http://www.wattstax.com/

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!

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 received 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.

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about!

I have the 2-CD of this concert,but I've never seen the concert itself.So I'm excited about this DVD.

I've never seen the concert either, I'll be checking for that one

Purchased

I saw that concert when i was lil....when Rufus told everyone to come on down..... people was doin that funky chicken... good gawd...man i'd kill to find an original "Stax" shirt
[This message was edited Tue Jul 6 3:30:43 2004 by TheRealFiness]

Great!! They were showing this revised version in a few theaters a while back, just like "Standing In the Shadows of Motown"...I've been waiting for it to show up on DVD!!( BTW , look for the scenes where Ted Lange,(later known as "Junior" on "That's my Momma" and more known as "Isaac", the Bartender on "the Love Boat" - is breakin' things down about "The Community"...
[This message was edited Tue Jul 6 7:46:26 2004 by paligap]

Yeah, I know. I went with my parents. I was very young. That was my first concert. After that I saw the J5.

TheRealFiness said:

Oh is that was that was? I've seen footage of that, but never knew what it was. They were in a stadium doning the Boogaloo, too, right?

CalhounSq said:

same here

okaypimpn said:

yessum