Linklater is clearly still bitter about how the studio screwed him over and mentions it frequently during this track. He views the events in the film as a greatest hits of his freshman year in high school. He talks at length about which parts of the film are autobiographical in his usual, easygoing, genial way, delivering yet another top notch track filled with great anecdotes, smart observations and cautionary tales about the dangers of working with a Hollywood studio.

Richard Linklater is a hero to indepedent filmmakers, though under extreme pressure, he made the film he wanted to make through the studio system. And this commentary shows why he is regarded with kind words: he is eloquent, humble, charming and a darned-good filmmaker. There is a bittersweet tone that repeats throughout with Linklater expressing regret over several deleted scenes and concepts that were not able to make it into the film (including a titular song that would have closed the film but the rights were not obtainable). I wasn't a fan of his SLACKER commentary but this one for DAZED was a good listen.

There's some self reflection from Linklater and his 70's school experience which largely is the inspiration for the film - and those bits make for an entertaining track. Some bits on casting and a lot of "So great / such a great" comments. He also stylistically treated the film as a 70's film by filming in a very specific "70s style" where there's no steadicam but very simple, straightforward filming. Largely screen specific. Overall worth a listen.