DVD Corner

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser Criterion Blu-ray Review

“Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser” will appeal to jazz enthusiasts.  

1988’s “Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser” is a documentary film about the titular jazz pianist that is largely comprised of archival 60’s footage alongside new interviews with the likes of musician Charlie Rouse, his son Thelonious Monk Jr., and manager Harry Colomby. Much of the footage is dedicated to Monk in concert whether it be at his preferred location (New York) or on a world tour. Scattered about the narrative are interviews, behind-the-scenes footage of recordings, footage of musicians covering his compositions, and general footage of Monk in various places. 

Directed by Charlotte Zwerin (best known for the Direct Cinema movement that thrived on realism), “Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser” is more of a portrait of an artist at work than a portrait of an artist. While we (the audience) do learn about his family life, his unspecified illness (of which there has been many rumors), his eccentric personality, and the people close to him (such as The Baroness), there’s still a great deal of mystery surrounding Monk in regards to who he is as a person. That’s perfectly fine though as no one person could ever be fully understood. What Zwerin does manage to do is give the audience a raw and unfiltered look at Monk via the up-close-and-personal archival footage. From his pacing and unusual hats to his musical genius and compositions, you do get to see all sides of Monk.

Speaking of his compositions, the music is what really stands out in this documentary film. Seeing Monk perform in concert (and in studio) is the obvious thrill this film provides. You don’t even have to be a fan of jazz (or jazz bebop) to appreciate Monk’s undeniable talent as a pianist. He was in a league of his own as a composer and a player and was responsible for creating so many classics such as “‘Round Midnight” and “Ugly Beauty.”

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration maintains the print grain while offering up a quality restoration of this B&W and color documentary film.

Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. How does it sound? This is a first-rate Mono track. Every piano key sounds dynamic.

Extras:
* Trailer
* A booklet with credits, photos and an essay by musician/scholar Paul Grimstad.
* A 5 minute 2003 Charlotte Zwerin intro tape to a Museum of Modern Art retrospective of her work.
* “Charlotte Zwerin: Director, Editor, Innovator”- A new near 29 minute extra 2025 extra about Charlotte Zwerin featuring stills, clips, and interviews with writer Michael Schulman, editor Bernadine Colish and Zwerin’s nieces Lisa and Laura Tesone. Discussions include her filmography, her past, the building she owned, Direct Cinema, ‘Chaser’ and more.
* An insightful new 24 ½ minute 2025 minute interview with musician T.S. Monk (the son of Thelonious Monk) who talks about his father, family, and ‘Chaser’. A great companion piece to the movie that sheds more light on Monk.

June 9, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Charlotte Zwerin, documentary, Jazz, Jazz Bebop, Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser Criterion Blu-ray Review