Description
Mauritanian French firebrand Med Hondo puts colonialism itself on trial in this one-of-a-kind musical spectacular—a collective effort of unprecedented scale and ambition that proved a watershed event in African cinema. Aboard an enormous mock slave ship, Hondo stages a series of imaginative reenactments and intricately choreographed musical numbers that trace the devastating effects of French imperialism across centuries of enslavement and injustice. Beyond mere extravaganza, West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty is a stirring call to Pan-African independence and a dazzling yet critical reconception of an entire people’s history of oppression and rebellion.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
- New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Program featuring archival interviews with director Med Hondo
- New interview with African-cinema scholar Aboubakar Sanogo
- Excerpted archival interview with cinematographer François Catonné
- Trailers
- PLUS: An essay by film programmer and critic Ashley Clark
New cover by Chris Visions
Criterion Collection:
Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements. No matter the medium—from laserdisc to DVD and Blu-ray to streaming—Criterion has maintained its pioneering commitment to presenting each film as its maker would want it seen, in state-of-the-art restorations with special features designed to encourage repeated watching and deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the art of film.
- UPC: 715515335010
This is a Region A Blu-Ray. Requires a Region A or Region free Blu-Ray player.
ESTIMATE DISPATCH 7 to 18 BUSINESS DAYS. (subject to availability).
