The term “cult classic” is thrown around with abandon these days, but the movie Donnie Darko is certainly deserving of that title. When it was originally released in 2001, it had only a very limited theatrical release, so not many people saw it. However, those that did fell into one of two categories: love or hate. But those that loved it REALLY loved it, and they have been preaching its gospel ever since.

Arrow Video’s latest Blu-ray release of Donnie Darko only continues to propel the film’s legacy higher and higher with not only a beautiful 4K restoration from the original camera negative but also a bevy of special features. With a movie like this having been released and rereleased on the home market, the addition of new special features is key, and this Arrow Video edition certainly delivers. New interviews, tons of deleted scenes with commentary, the director’s 1996 short film, and a new (lengthy) documentary covering everything from casting to production to the release and beyond make this a must-purchase for diehard fans.

I’ve been a surface-level fan of the movie for a while but didn’t really know much beyond what I saw in the finished film. That all changed when I watched the special features of the new Blu-ray, and I gained not only some cool new trivia knowledge but also a greater appreciation for the genius of the filmmakers. Here’s 7 things I learned about Donnie Darko watching the new special features:

1. It takes a woman to get things done.

It wasn’t Jake Gyllenhaal, but rather actor Jason Schwartzman’s original attachment to the script that gave Donnie Darko a second wind to help it get made and validate the project. Richard Kelly was only 23, and his insistence that he direct was unsettling to production houses. However, attachment by Drew Barrymore and her Flower Films finally helped raise the $4.5M needed to make the movie.

2. Fashion police be damned.

Budget constraints led to some interesting ways to save money. One choice was the decision to dress all the students in school uniforms since it was cheaper, and as a bonus it also highlighted the conformity Donnie was fighting against. Costume designer April Ferry even used leftover costumes she had stored in her garage from previous projects. For instance, one of the outfits Mary McDonnell wears was Glen Close’s costume from The Big Chill.

3. Patrick Swayze can do no wrong.

Casting the part of self-help guru Jim Cunningham was a challenge since the character is later revealed to be a child molester. Some of Patrick Swayze’s scenes for the Jim Cunningham promotional videos were the first to be filmed (one week before principle photography) and were filmed on Swayze’s own Calabasas ranch. Did you like the pink Izod shirt and pleated pants? They were Swayze’s own clothes he still had on hand from the ’80s his wife pulled from his closet.

4. Thank you, Sam Raimi (or “What? No C.H.U.D.?”)

Instead of watching The Evil Dead at the town cinema, writer and director Richard Kelly originally wanted to use C.H.U.D., but the licensing department was unhelpful. Fortunately Linda McDonough from Flower Films was friends with Sam Raimi and Anchor Bay, who owned the negatives and allowed them to license the film and poster. Funnily enough, Sam Raimi happened to drive by the filming location at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica and immediately stopped when he saw his film on the marquee paired with The Last Temptation of Christ to see what was going on.

5. “Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion!”

The Sparkle Motion dance sequence was actually supposed to be performed to Pet Shop Boys “West End Girls” and was specifically choreographed for it. However, a deal for the rights to use the band INXS’s music forbade any other artists being paid more in royalties. Since Pet Shop Boys wanted $100,000 for a single song, and with such a small budget, Kelly opted to recut the dance scene to work with Duran Duran music instead.

6. Tears for Fears and…Phantom Planet?

Although Jason Schwartzman ultimately didn’t join the cast, another of his Phantom Planet bandmates did. Alex Greenwald, who played Donnie’s classmate Sam Devlin is the band’s lead singer, while childhood friend Schwartzman played drums until he departed the group in 2003.

7. Harvey Weinstein spells trouble.

Harvey Weinstein created a huge problem for Donnie Darko‘s release. Darko was a clear favorite going into Sundance, but when the Miramax head showed up to a screening wearing a Donnie Darko crew hat, half of the potential future distributors simply got up and left. Whether they left because of fear of his deep pockets or because of his moral failings was unclear.

For a movie that was the director’s feature film debut, was shot in 28 days, and featured a cast list that bills as a who’s-who of A-list talent, it’s no wonder the movie endures to this day. Pick up your own copy of the Blu-ray today!

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this film. All opinions are my own.)