Cinedigm and Drafthouse Films have officially detailed the Blu-ray release of director Ari Folman's
The Congress (2013). The film stars Robin Wright, Danny Huston, Harvey Keitel, Paul Giamatti, Jon Hamm and Kodi Smit-McPhee, and arrives on Blu-ray on December 2nd.
Synopsis: More than two decades after catapulting to stardom with
The Princess Bride, an aging actress (Robin Wright, playing a version of herself) decides to take her final job: preserving her digital likeness for a future Hollywood. Through a deal brokered by her loyal, longtime agent (Harvey Keitel) and the head of Miramount Studios (Danny Huston), her alias will be controlled by the studio, and will star in any film they want with no restrictions. In return, she receives healthy compensation so she can care for her ailing son and her digitized character will stay forever young.
Twenty years later, under the creative vision of the studio's head animator (Jon Hamm), Wright's digital double rises to immortal stardom. With her contract expiring, she is invited to take part in "The Congress" convention as she makes her comeback straight into the world of future fantasy cinema.
Inspired by the great novelist Stanislaw Lem's "The Futurological Congress," writer-director Ari Folman (
Waltz With Bashir) depicts a world in which humanity itself has become a product of the all-powerful corporate state. Also starring in this powerful and indelible film are Paul Giamatti, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Sami Gayle.
Todd Gilchrist of Geeknation called The Congress "A magnificent triumph...combines animation and live action to amplify [Robin Wright's] fearless performance." Robert Levin of amNewYork described it as "a one-of-a-kind vision of the way we live now and a warning shot across the bow of a society slowly submerging itself in technology." Anders Wright of the San Diego Union-Tribune said, "Folman has so much to say, and he does it in ways that are smart and beautiful, creating a work that evokes intense emotions that are, at times, difficult to define."
The Blu-ray release of
The Congress is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. Special features include:
- Commentary track featuring director Ari Folman
- Interview with star Robin Wright
- 12-page booklet
- Theatrical trailer
- Promotional spot
- Digital download of the film