Basquiat Blu-Ray

Julian Schnabel's tribute to his friend and fellow painter Jean-Michel Basquiat is less a conventional biopic than an impressionistic, sensual immersion into the mythical art world of downtown Manhattan in the 1980s. Jeffrey Wright, in his first leading role in a film, plays the visionary artist whose rise from graffiti artist to art star forces him to confront sudden fame, racism, his own struggle with addiction, and the difficulties of being self-determined and free in the United States. Schnabel's directorial debut—presented here in the filmmaker's own brilliant black-and-white remastering—is supported by an ensemble cast that includes a sublime performance by David Bowie channeling Andy Warhol, and is a deeply expressive elegy for a brilliant life that was cut too short.

New 4K digital restoration of the black-and-white version of the film from 2024, supervised and approved by director Julian Schnabel, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack

Blu-ray with the film and special features

Audio commentary with Schnabel and writer and curator Giulia D'Agnolo Vallan

New 4K digital restoration of the 1996 theatrical version

New interview with actor Jeffrey Wright

1996 interview with Schnabel and actor David Bowie

Trailer for the film

English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

PLUS: An essay by film scholar Roger Durling

New cover by Julian Schnabel