Blaxploitation/Action Classics
ABAR: Black Superman
Tobar Mayo, J. Walter Smith, Roxie Young, Gladys Lum, Tony Rumford
Directed by: Frank Packard
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
The Black Godfather
Rod Perry, Jimmy Witherspoon
Directed by: John Evans
A small-time numbers runner takes on the drug king pin that murdered his best friend.
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Blackenstein
Referenced in Eddie Murphy's "Dolemite is My Name"!Joseph De Sue, Ivory Stone, Roosevelt Jackson, Liz Renay, Cardella Di Milo
Directed by: William A. Levey
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.
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Coonskin
Barry White, Scatman Crothers, Philip Michael Thomas, Charles Gordone
Directed by: Ralph Bakshi
“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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Death Force
Remastered from Original Elements!James Iglehart, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Jayne Kennedy, Carmen Argenziano
Directed by: Cirio H. Santiago
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.
45th Anniversary!
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
The Harder They Come
A film by PERRY HENZELJimmy Cliff, Carl Bradshaw, Ras Daniel Hartman, Winston Stona, Toots & The Maytals
Directed by: Perry Henzel
This gritty, groundbreaking film tells the story of Ivanhoe Martin, an aspiring young singer-turned-outlaw, at war with both the law and his ganja trade rivals. His dream of stardom becomes reality as he rises to the top of the pop charts and the most-wanted lists.
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll know what all the fuss is about”—Roger Ebert
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Lord Shango
A Battle Between Gospel Glory and Shango SACRIFICE! Remastered from Original Elements! 1974 lost blaxploitation/horror classic!Marlene Clarke Lawrence Cook Wally Taylor
Directed by: Ray Marsh
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
The Muthers
Remastered from Original Elements! Brand New Acquisition! JAYNE KENNEDY BLAXPLOITATION CLASSIC! Out of the steaming slave markets come the ravaging sea-savages...THE MUTHERS!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
Black Film Pioneers
JAMAA FANAKA
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Black Sister’s Revenge
Original Title: Emma MaeJerri Hayes, Ernest Williams II
Directed by: Jamaa Fanaka
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
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Penitentiary
Leon Isaac Kennedy, Donovan Womack, Badja Djola
Directed by: Jamaa Fanaka
“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
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Penitentiary 2
Leon Isaac Kennedy, Ernie Hudson, Mr. T, Stephanie Mills, Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by: Jamaa Fanaka
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.
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Soul Vengeance
Marlo Monte, Reatha Grey
Directed by: Jamaa Fanaka
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
Melvin Van Peebles
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Don’t Play Us Cheap
Remastered from Original Elements!Esther Rolle, Mabel King, Avon Long, Joe Keyes Jr.
Directed by: Melvin Van Peebles
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Story of a 3-Day Pass
Remastered from Original Elements!Harry Baird, Nicole Berger, Christian Marin, Pierre Doris
Directed by: Melvin Van Peebles
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.
Winner of the 1968 San Francisco Film Festival
“The film is a moving and brutally honest achievement from Van Peebles…” -TV Guide
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song
Remastered from Original Elements!Melvin Van Peebles, Hubert Scales
Directed by: Melvin Van Peebles
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Dolemite
Eddie Murphy stars as Rudy Ray Moore in 2019's "Dolemite is My Name"Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
The Human Tornado
(Dolemite II)Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Ernie Hudson
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Disco Godfather
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
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
Remastered in High Definition (1920×1080)
Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil’s Son-In-Law
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Leroy & Skillet, Eboni Wryte, Wildman Steve
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
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
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Rude: Rudy Ray Moore LIVE
Rudy Ray Moore, Leroy & Skillet
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
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: Live at Wetlands
Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by: Donald H. Randell
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
The Legend of Dolemite
Bigger & BadderRudy Ray Moore, Mike D. (Beastie Boys), Ice T, Eddie Griffin, LaWanda Paige
Directed by: Ross Guidici
Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as “King of the Party Records,” Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
The Dolemite Explosion
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.
Urban Films
Native High Definition (1920×1080)
Joy Road
a film by HARRY DAVISWood Harris, Roger Guenveur Smith, N'Bushe Wright, Obba Babatundé, Christian Mathis
Directed by: Harry Davis
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
HD can be created from 35mm
KLA$H
Jasmine Guy, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Campbell, Carl Bradshaw
Directed by: Bill Parker
“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
HD can be created from 35mm
The Other Brother
Mekhi Phifer, André Blake, Michele Morgan, Tangi Miller
Directed by: Mandel Holland
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
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Slippin’: 10 Years with The Bloods
a film by TOMMY SOWARDS and JOACHIM SCHROEDERThe Bloods street-gang
Directed by: Tommy Sowards and Joachim Schroeder
Over a period of 10 years, filmmakers Joachim Schroeder and Tommy Sowards hit the streets to follow a group of teenagers from L.A.’s Rollin’ 20s Bloods documenting the violent and troubled lives of one of the toughest gangs in the country.
“No preaching or moralizing…JUST STRAIGHT FORWARD TRUTH.”
-New York Times
Party Films
Black Spring Break: The Movie
"Movie Pick of the Month" by B.E.T.'s Teen Summit!Daron "Southboy" Fordham, Kenny Flyy, Le Kisha Raine, Tonya Harris, Demetrius Warton
Directed by: Marlon Parry
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.
The Luau
Brian Hooks, Maia Campbell, Troy Winbush, Faizon Love
Directed by: Barry Bowles
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!
HD can be created from 35mm
Malibooty
Director's CutBrian Hooks, Stickey Fingaz, Kym Whitley, Traci Bingham, E-40, Kent Masters-King
Directed by: Barry Bowles
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!”
Q: The Movie
Brian Hooks, Kelita Smith, Darryl Brunson
Directed by: Barry Bowles
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…
SHAKE DANCE: Twerkin’ Old Skool
The strippers of Atlanta's famous "Gold Coast"
Directed by: Jay Ski McGowan
PARIS, DIVINE, TROUBLE, HENESSEY and BABYDOLL are all world-class practitioners of an exotic dance technique known as the Shake Dance. Performing for packed houses in Atlanta’s notorious Gold Coast region, they are part of an elite class of stripper, capable of shaking their lower bodies to music driving at up to 140 beats per minute. Some see themselves as artists. Some are in it for the money. None of them are going back to their day jobs any time ... Read more
Music
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
Welcome to Death Row
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Kevin Powell, Eazy E
Directed by: Leigh Savidge
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
Straight Outta Puerto Rico: Reggaeton’s Rough Road to Glory
Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Luny Tunes, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee
Directed by: Leigh Savidge, Jim Chankin
STRAIGHT OUTTA PUERTO RICO explores the burgeoning Reggaeton music scene, from its roots in Jamaican Reggae and Latin American Soca rhythms to its meteoric rise in popularity and the multitude of artists that are the driving force behind this scorching musical phenomenon. Features top Reggaeton stars Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, DJ Playero, The Luny Tunes and many more!
Mahalia Jackson: The Power & The Glory
MAJOR HOLLYWOOD BIOPICS in the works!Mahalia Jackson, Studs Terkel, Jessie Jackson, George Avakian, Brother John Sellers
Directed by: Jeff Scheftel
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
Mahalia Jackson Sings the Songs of Christmas
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.
AL GREEN: Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
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.
Donnie Harper and the New Jersey Mass Choir: I’ll Tell It
Donny Harper, New Jersey Mass Choir, Allen T.D. Wiggins
The L.A. Mass Choir
Special guest appearance by Higher DimensionL.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 Lost Concert
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
Black History
HD can be created from 35mm
Ill-Gotten Gains
Djimon Hounsou, Akousia Busia, Eartha Kitt
Directed by: Joel Ben Marsden
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
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: An Historical Perspective
Endorsed by The King FoundationDr. 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
Huey P. Newton: Prelude to Revolution
Huey P. Newton, The Black Panther Party
Directed by: John Evans
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
HD Restoration in Progress (1920×1080)
A Woman Called Moses
Coming to BD! Harriet Tubman is the face of the new U.S. $20 bill!Cicely Tyson, Will Geer, Orson Welles, Lorne Greene, John Getz
Directed by: Paul Wendkos
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
Other Great Films
SERIES! :44 x 22
FLATLAND
Sci-fi meets martial artsDennis Hopper, Francoise Yip, Phillip Rhys, Bumper Robinson
For 4000 years an apocalyptic battle has been raging in an alternate timeline. In the year 2010 the battle lands in Hong Kong where two ancient foes have been reincarnated to fight to the death. This is the story of a private war between good and evil-and the fate of the entire planet is at stake.
Series 22 Episodes: 44 mins ea.