Solomon King Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Solomon King" offers an impressive restoration effort by Deaf Crocodile, despite the absence of the original camera negative. The AVC encoded image retains its theatrical 1.85:1 aspect ratio and reflects significant restoration work carried out on the sole known 35mm print housed at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Originally heavily faded and damaged, the restoration is commendable for reviving the film's visual characteristics while preserving its period style. The project restores natural skin tones and accommodates color transformation, refreshing the once pink-toned visuals to vibrant primaries, with reds being managed effectively. While the source displays wear with emulsion scratches and occasional missing frames, extensive cleanup work captures a satisfactorily natural look with fully resolved grain.

Cinematographers Chuck Colwell and Phil Caplin’s original 35mm film was transformed through a remarkable color grading process, enabling pleasant natural colors and flesh tones to appear on screen. Despite inherent limitations such as density fluctuations during darker scenes and some retained print damage, efforts have maintained as much detail and grain as possible without compression artifacts, thanks to encoding by David Mackenzie at Fidelity in Motion.

Overall, viewers are treated to a surprisingly good representation of the film's original texture. The restoration successfully translates the grain density and contrast, switching out faded elements for more vibrant imagery. Despite jump cuts and scratches that are symptomatic of the source limitations, this HD transfer honors the original cinematic vision through its detailed depiction of textures and inviting exploration of interior and exterior dimensions. For a film with no existing negatives, the Blu-ray edition stands out with its engaging presentation, which delights enthusiasts with both its quality and tribute to the original cinematography.

The Blu-ray release of "Solomon King" offers an engaging audio presentation that expertly balances the limitations and charm of its original sound elements. The restoration team has employed a 2.0 LPCM track, derived from the original 35mm track negative, alongside a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track sourced from the original elements and the UCLA Archive Print. This meticulous effort has resulted in a soundscape where dialogue exchanges, though fundamentally constrained by the low-budget production and extensive ADR, are rendered intelligible and free from notable noise or artifacts. The funk-laden score, crafted by Jimmy Lewis and David Crawford, is faithfully represented within the confines of its original limitations, contributing a robust backdrop that enriches the experience without overwhelming.

Despite a few instances where post-synced dialogue verges on the unclear—an issue rooted in the original recording conditions—the overall fidelity is commendably clean. The sound effects are appreciable and clear, enhancing the film's dynamism without distracting from the narrative. The mix effectively navigates through challenging terrain with dialogue and music levels occasionally difficult to distinguish; however, Deaf Crocodile has adeptly addressed these challenges through careful restoration, ensuring dialogue clarity during louder sequences.

While lacking the expansive soundscape of a modern production, the restored audio succeeds in preserving the film's authentic auditory character. It delivers an experience that is both true to its origins and accessible to contemporary audiences. Optional English SDH subtitles further aid comprehension, making this restoration a technically impressive and engaging auditory experience for viewers.

Deaf Crocodile's Blu-ray release of "Solomon King" is a comprehensive package spotlighting the film's intriguing context and competence of Sal Watts. The extras delve deeply into the historical backdrop, offering insights through thoughtful commentary and interviews. Two insightful audio commentaries, featuring film critic Steve Ryfle and Walter Chaw, provide rich historical and cultural perspectives. Notably, the extended three-part interview with Belinda Burton-Watts presents invaluable first-hand accounts of Sal Watts' life, encapsulating his personal and professional journey within the Oakland community and highlighting the racial dynamics influencing his work. Additional features such as "The Jay Payton Show" episode, the meticulous Restoration Demo, and a 2022 trailer further enrich the viewing experience. These elements collectively illuminate the vibrant creative environment that enabled "Solomon King" to flourish.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Includes an essay by Josiah Howard and a reproduction of the Solomon King pressbook.
• Commentary #1: Features author Steve Ryfle.
• Commentary #2: Features film critic Walter Chaw.
• A Talk with Belinda Burton-Watts: A detailed, three-part conversation with Sal Watts' widow.
• The Jay Payton Show: An episode of the influential music program.
• Restoration Demo: Showcases the restoration efforts.
• 2022 Trailer: A recent promotional trailer.

"Solomon King," a near-forgotten gem of the Blaxploitation era, stands as a testament to Sal Watts' multifaceted talent and ambition. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1970s Oakland, this film is an audacious, homegrown production that leans into the quintessential hallmarks of its genre—rhythmic soul and funk soundtracks, portrayals of strong Black leads battling oppressive forces, and a palpable infusion of regional flair through its untrained cast. Although it lacks the polish of larger studio works, the film compensates with sheer creative spirit and tenacious storytelling. Watts, employing his personal style and resources, shapes a narrative around Solomon King, an ex-CIA agent entwined in a plot teeming with international intrigue and local charisma.

The film eschews traditional tropes by positioning Solomon as a suave, principled character rather than the typical renegade seen in contemporaries like "Shaft" or "Superfly." King navigates dangers involving oil fields and royal conspiracy with both tactical acuity and a gentle demeanor, which Watts ably brings to life despite his lack of formal training. Amid imperfect editing and occasionally rough pacing, "Solomon King" captivates with its dynamic sequences—ranging from explosive gunfights to intimate scenes imbued with tenderness. The musical landscape crafted by Jimmy Lewis further sustains the film's unique rhythm, underscoring moments with vibrant soundscapes that keep audiences engaged.

"Solomon King" truly embodies the spirit of DIY filmmaking and serves as a cultural artifact representative of its era. The film’s ability to weave Black cultural elements seamlessly into its narrative highlights Watts' genuine understanding and foresight. Despite constraints, it delivers captivating moments both visually and emotionally, securing its place within the pantheon of Blaxploitation cinema. The recent Blu-ray release restores this essential piece of cinematic history to audiences who almost lost the chance to experience Watts' singular vision.

The Blu-Ray release of "Solomon King" by Deaf Crocodile offers an intriguing restoration of a once-lost film, notable for its embodiment of the Blaxploitation genre's bold style. This release presents a visually rejuvenated version that successfully captures the era's DIY filmmaking spirit, thanks to an extensive restoration effort funded through Kickstarter and executed by Deaf Crocodile. The added special features provide a deeper understanding of the film's cultural and historical significance, offering viewers an immersive experience into 1970s cinema.

Despite its vibrant presentation, "Solomon King" remains a product of its time, with a storyline that tends to verge on the absurd, particularly in its chaotic final act. The narrative, centered around heroics and bravado, often prioritizes style over substance, leading to a film that's charmingly unrefined. While not a polished cinematic masterpiece, its raw appeal and energetic execution make it ideal for lighthearted viewing among fans of genre staples.

In conclusion, the trial and tribulations of "Solomon King" reflect a unique period in filmmaking, highlighting the passion of DIY cinema against the backdrop of Blaxploitation. Though it may not meet conventional expectations for storytelling coherence or polish, the Blu-ray's restoration and supplemental content provide significant value and historical insight. For enthusiasts of cult cinema and film restoration, Deaf Crocodile's release is an essential addition to their collection.