Search - J.D.'s Revenge on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1976 DVD Release: 12/26/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 36 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 3 Genres: Drama, Horror, Melodrama, Supernatural Horror, Blaxploitation

This stylish and very entertaining blend of the horror and "Blaxploitation" genres takes some creative risks on a seriously limited budget but manages to deliver the gory goods. The story begins in New Orleans in the mid-1940s, with black crime kingpin J.D. Walker (David McKnight) shot dead on Bourbon Street. Flash forward to the present, when clean-cut college student Ike (Cooley High's Glynn E. Turman) falls under the malevolent influence of the ghostly gangster. As he begins to exhibit J.D.'s boisterous, violent traits, Ike seeks out a local minister (Louis Gossett, Jr., in a standout performance) -- who had once played a role in the gangster's execution -- to exact his revenge. This cult favorite has seen a revival of sorts on home video and primarily remains in the public eye due to the novelty value of its soundtrack: all songs are performed by the artist soon to be known as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince -- who also supplies the vocal for " Will Never Let You Go". ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Glynn E. Turman - Ike
Joan Pringle - Christella
Carl Crudup - Tony
James Louis Watkins - Carl

Made at the tail end of the blaxploitation explosion of the 1970s, J.D.'s Revenge is a wild mix of horror and psychological suspense. But unlike other soul cinema riffs on the horror genre (like Blacula for instance), this film contains some potent macabre imagery and a rather disturbing take on the reincarnation theme. As a part of their "Soul Cinema Collection," MGM Home Entertainment has released the film as a bare-bones disc. Too bad really, since this is a film that really deserves to be seen. But on the positive side, the disc's transfer is terrific. Available in a letterboxed format preserving the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the picture is sharp, clean, and virtually free of lines or scratches. The disc is also available in a full-screen format. The original English mono soundtrack is fine throughout, sounding clean and with no audible pops or other noise. A French mono soundtrack is also supplied. French and Spanish language subtitles have been added, as well as the original theatrical trailer. To really get an idea of how cleaned up this print is, just check out the trailer and compare. This disc is really a must for all the soul cinema cats out there and fans of weird cult horror films as well. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide