‘Punch-Drunk Love' Blu-ray Coming Next Year; PTA Says He's A "Huge Fan" Of ‘The Dark Knight' Series

This week cinephiles down under have been treated to their very first screenings of "The Master" as the film just had its Australian premiere at the Cockatoo Island Film Festival and another screening in 70mm at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne. Paul was on hand for both events (you can see him above with the artistic director for the Cockatoo Film Fest) and participated in a post-film Q&A at the Astor. A reader who was on hand at the latter event sent along a few notes.

• After the screening the fan approached Paul and asked about the "Punch-Drunk Love" Blu-ray. and Paul said he's working on it now and will be released "next year." No word yet on if this will be a Criterion release but it seems like it could be a possibility. 

•  When asked by the fan if he would ever record a commentary again (since he hasn't done one since "Boogie Nights") he said he might even though he doesn't necessarily enjoy recording them. Sounds like we can probably rule them out for 'PDL' and "The Master" but perhaps down the line.

•  He also talked about how he's never really been offered tentpoles but that he admires what Chris Nolan did with 'The Dark Knight' films. "I've never really been asked to do that kind of thing. You look at what Christopher Nolan did with Batman, that's like the meeting of the highest level of artistic skill & a kind of commerciality and appeal to a wide range of people which is what anybody would want. It's kind of unparalleled actually, and they don't come to me with those. And that's alright."

• Also when asked about if this auditorium was his lecture, and he was the film school professor, what film would he show. He said "Ted", that it was truly hilarious and so well written, one of the funniest/best films he's seen recently. That a film like "Ted" just takes you back to the core of what films are about, enjoyment.

The Astor Theatre was recording the Q&A so lets hope it goes online soon. (thanks Mert!) If any of our readers were recording and would like to send it along, that would be great.

We also came across a great quote from Jonny Greenwood in the latest issue of Uncut where he talks about his collaboration with Paul.

Matt Bellamy [of Muse]: How did you get into writing soundtracks, and how does it differ from writing pop songs? As you can guess, I'm jealous of your new calling...

Jonny Greenwood: It's just a different way of collaborating with people - like being in a band with a director, and a bunch of images and stories - instead of drummers and bass players. It's fun! Don't be jealous. Plus, you and I would only ever get to see the most pampered side of the job. Composers who do it properly all the time aren't treated too well - on many films they're ranked way below, say, make-up, in order of importance, and not given much freedom to try things out. I was just offered a film because they had to 'let go' of their current composer and I think that happens a lot - in fact, I probably came close during the scoring for The Master. I kept adding jazz flute. Paul kept sending me pictures of Ron Burgundy.

At the moment we're struggling to think of something more amusing than PTA sending Jonny Greenwood pictures of Ron Burgundy in response to his compositions but it's not happening.

One day left to enter our Gone To China Contest to win a copy of the soundtrack & a poster!

Stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and updates.