Following the extraordinary response to \u2018Such Is Life \u2013 The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins\u2019, Mushroom Pictures today announced a special extended version of the documentary will be released on DVD on September 16. It will comprise the compelling 100?minute documentary which screened last week, with an additional two hours of bonus material.<\/p>\n
The unprecedented interest in this outstanding documentary has prompted the extended DVD version. Following the Seven Network\u2019s broadcast, the Australian Drug Foundation reported a 400% increase in traffic to its website, whilst help lines in state agencies reported a similar surge in enquiries. Calls were also received from drug and youth rehabilitation centres seeking copies of the program to include in educational programs.<\/p>\n
A donation from the sale of every DVD will go to West Australia\u2019s Cyrenian House, headed by CEO Carol Daws, which offers a wide range of programs for individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol use.<\/p>\n
Executive Producer Michael Gudinski said: \u201cThe interest in Ben\u2019s story has been phenomenal. It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and significant stories to be told in Australian sporting history. Literally hundreds of hours of footage have been shot during the past four years and as such, the DVD will enable an extended version of Ben\u2019s story to be told. I have no doubt it will resonate with both fans and those seeking to learn more about the hardfought journey that all recovering substance abusers face.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director Paul Goldman said: \u201cI have worked closely with Ben through lots of real pain and much laughter shaping this story with him. It is a project that has consumed my life, always kept me guessing and troubled me deeply for 18 months. It\u2019s also about a young man on the road to recovery. Not quite home, but getting there.\u201d The DVD\u2019s extra content includes extended interviews with Ben Cousins, AFL coaches Damien Hardwick and Kevin Sheedy, leading sports journalists Gerard Healy and Mike Sheahan and Professor Greg Whelan AM, Medical Director of the Addiction Rehab Program at the Melbourne Clinic. It also documents Cousins\u2019 road to recovery, including stunning surfing footage shot by one of Australia\u2019s finest surf cinematographers Rick Rifici.<\/p>\n
\u2018Such Is Life \u2013 The Troubled Times Of Ben Cousins\u2019 is executive produced by Michael Gudinski and Ben Cousins, directed by AFI Award?winner Paul Goldman and distributed by Roadshow Entertainment.<\/p>\n
Release date: Thursday September 16. RRP $29.95.<\/p>\n