Boss Nigger Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Boss Nigger," presented by Kit Parker Films and MVD Visual, uses an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.54:1 aspect ratio. Viewers should temper their expectations given the condition of the source material. The presentation is marred by persistent fluctuations in brightness, contrast, and color temperature. This inconsistency impacts skin tones, which sometimes appear orange, and there's prevalent damage that suggests the original print was in poor shape. Grain is intermittently filtered aggressively, only to appear splotchy and yellow in certain scenes. Gamma levels are notably off, making the overall image seem jaundiced. Some outdoor scenes do manage to pop with a more natural palette, but overall, this transfer would have benefited from comprehensive restoration and color correction.

Age-related faults are apparent, but under better control than might be expected from such vintage material. Scratches and dirt are part of the print but are relatively unobtrusive. The problematic inconsistency in color balance is most noticeable; the exteriors of the dusty town exhibit warmth and some notable primaries, yet darkened interiors suffer from lusterless black levels that turn bright blue and lose depth. The encode struggles further with macroblocking in low-light scenes and a general digital buzz throughout. Notably, the opening night scene is heavily compromised by compression issues. Overall sharpness is low, and fine detail is sparse, though some minor set dressings in exterior shots are captured with relative clarity.

The LPCM 2.0 mono track of "Boss Nigger" delivers a solid, if imperfect, auditory experience that makes a respectable attempt to enhance its '70s soundtrack. The audio offers reasonably full-bodied sound that complements the contemporary (for its time) music, particularly the vibrant theme song reminiscent of "Shaft." Dialogue and gunfire effects resonate well, though there's a noticeable thinness in the lower end that causes some effects, like galloping horses, to sound slightly hollow.

Despite its limitations, the audio track preserves an authentic grindhouse flavor. However, technical shortcomings are evident, including some issues with skipping between edits and static underlying the dialogue. The track also suffers from 40 years of aging, resulting in muffled dialogue and highs that screech while lows are nearly absent. This PCM mono effort captures the original low-grade recording methods uncompressed, delivering only the barest essentials to the listener.

The Blu-ray extras for "Boss Nigger" enhance the disc with a collection of engaging and insightful features, despite some inconsistencies in visual quality. A notable highlight is the interview with actor Fred Williamson, which dives deep into his experiences and perspectives. The featurettes involving producer Myrl Schreibman offer heartfelt anecdotes and commemorations of director Jack Arnold, adding a personal touch to the historical context of the film's production. These additions provide valuable insights and enjoyable reflections that complement the main feature effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: Quite damaged but has superior color and contrast compared to the film.
• The Boss Memory with Myrl Schreibman: Brief yet endearing segment with entertaining shoot anecdotes.
• Jack Arnold Tribute: More personal reminisces from Schreibman.
• A Conversation with Fred Williamson: Extensive and enjoyable interview hosted by Joel Blumberg.

"Boss Nigger," later sanitized to "Boss" for broader home video releases, stands out within the blaxploitation genre, a category that Fred "The Hammer" Williamson notably helped cement. Williamson not only stars but also undertakes the roles of writer and co-producer, lending the film an authentic touch reflective of his vision on race and power dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a small, predominantly white western town, the plot revolves around two black bounty hunters, Boss (Williamson) and Amos (D'Urville Martin), who declare themselves sheriff and deputy, respectively. This bold act sets the stage for racial tensions and rules that uniquely fine townsfolk $20 for using racial slurs—a comic yet incisively poignant touch.

Director Jack Arnold infuses "Boss Nigger" with a characteristic '70s funk score, enhancing the film's vivid energy and mirroring the defiant spirit of its protagonists. Williamson’s character has an unyielding machismo, evident in thrilling shoot-outs where he faces overwhelming odds with implausible ease—a signature of the era’s action style. The film also adopts a self-aware approach, addressing racial divides head-on through sharp and insightful dialogue that oscillates between humor and harsh social critique. The storyline brings forth a raw depiction of race relations, underlined by darkly comedic moments, such as an eye-catching visual trope where townsfolk stare in exaggerated disbelief at their new black lawmen.

The production quality of "Boss Nigger" is relatively basic, with decrepit sets and rough-cut action sequences that lend it a grindhouse feel more than a polished studio gloss. But this perceived cheapness contributes to its grindhouse charm, embodying an anti-racist stance that resonates through its vibrant characters and witty repartee. While the traditional western elements are somewhat flat, the film’s real value lies in its cultural commentary and Williamson’s dynamic performance, ensuring that the movie remains relevant and impactful amidst discussions on race and power.

"Boss Nigger" arrives on Blu-ray with mixed technical outcomes, provoking both appreciation and criticism. The film, a notable entry from Fred Williamson’s Blaxploitation oeuvre, showcases a compelling blend of genre elements akin to a violent rendition of "Blazing Saddles." The Blu-ray presentation, however, leaves room for improvement. Image quality does not fully rise to contemporary standards, with the occasional inconsistency in clarity and detail. Fans should scrutinize screenshots to gauge the audio-visual fidelity as it significantly influences the viewing experience.

From an extras standpoint, the supplementary interviews included in the package are informative and endearingly engaging but remain insufficient in providing comprehensive insight into the film's cultural impact and production background. The disc could benefit from additional features to enhance its value, encompassing more behind-the-scenes content or critical analyses that delve deeper into the film's relevance within the Blaxploitation genre.

Ultimately, "Boss Nigger" is a provocative and intriguing film from Fred Williamson’s Blaxploitation phase that warrants attention despite the Blu-ray's technical shortcomings. Fans of the cast or genre might find this release worth exploring but should manage expectations regarding its audio-visual presentation. This edition serves its purpose but suggests that a superior release could enhance the film's legacy in the future.