A Poem Is a Naked Person: Criterion Collection DVD

A Poem Is a Naked Person is a Criterion Collection documentary about musician Leon Russell, filmed by Les Blank between 1972 and 1974. The film combines concert and studio performances with informal behind-the-scenes scenes, and this DVD edition lists a restored 2K digital transfer and additional interviews and archival material.

At a glance

Free-form documentary filmed at Leon Russell’s recording studio and around his musical world in northeast Oklahoma.
Includes performances by Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and George Jones, alongside informal behind-the-scenes material.
The DVD listing describes a restored 2K digital transfer and new interviews, plus behind-the-scenes footage, trailers and an essay.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Mixes concert and studio performances with off-the-cuff footage, offering more than a conventional concert film.
The listed interviews and behind-the-scenes material add context for viewers interested in the film’s production and era.
Includes performances by Willie Nelson and George Jones as well as Leon Russell.

Cons

The film’s loose documentary approach may not suit viewers seeking a music-focused concert programme throughout.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Film and disc
Format	NTSC
Runtime	1 hour and 30 minutes
Language	English
Rating	NR (Not Rated)
Number of discs	1
Release date	March 29, 2016

Credits
Director	Les Blank
Contributors	George Jones, Leon Russell, Les Blank, Willie Nelson
Actors	George Jones, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson
Genre	Music Video & Concerts, Rock
Studio	Criterion Collection (Direct)

Edition features
Transfer	New, restored 2K digital transfer, supervised by executive producer Harrod Blank
Additional features	New interviews with Harrod Blank, musician Leon Russell, assistant editor Maureen Gosling, and artist Jim Franklin

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.04 ounces

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Leon Russell fans and viewers interested in music documentaries from the early 1970s.
Collectors seeking Les Blank’s documentary alongside interviews and other edition extras.

Less suited to

Viewers who want continuous musical performances rather than a mix of music and observational documentary footage.

A Poem Is a Naked Person: Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 105 ratings

5 stars79%79%
4 stars10%10%
3 stars5%5%
2 stars3%3%
1 star3%3%

Customer feedback describes the documentary as enjoyable and valuable as a retrospective glimpse of the early 1970s, with particular appeal for Leon Russell fans. Reactions to the amount of music are mixed, so buyers seeking a continuous performance programme may find its documentary passages less engaging. The listing describes a blend of performances and informal footage, consistent with that distinction.

Positive themes

Customers report enjoyment and retrospective value, including interest as a time capsule of the early 1970s.

Mixed feedback

Feedback on the music content is mixed, with a reported concern that the amount of music may not hold every viewer’s attention.

Frequently asked questions

What is A Poem Is a Naked Person about?

It is a free-form documentary portrait of Leon Russell, filmed between 1972 and 1974, combining performances with studio, backstage and other informal scenes.

Who appears in the film?

The listing names Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and George Jones among the performers and actors.

What extras are listed for this DVD edition?

The edition lists interviews, behind-the-scenes material, trailers and an essay by critic Kent Jones. The listing also describes a restored 2K digital transfer.

Is this a concert film?

It includes concert and studio performances, but also contains observational and behind-the-scenes material, so it is not presented as uninterrupted concert footage.