Reviewed by Jason LockardBlaxplotation films were films produced from around 1970 to 1975. They were films with a black cast for black audiences. But they became very popular among all audiences. One such film was 1974s Willie Dynamite.
Arrow Video is the top of the line when it comes to releasing these cult films for the fans. Now it's time for Willie Dynamite to get it's turn to shine. Let's take a look at this Blu-ray release.
The film follows a pimp, Willie Dynamite. He has visions of being the #1 around. After a prostitution ring meeting, the pimps decide to set up districts. Willie's ambition to control it all makes him refuses the agreed upon mandate. This puts him on a collision course with Bell the prostitution kingpin of New York. Even more of a problem, a pair of detectives are after Willie trying everything they can to take him down. Anybody that wasn't bad enough then there's Cora, a former prostitute now employed as a social worker, who aims to reform Willie's girls.
Willie Dynamite is a time capsule of a film. It takes the viewer into the 70s. It was a different time, so there is a lot of objectionable for people of this generation. But this 70s story was crafted so well. It's us filled with action, drama and it has a lot of heart as well. Also on a side note it is cool to know that this was the last film producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck would produce before their company became very well known with a little film directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws.
Roscoe Orman, probably best known for his role as Gordon on Sesame Street, (a role interestingly enough he would land the same year as this film) is so convincing as Willie Dynamite you just love to hate him. Than by the end of the film you are cheering for him. What a roller-coaster of a film.
As for the Arrow Video Blu-ray release. The film is presented in widescreen format and the transfer of the film looks and sounds impressive when you think this was a low budget 70s film. There is some very small flaws in the picture, but fans of 70s films won't mind that.
Arrow Video always like to give the consumer a little more with their releases. So as bonus features you get the theatrical trailer and an audio commentary by Film historian Sergio Mims. With this audio commentary Sergio gives us so much more information about the film. It is definitely worth a listen.
Surprisingly even though this film is about pimps and prostitutes it is pretty tame. There is some profanity, mild sexual situations and some violence. I have to admit I expected much more adult content. I was pleasantly surprised.
So If your a fan of Blaxplotation films I highly recommend this one! Head over to MVDshop.com and pick up your copy today.
Moral Rating: Adult themes, language, sexual situation and violence
Audience: Adults
Genre: Action / Adventure / Drama
Length: 101 Minutes
Blu-ray Released: 2019
Blu-ray Rating: A-
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