Review of Coffy

Introduction

Between 1970 and 1976, Pam Grier made about 15 films, most of which were in this "blaxpoitation" genre. It`s probably what she`s still best known for, and also what inspired Quentin Tarantino to cast her in Jackie Brown, probably her best film since 1976. It`s also probably the only film that she`s known for by many of today`s audiences.

In 1973`s Coffy, Pam plays a nurse (who doesn`t seem to do very much nursing) who is out for revenge against drug dealers and pushers who are filling the streets with their product and runing the lives of those closest to her. Can her one woman assault pay off?

Video

A 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, which is an improvement over the region 1 disc, which is apparently non-anamorphic. There`s not too much grain, some good detail and some nice garish 1970s colours. There`s quite a bit of dirt and dust around, this title was obviously not important enough to go through any serious clean up. You can still dig those afros and huge pointy collars though.

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo soundtrack, which is the original mono replayed over both channels. It`s clear and audible, and you can hear all that stereotyped 1970s soundtrack, much of which you`ll have heard in many places before. There are also dubbed French and German soundtracks, although the German dialogue appears to be almost completely inaudible at times.

Features

Region 2 gets another two fingered salute from the DVD industry. Gone is the commentary track from the Region 1 disc, featuring writer and director Jack Hill. So we don`t get to hear his stories about casting, filming and everything else about the film. Instead we get a trailer, which tells the whole story in 2 minutes. Thanks a lot MGM.

Conclusion

A low budget film, with low budget dialogue, low budget action and some low budget acting. But it was still a fun way to spend a couple of hours. You won`t see many new films that feature a catfight with a roomful of prostitutes, lots of comedy violence, glaringly fake blood and an afro that hides razor blades from potential assailants.

My favourite scene was of a man being pulled along on his stomach by a car - not your typical gangland punishment, and it seems more at home in an Itchy and Scratchy cartoon. Pam Grier does well enough in the title role, but the story is a bit of a mess. If you fancy a bit of a stereotypical 1970s film though, I`m sure you`ll enjoy it.

Disc wise everything`s as good as might be expected from a low profile back catalogue title. It`s just a shame that they stitched us up by not putting the commentary track from the Region 1 disc on this disc. Maybe I should send Coffy the gun toting nurse to MGM UK to "bust their sorry asses"?