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A decades-long friendship drives an architect and a bio-medical scientist to make the weirdest music you've ever heard in your life. And thanks to the Internet, they're more popular than ever. The documentary 23rd Century Giants follows the musical careers of mild-mannered Brits Brian Poole and David Janssen, aka Renaldo & the Loaf, whose sonic experimentation with tape loops, household objects and repurposed musical instruments alike gave them a unique electronic sound that would inspire generations of adventurous music lovers for decades From childhood friendship, to landing a deal with the record company of their wildest dreams, then not speaking for 20 years only to reunite to world-wide cult status, this definitive history of the band features interviews with the avant-garde duo themselves, and virtually every key figure in their musical lives, unseen photos, unheard music and comedic cutout animations. This touching story of the power of friendship and creativity will have even reluctant listeners eager to hear what Renaldo & the Loaf come up with next.

Media

Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• 25 minutes of extended interviews and deleted scenes
• 1981 Ralph Records 'Songs for Swinging Larvae' promo film, remastered in HD from the original 16mm source.
• Renaldo & The Loaf's 'Backwards Film Study #1' 8mm film
• Music videos for 'A Convivial Ode' and 'Optimism'

Sales Points

• For collectors of The Residents, Snakefinger, or anything Ralph Records!
• Comparable to documentaries like The Sparks Brothers, Zappa, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, and 20 Feet from Stardom -- stories that celebrate rabid creativity and an enduring passion for music.
• Fans of eccentric music acts like The Residents, Captain Beefhart, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and Tyrannosaurus Rex will find plenty to enjoy as the film's soundtrack covers Renaldo and the Loaf's decades of musical output.

Press Quotes

This touching story of the power of friendship and creativity will have even reluctant listeners eager to hear what Renaldo & the Loaf come up with next, and send them down the rabbit hole of exploring their singular catalog. Essential for any curious fan of eccentric and unconventional music.  

     —Ken, MC Bastard's Mausoleum

Over 50 minutes of bonus materials are included in MVD’s Blu-Ray along with a 1080p (1.78) transfer and 2.0 PCM stereo sound.

     —Andre Dursin, Andy Film

As such, the film stands as an inspiration for musical oddballs everywhere that one day, their story might be told too.

     —On Screen Films And DVDs

In conclusion, 23rd Century Giants is a well made & wholly fascinating documentary, focusing on one of the Uk’s quirkier creative sonic duos.

     —Musique Machine

This documentary explores the band’s career and music, and it is predictably offbeat. Interesting stuff, for sure.

     —Mike Spring, Live For Film

This documentary explores the band’s career and music, and it is predictably offbeat. Interesting stuff, for sure.

     —Mike Spring, Comic Watch