"Black Woodstock" Returns

The 1973 concert film Wattstax returns for a limited engagement theatrical run staring June 6 with original ending restored:

On August 20, 1972, more than 100,000 people attended what came to be known as "the black Woodstock." The popular appeal and broad diversity of the attending Stax Records artists ensured its uniqueness. 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."
However, Wattstax - The Special Edition is more than just a concert film. Powerful interviews with inner-city residents of Watts, California add a still relevant political edge while Richard Pryor adds comedic social commentary. Wattstax - The Special Edition is a movie that captures and celebrates a special time in our history when black power, pride and optimism were at their zenith. Right On!

Though I am a huge fan of Stax music, I have never seen the film - I guess the time has come:

The powerful beauty and dynamism of the original Wattstax film was overlooked for decades. Due to rights complications and the mature themes of Wattstax's content, it recieved little play after its initial theatrical run in 1973. Correcting this neglect and providing new audiences the chance to see the film were reason enough to strike fresh prints and re-release it on the thirtieth anniversary of its premiere. But, after tracking down the long-lost original Isaac Hayes closing songs, "Theme From Shaft" and "Soulsville" and dressing the entire soundtrack up in newly remixed and remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 sound Wattstax - The Special Edition demanded, "Get me out there to be seen and heard!"

The challenge in evolving the 1973 version of Wattstax into Wattstax - The Special Edition was staying true to the original life and soul of the film while taking advantage of new knowledge and technology to add greater depth and richness to the initial vision - an endeavor accomplished with a sense of tribute and joy for the work and efforts of those who came before. Wattstax - The Special Edition proudly continues the legacy of the musicians, organizers, filmmakers and all who participated in the Wattstax experience.

What was it about?

Wattstax the concert and Wattstax the film were unprecedented events for the Los Angeles African-American community and a source of great pride. In the weeks surrounding the filming of the concert, the predominately African-American film crews took to the streets, recording candid interviews with local African-Americans and capturing a unique, unvarnished view of the Watts community.
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Article Author: Eric Olsen

Career media professional Eric Olsen is honored to be the founder and publisher of Blogcritics.org, which, quite frankly, rules - as do his wife and four children.

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