Alambrista! (1977) Criterion 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

Robert M. Young, who has made a cottage industry of "small" atmospheric films, made his directorial debut in 1977's Alambrista!. Domingo Ambriz plays a young Mexican man who crosses illegally into the U.S. The birth of an additional child convinces him that they need more than he can earn on his small farm. Each employment opportunity ultimately evolves into a heartbreak thanks to the exploitative practices of Ambriz's American employers.

Extras

• Edward James Olmos - In this interview, recorded by Criterion in 2010, Edward James Olmos discusses the significance of ¡Alambrista! and the work of director Robert M. Young. Edward James Olmos' small role in the film was one of his earliest screen appearances.

• Children of the Fields - This 1973 short documentary, which was produced for Xerox Corporation's television series Come Over to My House and directed by Robert M. Young, was a key source of research for ¡Alambrista!. Also included is a video interview with Robert M. Young.

• Trailer - The original trailer for ¡Alambrista!.

• Commentary - In this audio commentary, recorded exclusively for Criterion in 2010, director Robert M. Young and coproducer Michael Hausman discuss the production history of ¡Alambrista!, the various locations where key sequences were shot, the non-professional actors that participated in the project, the film's message and relevance today, etc.