Dakota (1974) Blu-ray Review – Wim Verstappen’s Dutch Classic”

Wim Verstappen was a Dutch producer and director. In 1967 he started Scorpio Films and during the time he made films with this company. Among the productions was the 1971 explicit film Blue Movie, which led to the abolition of the Dutch film rating system for adults.

In 1974 he made his final film for Scorpio Films, an American drama entitled Dakota. Now this film has passed its 50th birthday. So, it is long past due for a Blu-ray release. Enter Cult Epics they have come to this film's rescue to give it a Blu-ray release. 

Synopsis: A Dutch pilot (Blue Movie's Kees Brusse) with a real passion for flying risks everything to keep his DC3/Dakota plane in the air when getting involved with contraband. Attention to flight detail and the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean and co-stars Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva) make this seldom seen much loved Dutch classic worth watching.

Wim Verstappen bring a realism to this film. So much so you would think it's a documentary more than a film. The story is a well written piece of cinema. Though this was not Verstappen's original vision for how this story would so.

Cult Epics have transferred Dakota to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. There are two options for audio tracks an English Dutch language LCMP 2.0 Mono and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. And finally, there is the option for English subtitles.

Now this is no ordinary transfer this transfer comes from a brand new restored 2K print. The film looks and sounds crisp and clean. The colors are bright and vibrant. I can imagine this film has ever looked as good as it does now! But a wonderful restoration is not all this release has going for it. Check out the bonuses that Cult Epics added to this Blu-ray!

Bonus Materials
* Audio Commentary by film historian Peter Verstraten
* Dakota Press flight
* Cannes Film Festival 1978 (Vara Visie)
* Photo Gallery
* Scorpio Films Trailers: Dakota, Wan Pipel, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Sandra, Olga &Julie, Obsession, Blue Movie and Pastorale 1943
* New artwork design by Juan Esteban R.
* Reversible sleeve with original Dutch poster art
* Slipcase

Cult Epics continually impressive with the attention to detail they have for these Blu-ray releases. I think the different artwork is always a fun thing. But on disc the addition of a wonderful audio commentary and featurettes. These make for a wonderful release. 

If you enjoy foreign cinema they don't come much better on home video that that of the Cult Epics' Blu-ray releases. This new release entitled Dakota is a must own. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today.



Out of 4 Film Reels94 being the best) the Blu-ray of Dakota receives.....