The Cruise [DVD] Documentary Film Directed by Bennett Miller

The Cruise follows Manhattan tour guide Timothy “Speed” Levitch as he rides the city streets atop a double-decker bus and turns the journey into a stream of philosophical reflections. The DVD presents Bennett Miller’s documentary portrait of a singular New York personality.

Remastered for its 25th anniversary, the film pairs Levitch’s energetic, psychedelic poetry with an intimate view of the person behind the commentary. Its focus is less a conventional city overview and more one guide’s distinctive way of seeing New York.

With English-language audio and a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes, it offers a focused documentary to watch in one sitting or add to a collection of filmmaker-driven and New York–centered films.

Tech specs

• Genre: Documentary
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Runtime: 1 hour and 13 minutes
• Director: Bennett Miller
• Contributor: Timothy “Speed” Levitch
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Product dimensions: 0.55 x 7.52 x 5.36 inches
• Weight: 2.72 ounces

Who it’s for

This documentary is suited to viewers interested in New York City, unconventional personalities, and films shaped by a strong on-screen voice. Levitch’s commentary makes the city tour personal: rather than simply moving from one landmark to another, the film centers on his observations, wit, and philosophical detours. That personality-led approach also gives the movie an intimate quality, while the Manhattan setting keeps the streets and the character closely connected.

The film may appeal to fans of Bennett Miller’s work and to anyone drawn to documentaries that build around an individual perspective. Customer reactions often describe it as funny, entertaining, and poetic, with some also highlighting its emotional connection to New York. Responses to how engaging it is are mixed, so its distinctive, reflective style is a useful guide to whether it matches your viewing taste.

Best use cases

Choose this DVD for a documentary night focused on a memorable character rather than a broad, factual survey of the city. A practical way to watch is to settle in for the full 1-hour-and-13-minute runtime and follow Levitch’s narration as the bus travels through Manhattan. The setting supplies the city context, his commentary gives the film its unusual rhythm and point of view.

It also fits a collection centered on documentary filmmaking or New York stories. The anniversary remaster adds a specific edition detail for viewers seeking this presentation of Miller’s debut feature, while the concise runtime makes it easy to plan as a single feature-length watch.

When it makes sense

The Cruise makes sense when you want a city documentary led by a compelling individual voice, with humor, poetic reflections, and an intimate portrait at its center. It offers a more personal route into Manhattan than a conventional guide: the appeal lies in seeing the city through Levitch’s observations and distinctive way with language. For viewers choosing between a general city overview and a character-driven film, this DVD is the fit when the guide himself is as important as the place he moves through.