Time To Get A Taste Of “Dolemite”!
I love exploitation movies, and one of the more outrageous entries in the film genre known as “blaxploitation” is getting a loving blu-ray restoration!
How can you NOT love a film with this instantly iconic dialogue?
Time For Some “Dolemite!”
Check out the trailer for this “Blaxploitation” classic from 1975:
Rudy Ray Moore is “Dolemite”, an ex-con out to settle some scores…Moore was known as the “King Of The Party Records” for his profane albums in the 60’s and 70’s…here is just one example of his raunchy X-rated catalog:
With a huge fanbase due to this comedy records, Moore decided to become a movie star, and his character “Dolemite” was immediately revered as one of the more outrageous entries in the “blaxploitation” category…
Bravo once again to the cult home video company Vinegar Syndrome for offering a beautifully remaster copy of this blaxploitation classic, restored in 2k from a newly discovered 35mm negative!
The new blu-ray comes with a ton of other great extras as well!
Here is the best option: this new blu-ray includes two framing options for the film: the intended 1.85:1 widescreen version and an alternate full frame ‘boom mic’ version. What does that mean?
Lowering The Boom!
That’s right, you can watch the original film which includes all of the camera crew equipment accidentally seen in the shot, like this boom much overhead!
While “Dolemite” might not be technically perfect, it is a classic slice of “blaxploitation”, a genre of film that needs to be appreciated!
Also on the new blu-ray release:
• “I, Dolemite” making-of documentary.
• “Lady Reed Uncut” featurette.
• “Locations: Then & Now” featurette.
• Historical commentary track by Rudy Ray Moore’s biographer, Mark Jason Murray.
• DOLEMITE – theatrical trailer.
• THE HUMAN TORNADO – theatrical trailer.
That’s right, they include the trailer for Moore’s sequel, “The Human Tornado!”
As always, the Mondo Digital website has a terrific review of this new blu-ray, which includes complete information on ALL of the bonus extras that come with the movie:
http://www.mondo-digital.com/dolemite.html
Bravo once again to Vinegar Syndrome for rescuing a classic film for the ages! You can see all of their releases at their website!
If you aren’t familiar with the “blaxploitation” genre, this should help:
“Shaft” is probably the most renowned in the genre, but there were many others…read them here:
https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/23/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-iconic-blaxploitation-stars/
Of course, the genre wasn’t limited to films about guys:
Pam Grier Rules!
Pam Grier is also a “blaxploitation” legend, with a number of classic films – you can read about them all here:
The “Godfather” of the genre is the legendary Melvin Van Peebles, who exploded on the scene with his incendiary classic:
“Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song” has been re-released on a blu-ray special edition as well and is well worth checking out…see more here:
Among the other classic films in this genre is one that co-starred a very young but hilarious Richard Pryor:
Read all about “The Mack” here:
https://johnrieber.com/2012/04/25/the-mack-sweet-sweetback-blacula-blaxploitation-lives/
And leave me a message to let me know what you think about “Dolemite!”
