarman is a must-see documentary about a unique individual who manages to soar above the mundane with an ease of an eagle. The soundtrack, that is not only beautiful and inspiring but also timely and relevant in the post-depression America, is an added bonus.
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Article comments
1 - mundo_music
I completely agree... this documentary not only made me appreciate the struggles of a singer/songwriter (as i try to be). But it open up my ears to a new sound in Rodriguez two albums. His lyrics were beyond his time. "Crucify your Mind" and "Climb Up on my Music" are my favorites.
2 - Sviatlana Piatakova
Yes, Rodriguez is such a talented poet and singer. Thanks for sharing!