Subscribers to the comedy-focused streaming service Dropout will now have access to a comprehensive collection of filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt's work. The platform announced that as of Tuesday, August 4, it is the new streaming home for a significant portion of his filmography. This includes acclaimed shorts such as the Oscar-nominated "Rejected" and the "World of Tomorrow" trilogy, alongside a variety of other shorts that have gained a dedicated following over the years. Adding to the collection, Hertzfeldt's most recent film, "Paper Trail," will debut on Dropout following its theatrical awards run earlier this year.
Hertzfeldt's films are characterized by deceptively simple stick-figure animation that serves as a vehicle for complex, often humorous, and existential narratives. His work has been a regular feature at the Sundance Film Festival, and he is also known for creating one of the most memorable Simpsons couch gags. The visual style is distinct, often featuring surreal imagery, as exemplified by a memorable scene involving a man with a large spoon and a bug-eyed banana. "After seeing the films scattered across different streaming platforms for so many years, it's amazing to finally bring them together under the same roof, for the very first time,” Hertzfeldt stated in a release. “I don't know what Dropout is, but I hear it's all game shows, and who doesn't love a good game show?"
Dropout's move to acquire Hertzfeldt's catalog aligns with its apparent strategy of curating singular comedic voices rather than focusing solely on mainstream brands. This acquisition follows similar additions to Dropout's library, such as "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared." The service appears to be positioning itself as a destination for unconventional and uncompromising filmmaking that complements its existing lineup of unique content. The full list of films now available on Dropout as part of The Don Hertzfeldt Collection includes "Lily and Jim," "Billy's Balloon," "Rejected," "The Meaning of Life," "Watching Grass Grow," "Wisdom Teeth," the feature-length "It's Such a Beautiful Day," and the "World of Tomorrow" series installments "Episode Two: The Burden of Other People's Thoughts" and "Episode Three: The Absent Destinations of David Prime." "Paper Trail" is set to stream on Dropout starting September 1.