Role

DVD / Blu-ray Package Design and Lettering

CLIENT

The Criterion Collection
Art Directed by Eric Skillman

The package I designed for The Criterion Collection’s restoration of James Whale’s 1936 film version of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Show Boat” is out now!
Swipe to see inside the package and booklet where I had a lot of fun playing with wood type and continue swiping to see a few screens of my DVD menu designs. “Show Boat” stars the great Paul Robeson and includes his definitive rendition of “Ol’ Man River.” Although the film and performances were critically acclaimed, it was withdrawn from circulation in the 1940s, after Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who wanted to remake the film in Technicolor, bought the rights (and all prints) from Universal. It was not widely seen again until after Robeson's death in 1976.

Whale, who was openly gay throughout his career, is more famously known for his iconic monster movies at Universal that include “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935). He sadly took his own life in 1957 so he never received the global praise he deserved for his achievements in “Show Boat” when the prints were rereleased many years later.

Check it out if you’re in need of a classic musical with stunning performances and cinematography!