Clerk, the buzzy new documentary about iconic indie filmmaker Kevin Smith, is getting an unconventional release befitting its renegade subject. Director Malcolm Ingram has launched his own distribution company, Mercantile Instinct, and is self-releasing Clerk on limited edition VHS and packed Blu-Ray on September 26.
True to his roots, Ingram is bypassing traditional studios to get this loving retrospective directly into the hands of Smith’s legions of diehard fans. Pre-sales are now open exclusively via Mercantile Instinct’s website, where you can pre-order the Clerk Blu-Ray for $34.95 or a special signed edition for $49.95.
For Smith devotees, this Blu-Ray is essential viewing. It traces his explosive rise from micro-budget Sundance sensation Clerks to his current status as podcasting mogul/outspoken Hollywood outsider. The release boasts a treasure trove of bonus content, including:
- Brand new commentary from Kevin Smith and Malcolm Ingram
- Extended interviews with icons like Stan Lee and Jason Reitman
- Inside stories on Smith’s unique career from celeb fans
- An alternate ending and immersive making-of documentary
Clerk also marks an ambitious new chapter for Ingram. The veteran filmmaker explains, “Distribution is a mess. A recent situation motivated me to take control of my movies’ fates. Growing up in video stores, I love physical media.”
Smith enthusiastically endorses his DIY approach, saying, “Mercantile Instinct is what every storyteller needs to get their work directly to fans.” After Clerk, Ingram plans releases of his acclaimed docs Continental and Phantom of Winnipeg.
For the full Clerk experience, pre-order now before the wider September 26 release. This loving celebration of Smith’s irreverent career is a must for View Askewniverse fans.
