Already on DVD, Rushmore is being released on Blu-ray today as part of the Criterion Collection.  From director Wes Anderson, the film follows Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) an overachieving high schooler who develops a crush on an elementary school teacher (Olivia Williams) and befriends a wealthy industrialist (Bill Murray), after he is put on academic probation.  Originally released on 1998, Rushmore is a great film filled with humour and heartache, that has deservedly gained classic status over the years.

As was the case with last year’s Criterion Collection release of The Darjeeling Limited, the film looks spectacular on Blu-ray.  Wes Anderson is a director who frames every shot brilliantly, creating a perfect marriage of lighting and dialogue that is unforgettable for the viewer.  His characters are fully realized, with their eccentricities perfectly played out in believable ways.  If you are a fan of Rushmore, then the Criterion Blu-ray is worth having in your collection.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman and co-writer Owen Wilson, as well as numerous “behind the scenes” featurettes and promotional material.  In the package is a fold-out map of Max Fischer’s world, which is a great collectible for fans of the film.

Rushmore is 93 minutes and rated 14A.

-John C.