Dick Johnson Is Dead: The Criterion Collection DVD

Dick Johnson Is Dead from The Criterion Collection is a DVD documentary by Kirsten Johnson about mortality, grief, and her relationship with her father as he faces dementia. Its darkly comic staged scenarios are interwoven with documentary footage, and the listed special edition includes several filmmaker and crew extras.

At a glance

Combines staged, darkly comic imaginings of possible deaths with vérité footage of Johnson and her father.
Special-edition features include commentary, filmmaker conversations, a sound-designer interview, and a program about documentary filmmaking.
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing and English descriptive audio are listed.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The extras offer several ways to explore the film's production, including commentary and conversations with the director and collaborators.
Its blend of staged sequences and intimate documentary footage gives the film a distinctive approach to mortality and family.

Technical specifications

10 specifications

Disc and release
Format	DVD, NTSC
Language	English
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Number of discs	1
Release date	January 25, 2022
Director	Johnson, Kirsten

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	7.87 x 5.91 x 0.79 inches; 2.72 ounces

Listed special features
Image	New 2K digital master, approved by director Kirsten Johnson
Additional program	New program featuring Johnson in conversation with fellow filmmakers about redefining what a documentary can be
Other listed features	Trailer. English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. English descriptive audio. PLUS: An essay by author So Mayer

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in documentaries about family, aging, grief, and mortality.
Criterion Collection viewers who want a DVD with filmmaker and crew extras.

Less suited to

Buyers seeking a Blu-ray or another higher-definition disc format rather than DVD.

Dick Johnson Is Dead: The Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 14 ratings

5 stars78%78%
4 stars0%0%
3 stars0%0%
2 stars22%22%
1 star0%0%

The supplied aggregate ratings are generally favorable, with most ratings in the five-star category, but a substantial minority are two-star. With a small rating pool and no review comments provided, the figures do not establish why opinions differ or how the DVD's presentation and extras are received.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dick Johnson Is Dead about?

It follows director Kirsten Johnson and her father, Dick, as she confronts his dementia and their relationship through documentary footage and imaginative staged scenarios about mortality.

What special features are listed on this DVD?

The listing describes a director-approved 2K digital master, commentary, conversations with filmmakers and crew, a sound-designer interview, a documentary-focused program, a trailer, English accessibility features, and an essay by So Mayer.

Is this the Blu-ray edition?

No. This listing identifies the product as a DVD in NTSC format.