Glitterbug on DVD

Jarman receiving his beloved Nizo, DVD cover (inset)

Derek Jarman was an outstanding artist and filmmaker, and a major influence on subsequent creative generations in the UK. Jarman died in 1994 after a long battle with AIDS, leaving a huge body of work including a large volume of Super 8 films of which some were narrative, others experimental, and many personal.

Artifical Eye have just released Jarman's seminal experimental film 'Blue' a courageous and personal testimony about his experiences with AIDS and the DVD also includes Jarman's previously hard to find Super 8 collage 'Glitterbug'.

With a soundtrack by Brain Eno, 'Glitterbug' is a 53 minute montage of experts from his vast Super 8 collection filmed from 1970 to 1986, featuring snippets of his home, friends, 1970's London as well as on set glimpses of film productions, fashion shows and gigs.

The film is a fascinating glimpse into Jarman's life and the eagle eyed will spot such luminaries as Psychic TV, Adam Ant and Toyah Willcox amongst the numerous filmic portraits. Any Jarman Super 8 film would not be complete without his muse, Tilda Swinton, who features heavily towards the latter half of this very personal piece.

It's the brilliant Eno soundtrack brings this collection to life, coupled with the excellent telecine, that in concert portray the long lost world of one of Britain's most important artists.

Blue and Glitterbug is available on Articial Eye as a PAL DVD