Brand Upon the Brain! (Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Brand Upon the Brain! from the Criterion Collection is a silent, black-and-white comic science-fiction nightmare set on a remote island. This DVD edition is presented as a one-disc release with optional narration tracks and several listed extras, making it a fit for viewers drawn to Guy Maddin’s experimental style and film supplements.

At a glance

Silent black-and-white comic science-fiction story set in a lighthouse on Notch Island.
Listing describes optional narration tracks by Isabella Rossellini, Laurie Anderson, John Ashbery, Crispin Glover, Guy Maddin, Louis Negrin and Eli Wallach.
Listed extras include a making-of documentary, two short films, a deleted scene and a trailer.
A new essay by film critic Dennis Lim is also listed.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Multiple optional narrators offer different ways to experience a film originally presented with live narration.
The listed documentary, shorts, deleted scene, trailer and essay give film enthusiasts additional material beyond the feature.

Cons

The feature is explicitly described as silent and uses an unusual, surreal comic-horror approach, which may not suit viewers seeking conventional dialogue-driven storytelling.

Technical specifications

13 specifications

Format and release
Media format	Anamorphic, Black & White, Dolby, HiFi Sound, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Silent, Surround Sound, THX, Widescreen
Aspect ratio	1.85:1
Language	English
Runtime	1 hour and 39 minutes
Number of discs	1
Release date	August 12, 2008
Studio	Criterion Collection
Item model number	1761
Rating	Unrated (Not Rated)
Genre	Documentary

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.2 ounces

Cast and contributors
Actors	Clayton Corzatte, Erik Steffen Maahs, Gretchen Lee Krich, Maya Lawson, Sullivan Brown
Contributors	Clayton Corzatte, Erik Steffen Maahs, Gretchen Lee Krich, Katherine E. Scharhon, Maya Lawson, Sullivan Brown, Todd Jefferson Moore See more

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing describes the film as silent while also specifying English language and multiple audio formats. It also calls the genre Documentary, while the description presents a fictionalized comic science-fiction nightmare. Confirm the edition and its audio options against the selected listing if these details matter.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in Guy Maddin’s experimental, black-and-white filmmaking.
Criterion collectors who want listed supplementary films and a making-of feature.
Buyers interested in alternative narration tracks for a silent-film presentation.

Less suited to

Viewers looking specifically for a conventional documentary or a dialogue-led feature.
Buyers who require a high-definition or Blu-ray edition, as this listing is for DVD.

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Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 33 ratings

5 stars74%74%
4 stars12%12%
3 stars14%14%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Aggregate ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the five-star category, but a notable share are three-star ratings. Without individual review comments, the figures do not establish which aspects viewers liked or disliked. They offer only a cautious indication of overall reception, not a guide to whether Maddin’s surreal silent-film style will suit you.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of film is Brand Upon the Brain!?

The listing describes a silent, black-and-white comic science-fiction nightmare set on Notch Island, while its genre field says Documentary. That distinction is worth checking if you are choosing by genre.

What extras are listed for this DVD?

The listing names a making-of documentary, two short films, a deleted scene, a trailer and a new essay by Dennis Lim.

Does it include narration?

The feature is described as silent, and the listing says optional narration tracks are included for several named narrators. The listing also gives broad audio-format labels, so check the selected edition if audio configuration is important.

How long is the film?

The listed runtime is 1 hour and 39 minutes.

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