MovieChat Forums > Hallelujah (1929) Discussion > Out now, on DVD

Out now, on DVD

posted 18 years ago by meinhardjensen
4 replies | jump to latest

I have ordered this DVD now and look forward to it like a child before Christmas. It was released today, I think.

[–] mojo2004 18 years ago

I'm going to get it also.I was reading comments on the "all Black cast" silent film "Body and Soul" starring Paul Robeson.TCM showed it on their silent movie night Sun 1/2/06 and I noted that anyone who enjoyed that film would like this one.Religion is the theme in both movies.

"soylent green is people!"

[–] carmenjonze-1 18 years ago

i have it on VHS and plan to get it on DVD. today, i got Cabin in the Sky (also about religion) and Green Pastures (yet again about religion), which i already had but wanted the extras and the digital transfer. all 3 films are difficult to watch, yet the performances shine through some very racist production values.

if you haven't seen Hallelujah, you may be surprised at how familiar some of it is, even though it was 1929.

__
Loudspeakin' Papa,
You better speak easy to me.

--Ethel Waters, 1929

[–] chemiche3 18 years ago

Make sure that you listen to the Commentary on the DVD. There are some interesing facts on it, like the nationwide search for Black Actors.

[–] freesharon 18 years ago

When I first got it I watched just a few minutes and turned it off to think -- wasn't sure I wanted to experience it. Went back about a week later and went through the whole movie and the commentary and all the special features. Want to suggest that new viewers not decide what they think too early in the film. Don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the whole experience, but first impressions should not be the only chance with this one.

Will say that those who say it is racist may have only watched the first few minutes. Give the characters time to develop.

Buckaroo: Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.