The Boys Are Coming Home

Controversial is right. William Friedkin's film version of Mart Crowley's seminal play The Boys in the Band has endured a lot of criticism over the years, somewhat unfairly in my opinion. Sure, it's dated and stage bound, but it also offers a time capsule look at an era and culture rarely seen on film, even now.

As it has been out of print on home video for years and rarely plays on television, most people haven't even seen it, which could explain why its bad reputation is so enduring. However, that is about to change, as The Boys in the Band is finally being released on DVD this fall.

And it sounds like it will have been worth the wait. In addition to a restored print, bonus features promised include three documentaries on the creation of the play, the making of the film and the legacy of both. Participants in the new material include Friedkin (who provides an audio commentary), Crowley, playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and cast members Laurence Luckinbill and Peter White. It is not clear if the original trailer will be included, but you can watch that right here.

The Boys in the Band will be released on DVD November 11. Click here to pre-orderit from Amazon.com.