HAIR HIGH
2004 • Plymptoons • 78 min.
Legendary animator Bill Plympton (The Tune, Mutant Aliens) delivers a wildly energetic tribute to 1950s teen romance in this animated musical comedy.
At Echo Lake High School, star quarterback Rod (voiced by Dermot Mulroney) and head cheerleader Cherri (voiced by Sarah Silverman) reign as the undisputed king and queen of campus. When awkward newcomer Spud (Eric Gilliland) arrives on his scooter, he quickly finds himself clashing with Rod while forming an unexpected connection with Cherri.
Packed with Plympton’s signature surreal humor, the film features exaggerated character designs, strange visual gags, and playful send-ups of classic drive-in movies like The Brain Eaters. Gravity-defying hairstyles, outrageous school spirit, and animated chaos combine in this musical homage to films such as Rebel Without a Cause, Grease, Hairspray, and Bye Bye Birdie.
Featuring an outstanding voice cast including Beverly D’Angelo, Martha Plimpton, Keith Carradine, Tom Noonan, Justin Long, Ed Begley Jr., and David Carradine, along with appearances by fellow animators Matt Groening and Don Hertzfeldt. The film also features a lively score by longtime Plympton collaborators Maureen McElheron, Hank Bones, and Corey Allen Jackson.
And remember: today’s lunch is Sloppy Joes and creamed corn.
Special Features
• First-ever U.S. Blu-ray release
• Two Bill Plympton animated shorts
• Shuteye Hotel (2007, 7 min.)
• Horn Dog (2009, 5 min.)
• New video interview with Bill Plympton and composer Maureen McElheron, moderated by Dennis Bartok (Deaf Crocodile)
• New visual essay examining themes and animation style in Hair High by film critic Celeste de la Cabra
• New commentary track with Adam Rackoff, James Hancock, and Martin Kessler
• 2004 commentary track by Bill Plympton
• 2004 “Scene Breakdown” feature
• Footage from the Hair High premiere in Portland
• Voiceover sessions with Sarah Silverman and Ed Begley Jr.
• “Ani-Cam” – time-lapse of Bill Plympton’s animation table during production
• Blu-ray authoring by Vital Passenger
• New artwork by Beth Morris
Deluxe Edition Bonus Content
• Hard slipcase featuring new artwork by Bill Plympton
• 60-page illustrated booklet
• New essay by longtime Plympton collaborator John Holderried
• New essay by film critic Walter Chaw
Limited Edition of 1750 units
