This is a pretty big recognition for Rockford's Bing Liu.

Every year the Criterion Collection selects a handful of films to remaster and release with extra features for films they consider to be worth a deeper dive. Minding The Gap was selected along with 3 other films to be preserved this year.

Included with the high-definition master, approved by Rockford-born director Bing Liu, is:

  • New high-definition digital master, approved by director Bing Liu, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • New audio commentary featuring Liu and documentary subjects Keire Johnson and Zack Mulligan
  • New follow-up conversation between Liu and documentary subject Nina Bowgren
  • New programs featuring interviews with professional skateboarder Tony Hawk and with Liu, Minding the Gap executive producer Gordon Quinn, and producer Diane Quon
  • Four outtake scenes with introductions by Liu
  • Nước (2010), a short film by Liu about two Vietnamese immigrants growing up American
  • Trailer
  • New English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by critic Jay Caspian Kang

Minding The Gap was filmed in Rockford and follows young skateboarders as they transfer into adulthood. The story is told through the group skateboarding around town and scenes from their home life. It's a great movie even without it being shot in our hometown. Seeing them skateboard down the steps of the BMO Center just brings the whole thing a little closer to home.

The Criterion Collection will be available later this year.

LOOK: 'Muppets' Artist's Magical Woodland Home Could Be Yours

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM