Studio 54

I've seen a lot of documentaries on Studio 54. For the most part, they have been exercises in schadenfreude (I'm way more punk rock in my musical tastes than disco). I've always disliked Studio 54 for how it discriminated against "the common" person. This documentary, however, really humanizes Ian Schraeger. This is not a documentary of hero worship, and I appreciate how Rubell and Schraeger are portrayed, with both their talents and warts. Overall, I very well done documentary.

For me, who never (unfortunately) got to experience Studio 54, this documentary provides a unique insight into the phenomenon. Unique insights are provided in this film, particularly with contributions from surviving creator Ian Schrager. In combination with archival recordings, his and others' information, the result is thorough.

However, one thing annoyed me when I watched the documentary; the unique images from the nightclub change so quickly that it is difficult to see them properly. It's a shame, because the nightclub could show the A list of celebrities who visited the nightclub to enjoy a fantastic night on the town. It might also have been great if some of these celebrities such as Diana Ross, Grace Jones or Elton John could have contributed with why they also chose Studio 54. But in any case, a well-made documentary that provides insight and learning about the famous nightclub.

Matt Tyrnauer's fine documentary about the famed NYC Dance Club. I liked that they didn't make it simply about the "glory days" of the club (complete with wall to wall disco music; The tunes are there, but, they are tastefully integrated). It is more a portrait of club owners Steve Rebell and Ian Schrager with Studio 54 as the hook. The fact that Schrager is there to tell the story (although, he remains coy about certain details) is what elevates above other docs on the club, and it will likely remain the most definitive movie on the club for that reason.

Also, credit that it doesn't spend the bulk of its runtime covering the 'glory days' and the celebrity culture aspects (although there's plenty of both). It shows the birth of the club all the way from it's conception to the fall - and even afterwards.

P.S. Bonus points for largely respecting the Aspect Ratio of most of the vintage footage.

Fantastic documentary. A must-watch for people interested in the 1970's disco club scene.

Yet another par to sub-par doc on what is incredibly interesting material; didn't say much more than I already knew; better than the terrible '54' with Mike Myers, but only give this your time if you're a completist on the subject.