Product Details

• Actors: Daniel Johnston, Sufjan Stevens, David Garland (II), Rick Moody, Daniel Smith (XVII)
• Directors: J.L. Aronson
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Homevision
• DVD Release Date: April 10, 2007
• Run Time: 110 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000MRA58I
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,054 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Danielson - A Family Movie" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

This intimate and eloquent documentary traces the unorthodox path of Daniel Smith- eccentric musician, visual artist and devout Christian- as he creates a musical phenomenon with siblings and friends under the name Danielson Famile, eventually struggling to realize his own identity as an artist once the family members begin their own adult lives. Along the way he mentors an unknown singer-songwriter named Sufjan Stevens, whose subsequent success stands in contrast to the music world's uneasy reception of Danielson just a few years earlier. Combining hybrid storytelling, essential live performances, animated sequences and a dollop of Danielson archives, director DL Aronson offers a provocative yet subtle look at a complex life outside the mainstream.Bonus features include over 2 hours of deleted and nearly lost scenes, audio commentary by DL Aronson and Vito Aiuto, 4 music videos, trailers, TV appearances, special prizes, fun and more!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Portrayal, Excellent Documentary, February 23, 2007

By 

Mister S. Black (pacnor, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Danielson - A Family Movie (DVD)

Art and commerce, faith and culture. Danielson has seen the rift between both and the documentary bearing their name gives an intimate and honest look at how Daniel and his band of family and friends handle these difficulties. All is not conflicting, though, as Daniel has a loyal fanbase and he makes beautiful music throughout. Highly recommended to any fan of music documentaries and beautiful stories.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thoughtful take on a slippery subject, February 1, 2007

By 

S. Hawley (ny) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Danielson - A Family Movie (DVD)

When I first heard about the Danielson Family I figured it was a joke. When I saw them I wasn't sure. A family that sings about god in rock clubs- with strong songs... This artfully developed and tastefully constructed film puts it all in perspective - and in the process give the viewer room to reflect on their own lives - and their relationship to their art/religion/work.

Why do we watch documentaries? Because we want to know more about other people or more about ourselves. Successful docs help us to understand both. As we see Daniel struggle to create work, and stay in touch with his vision, as he faces the realities of family and financial pressures- over the course of many years of filming- we are able to gain insight into our own struggles- it helped me to get a sense of context about my own life and work.

In addition- the songs are great- the animation sequences are stunning- and it all flows like milk into the mouths of babes.

rock on.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Purely pure genius., June 14, 2007

By 

Swift "A Modest Proposal" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Danielson - A Family Movie (DVD)

Danielson and all things Danielson display creativity couched in belief and love for fellow man at its zenith. Listen to their music, understand that their message is unvarnished hope for all of us, regardless of who/how/what you believe.