Melvin Van Peebles’ breakthrough film, in which an idealistic hustler becomes militant after witnessing police brutality and corruption.
“His work blows my mind.” —Huey P. Newton
Cult Classics
Melvin Van Peebles, Hubert Scales
Melvin Van Peebles’ breakthrough film, in which an idealistic hustler becomes militant after witnessing police brutality and corruption.
“His work blows my mind.” —Huey P. Newton
Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jerry Jones
The legendary classic…the pillar of the ‘blaxploitation’ genre….Rudy Ray Moore is DOLEMITE!
Dolemite and his beautiful All-Girl-Army of Kung Fu Killers take on the corrupt city in this groundbreaking film whose influence is still being felt today. The basis for Eddie Murphy’s “Dolemite is My Name”!
“The Citizen Kane of kung-fu pimpin’ films”—New York Times
Barry White, Scatman Crothers, Philip Michael Thomas, Charles Gordone
“The most incendiary work of the entire genre” – Quentin Tarantino
Starring Scatman Crothers, Phillip Michael Thomas, and soul legend Barry White. Originally reviled by activists (who had not seen the film), Coonskin has now been acknowledged by critics as the important masterpiece that it is. Rap superstars The Wu Tang Clan have expressed their love for the film, and want to produce a remake.
“Coonskin could be RALPH BAKSHI’S MASTERPIECE.”-New York Times
Joseph De Sue, Ivory Stone, Roosevelt Jackson, Liz Renay, Cardella Di Milo
Eddie, a Vietnam vet who has lost his arms and legs, is restored by DNA expert Dr. Stein. But the results turn monstrous when a rival for Eddie’s fiancée gives him the wrong medication.
Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Ernie Hudson
In this sequel to the smash hit Dolemite, Dolemite is on the run from a redneck sheriff who has caught him with his woman. Dolemite and his posse (including a young Ernie Hudson) dodge the sheriff and his bullets in a high-speed chase that takes them to LA. Upon Dolemite’s arrival, he learns that Queen Bee (Lady Reed) and her Kung Fu Girls have been pushed out of the night-club business by a ruthless competitor who ... Read more
“The most essential Dolemite movie…”-ColeSmithey.com
Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Leroy & Skillet, Eboni Wryte, Wildman Steve
One of the classic films from Dolemite himself – Rudy Ray Moore! Gunned down by the mob, a comedian is given a second chance at life if he will marry the Devil’s hideous daughter.
“…[Moore] delivers his particular brand of humor forcefully…” – Variety
Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones
Rudy Ray Moore’s fourth in a series of cult favorites finds him playing an ex-cop called back into action to stop an angel dust producer.
“Rudy Ray Moore is a comic genius.” –ColeSmithey.com
Jerri Hayes, Ernest Williams II
COMPTON 1976: Emma Mae, a young woman from rural Mississippi, goes to live with her aunt and cousins in Compton, CA, following the death of her mother. Green as grass and far from beautiful, Emma Mae still manages to earn the respect of her peers with her positive attitude and her remarkable ability to kick ass!
“Watching Emma Mae kick the s#!t out of Jesse is certainly worth the cost of admission.”—Darius James, That’s Blaxploitation
Marlene Clarke Lawrence Cook Wally Taylor
In this horror film, black African Christians confront the traditional religion of their peers when a Yoruban priest is drowned after attempting to stop the Christian baptism of a young girl and her mother. Trouble ensues when the priest comes back to life.
“Rife with powerful allegory … A film of style and deep substance that ranks among the best independent works of 1970s Black cinema.” – Screen Slate
This came out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks…. extremely well constructed …. I can’t recommend it enough! – Chris Kirby, Letterboxd
Live Performances
Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Keenan Wayans, Chris Rock, DL Hughley, Arsenio Hall, AJ Jamal, Happy Cole
With nothing more than a punchline and a dream, these struggling artists transformed themselves into comedy legends. Here is a rare opportunity to see some of today’s greatest stars perform the routines that would one day make them kings of comedy.
Rudy Ray Moore, Leroy & Skillet
Rudy Ray Moore brings his infamous original rap-comedy to the screen, featuring the routines that earned him the title “The Godfather of Rap”.
Rudy Ray Moore
Rudy Ray Moore returns to his R&B roots in this incredible September, 2000 live performance at Wetlands, N.Y.C. The man who taught America how to rap is back to show us how to sing the Blues.
“…he wisecracked his way through a world of uncontrollable lusts and endless battles: men challenging men for dominance, and women demanding that men perform.”—The New York Times
Al Green
Reverend Al Green, founder of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, has become one of the world’s best-loved and well-known Gospel singers. His numerous accomplishments include winning seven Grammy Awards for his Gospel recordings. This incredible concert contains many of his greatest and award-winning hits.
Donny Harper, New Jersey Mass Choir, Allen T.D. Wiggins
L.A. Mass Choir, Higher Dimension
The L.A. Mass Choir performs at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, California, along with a special guest appearance by Higher Dimension. Includes the songs “Take up Your Cross”, “Give Him the Glory”, “Grace”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and many more.
The Winans, The Commissioned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
This powerful live concert performance by The Winans, The Commissioned (with their original line up), and Vanessa Bell Armstrong was lost for over 13 years.
“The most important group of the last 30 years in pushing the crossover of gospel into both soul and pop radio”- SoulTracks.com
Mahalia Jackson
Includes: “Silent Night”, “A Child of the King”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, “Evening Prayer”, “A Star Stood Still”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and many more!
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Historical Features and Documentaries
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Kevin Powell, Eazy E
The true story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records. As told in the words of the people who lived it, Welcome to Death Row tells the story of this enigmatic enterprise, its shadowy origins, and how it forever changed American business.
“Riveting”—The San Francisco Chronicle
Cicely Tyson, Will Geer, Orson Welles, Lorne Greene, John Getz
This sprawling miniseries tells the true story of Harriet Tubman, a founder of the underground railroad, who led hundreds of slaves to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
“One of the most moving evocations of the Black Experience”-Newsweek
Djimon Hounsou, Akousia Busia, Eartha Kitt
Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamonds, and Guy Richie’s upcoming King Arthur) stars in this gripping tale of twenty-four Africans held captive in a slave ship after slavery is outlawed. Spurred on by a specter that lives in the ship, the captives are moved to a tragic and bloody uprising.
“White-hot with outrage”—The Village Voice
Huey P. Newton, The Black Panther Party
Filmmaker John Evans’ never-before-seen interview with jailed revolutionary and founder of the Black Panther Party, Huey P. Newton.
You see bullet riddled walls, ransacked family dwellings and shattered windows. This is the very terrorism that Huey and the Black Panther Party were standing up against.”—activist Assata Shakur
Ice-T (narrator), Gabriel Gonzaga, Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Jose Aldo
An inside look at the violent world of Brazilian MMA Jungle Fights, where founder/promoter Wallid Ismail stages events in the wilds of the country looking for the next stars that will fight in the UFC in the United States. Narrated by Ice-T and featuring current UFC stars Gabriel Gonzaga, Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Jose Aldo, Renan Barao, John Lineker and Bethe Correia.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Arthur Burghardt
This comprehensive and fully authorized documentary traces King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
“This outstanding production deserves a place in all collections”-School Library Journal
Mahalia Jackson, Studs Terkel, Jessie Jackson, George Avakian, Brother John Sellers
Meet the gospel great who has influenced many of today’s pop superstars. This special edition DVD combines the outstanding documentary Mahalia Jackson: The Power & the Glory, with over two hours of vintage kinescope performances from the 1961 series, “Mahalia Jackson Sings”.
“An incredible film” – Paul McCartney
Feature Films
Coming to HD
Esther Rolle, Mabel King, Avon Long, Joe Keyes Jr.
The film version of Melvin Van Peebles hit Broadway show. Two imps are sent by the devil to break up a house party in Harlem.
“A FIND….broadly, humorously and exuberantly acted by its cast, which includes Esther Rolle from ‘The Jeffersons’….those who think of Van Peebles only as an angry young man with a single message will be pleasantly surprised.” —The Onion
Wood Harris, Roger Guenveur Smith, N'Bushe Wright, Obba Babatundé, Christian Mathis
A burned out lawyer looking for a new direction in life has to put his plans on hold when his sister asks him to defend her fiancé, a gang kingpin who is under arrest for a triple murder that he says he didn’t commit. Suddenly the feds and a shadowy corporation get involved, along with a private investigator who seems to be working all sides.
“Directed with gritty authenticity… an extraordinary script” -Sundance Film Festival
Marlo Monte, Reatha Grey
Convicted of a crime he did not commit, Charlie is bent on getting revenge on the cop who not only framed him, but mutilated his manhood. In his restored state, he can destroy his enemies and mesmerize their women!
“Blaxploitaiton made legendary!”
– rottentomatos
Restoration in Progress
Harry Baird, Nicole Berger, Christian Marin, Pierre Doris
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
An African American soldier stationed in Europe encounters racism from his superiors following his idyllic 3-day affair with a young French woman. Directed by Melvin Van Peebles, it is the first major film by a black director to be released in the U.S.
“The film is a moving and brutally honest achievement from Van Peebles…” -TV Guide
Tobar Mayo, J. Walter Smith, Roxie Young, Gladys Lum, Tony Rumford
A black scientist moves his family into an affluent neighborhood, only to be greeted with threats and vandalism by their new white neighbors. When the bigotry turns murderous, the good doctor works to transform his militant bodyguard into a black superman with fantastic physical strength and mental powers that set the stage for a remarkable climax!
“Strike fear into the hearts of intolerant racists everywhere.” Rovi
Rod Perry, Jimmy Witherspoon
A small-time numbers runner takes on the drug king pin that murdered his best friend.
Harrold Perrineau, Anthony DeSando, Francie Swift, Lonette McKee
Harold Perrineau and Anthony DeSando star as two friends who come together to write a speech about race problems. They talk, they sit, they argue – and what they put down on paper is both funny and insightful.
“Sincere, insightful, and sometimes flat-out hilarious….recalls vintage Spike Lee.”—Daily Variety
Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones, Bishop Don "Magic" Juan, David Ward
From Dolemite: The Total Experience collection, which includes: Dolemite, The Human Tornado, Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil’s Son-In-Law, Disco Godfather, The Legend of Dolemite: Bigger and Badder, Rude, and Live at Wetlands N.Y.C.
Jasmine Guy, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Campbell, Carl Bradshaw
“The Mandalorian”, “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”‘s Giancarlo Esposito stars in this action-packed, Reggae-soaked noir film set in Jamaica about a world-weary photographer who falls into the clutches of a sexy dance hall girl and her world of crime, deceit and murder. Features a box-office heist at a major Reggae concert…and was filmed during the actual event.
“An explosive sun-drenched, rum-soaked thriller.”—Sundance Film Festival
Mekhi Phifer, André Blake, Michele Morgan, Tangi Miller
Martin has spent his life being a good son, a good brother and a good friend, but his luck with women is all bad. Upon meeting Paula, the pretty young art professor who lives upstairs, Martin’s lack of experience is all too apparent. Enter brother Junnie, the quintessential “player.” He offers to teach Martin how to become a chick magnet, and Martin desperately agrees.
A FRESH, FUNNY FILM. Distinctly of Harlem, and absolutely universal…marks the emergence of a wonderfully assured new filmmaking voice.—Sedona International Film Festival
Alan Wone, Curtis Bush, Maria de Aragon, Eric Kohner
Jamaa Fanaka’s lost classic. A young man takes over as the head of a crack dealing outfit after his brother, the gang’s leader, is murdered…and creates a lethal ghetto air force using ultralights.
“Party Movies”
Daron "Southboy" Fordham, Kenny Flyy, Le Kisha Raine, Tonya Harris, Demetrius Warton
An All-American college football star takes a vacation only to find himself pursued by sports agents and gold diggers. Filmed on location in Daytona Beach during the 1997 Black Spring Break.
Brian Hooks, Maia Campbell, Troy Winbush, Faizon Love
Cedric needs money fast—his dad is demanding rent and the neighborhood gangstress is demanding that he pay off his gambling debt—so he throws a luau for profit. A great idea if every freak in the neighborhood doesn’t show up…which they do!
Brian Hooks, Stickey Fingaz, Kym Whitley, Traci Bingham, E-40, Kent Masters-King
Three friends head for the Boogie Beach Bash in Malibu, where they’re outnumbered 5 to 1 by some of the Golden State’s finest—and not so finest—female forms at the biggest party they’ve ever seen! Rated R Director’s Cut version.
“The classic ROAD MOVIE meets the classic BEACH PARTY film…with an URBAN EDGE!”
Brian Hooks, Kelita Smith, Darryl Brunson
Cedrik (Brian Hooks- Soul Plane, UPN’s “Eve”) has been left in charge of his parents’ house with the promise of a new Jeep if he doesn’t have any wild parties or female “companionship” in their absence. But they never said anything about a barbecue…
Possible Titles (Pending Availability)
Leon Isaac Kennedy, Donovan Womack, Badja Djola
“Too Sweet”, a hardened but pragmatic inmate, joins the prison boxing team to secure an early parole. A highly acclaimed film directed by Jamaa Fanaka.
“Comparisons to ‘Rocky’ are inevitable, but ‘Penitentiary’ is too vital and personal to be a copy of anything.”—Los Angeles Times
Leon Isaac Kennedy, Ernie Hudson, Mr. T, Stephanie Mills, Rudy Ray Moore
An ex-con is forced back into the boxing ring as a condition of his parole. This big-budget sequel gave Mr. T his first major screen appearance.
Snoop Dogg, Ernie Hudson, Anson Mount, Danny Trejo, Jason Alexander, Lin Shaye
Welcome to the Hood of Horror, a place where your actions in this life determine your ultimate fate. Follow Snoop Dogg through three terrifying tales from this nefarious neighborhood, whose depraved denizens can all look forward to a very unpleasant eternity.
“GLEEFULLY DISGUSTING”—Variety
Jeannie Bell Jayne Kennedy Rosanne Katon Trina Parks
Climb aboard THE MUTHERS, the meanest, toughest and most action packed pirate ship in the pacific. Join Jayne Kennedy, Rosanne Katon, Jeannie Bell and their all female crew on a daring rescue mission to save one of their own from the clutches of vicious white slavers. Directed by the master of Filipino sleaze, Cirio Santiago. Newly restored from its 35mm negative
James Iglehart, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Jayne Kennedy, Carmen Argenziano
After being betrayed by his friends, an American soldier on his way home from Vietnam is left for dead and is saved by a pair of Japanese stragglers from WWII, who train him in the way of the samurai.
The 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Airmen, Arthur Burghardt (Narrator)
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of elite black pilots who distinguished themselves during numerous World War II combat missions over Europe is documented.
“Outstanding”
— Video Librarian