Wattstax (30th Anniversary Special Edition)

Starring:Kim Weston, Melvin Van Peebles, Roebuck 'Pops' Staples, James Alexander (VI), Carla Thomas (II), Ted Lange, Johnnie Taylor, Rance Allen, Fred Berry, Richard Pryor, Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Little Milton, Raymond Allen, Felton Pilate, Ossie Davis, The Bar Kays, Mavis Staples, Andre Edwards, The Emotions
Director: Mel Stuart
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
They called Wattstax the "black Woodstock," but there are many differences between that seminal hippie event and the 1972 concert documented in this 30th-anniversary special-edition reissue. Woodstock was all about peace, love, and music. Wattstax, held three years later in Los Angeles, had those elements as well; but as this 103-minute film reminds us, it was a more socio-politically charged event, with its emphasis on black pride and the simple opportunity for African Americans to assert that, in opening speaker Jesse Jackson's words, "I am somebody." There's also a good deal less music in this film than in the Woodstock movie. As the title suggests, a host of great Stax Records artists (including Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays, the Staple Singers, Albert King, and show closer Isaac Hayes) performed, but much of Wattstax doesn't even take place inside the L.A. Coliseum, where the concert was held, but rather in the churches and shops and on the streets of Watts itself (music fans would be better off checking out the Wattstax double CD). Wattstax, in fact, is much less a music movie than a chronicle of black life seven years after the Watts race riots, as well as what comedian Richard Pryor (who delivers several hilarious but scathing bits) calls "a soulful expression of the black experience." --Sam Graham
Description
On August 20, 1972, more than 100,000 people attended what came to be known as "The Black Woodstock." Wattstax - The Special Edition is the 30th anniversary release of the film that documented that historic event and includes the once-lost original ending featuring Isaac Hayes' performances of "Theme From Shaft" and "Soulsville."

DVD Features:
Alternate endings:Original 1973 ending, performed by Isaac Hayes
Audio Commentary:Audio commentary by Chuck D, and music historian Rob Bowman Cast and crew commentaries including Isaac Hayes
DVD ROM Features:Links to Wattstax website and related sites
Theatrical Trailer:Original 1973 theatrical trailer 2003 Special Edition trailer

Wattstax (30th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wattstax
Wattstax
Brings back many memories
Honestly?
Not a concert film

Wattstax (30th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Melvin Van Peebles , James Alexander (VI) , Carla Thomas (II) , Rufus Thomas , and Little Milton
Director: Mel Stuart
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000294U6E
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com

They called Wattstax the "black Woodstock," but there are many differences between that seminal hippie event and the 1972 concert documented in this 30th-anniversary special-edition reissue. Woodstock was all about peace, love, and music. Wattstax, held three years later in Los Angeles, had those elements as well; but as this 103-minute film reminds us, it was a more socio-politically charged event, with its emphasis on black pride and the simple opportunity for African Americans to assert that, in opening speaker Jesse Jackson's words, "I am somebody." There's also a good deal less music in this film than in the Woodstock movie. As the title suggests, a host of great Stax Records artists (including Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays, the Staple Singers, Albert King, and show closer Isaac Hayes) performed, but much of Wattstax doesn't even take place inside the L.A. Coliseum, where the concert was held, but rather in the churches and shops and on the streets of Watts itself (music fans would be better off checking out the Wattstax double CD). Wattstax, in fact, is much less a music movie than a chronicle of black life seven years after the Watts race riots, as well as what comedian Richard Pryor (who delivers several hilarious but scathing bits) calls "a soulful expression of the black experience." --Sam Graham

Description

On August 20, 1972, more than 100,000 people attended what came to be known as "The Black Woodstock." Wattstax - The Special Edition is the 30th anniversary release of the film that documented that historic event and includes the once-lost original ending featuring Isaac Hayes' performances of "Theme From Shaft" and "Soulsville."

Customer Reviews:

Wattstax.......2007-07-06

A flavorful, inspiring evocation of the 1970's black experience and the richness of their musical life and heritage. A skillfully balanced mix of music and commentary, this film consistently fascinates as a social document, while getting our feet stomping with some of the decade's leading R&B acts. The comic riffs of young, jazzed Pryor makes this worthwhile even before the first chord is struck. In the parlance of the day: "dig it".

Wattstax.......2007-05-17

An excellent contrast between the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and oppression that plagued black people in the late 60's and early 70's; the social and political insights of the black laymen/women; and the escapism represented by one of the best concerts ever recorded.

Brings back many memories .......2007-05-16

If ou lived through the era of Watts and its comeback, this has a personal
meaning to you....its a great great video of a one time experience.

Honestly?.......2007-05-13

It's superbad! For you not hip on your vernacular - the street definition of outstanding.

As far as the first reviewer up there stating that there were racist undertones - my question is: Do you have clue one what Black people were going through then? Hell, man.

Buy it. It's a piece of American history and a prolific social commentary.

Superbad.

Not a concert film.......2006-05-25

75% of this is profane, racist ranting, briefly interrupted by some poorly edited concert footage. This is not what I thought I was buying. I would return it if I could.

Wattstax: Respect Yourself - The Stax Record Story

Average customer rating:

Wattstax: Respect Yourself - The Stax Record Story
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Stax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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