Writer/director Rian Johnson has come up with a masterful way to get folks to attend a second screening of Looper in theaters, by providing an audio commentary track you can listen to while the film plays. It’s a stroke of genius that not only allows for the film to enjoy a longer theatrical run and make a little more money, but does so in a way that can add value to a second viewing beyond simply watching the film again.
The track is embedded below with a Download option and Johnson adds the following via the film’s Tumblr page:
I recorded a commentary track to be downloaded, put on an ipod and listened to in the theater as you’re watching Looper. This is an odd thing I tried with Bloom, and have gotten a few requests for it again, so here it is. It is totally different from the commentary track that will be on the Blu/DVD, a bit more technical and detailed. Needless to say, this is NOT to be listened to on a first viewing, or before you’ve seen the film. Also, please work it so that a glowing screening is never out of your pocket during the movie.
Listen to the introduction before heading to the theater, it has instructions. And lemme know how it works.
So, yes, there will be a different commentary on the DVD and Blu-ray and while this has been made for you to listen to in theaters, I would download it whether you intend to see the film in theaters or not as you can always cue it up to play with the DVD later on down the line.
Considering the amount of conversation the film has spurred around these parts (here), I would think this would only add to the fascination.
Darren Aronofsky did something similar for The Fountain when Warner Bros. would spring for an audio commentary for the Blu-ray and DVD release. However, that commentary wasn’t made until the film was on video, but it was a welcomed surprise. It’s always nice to see directors showing the appreciation they have for their work in such a way.
