Black Panther (BFI Flipside) [1977] (DVD + Blu-ray)

THE BLACK PANTHER (DVD + Blu-ray), directed by Ian Merrick, is a film presented by BFI Flipside that delves into the infamous killing spree carried out by Donald Neilson, also known as the Black Panther, across England during the mid-1970s. This intelligent crime drama, told with uncommon accuracy and refraining from sensationalism, charts the culmination of these events, which resulted in the kidnapping and death of a 17-year-old girl.

The FLIPSIDE series from BFI aims to rescue weird and wonderful British films from obscurity and present them in new high-quality editions. Directed by Ian Merrick, this film fell foul of a media-driven campaign on its original cinema release, leading to an effective ban.

The release includes the following special features:

Disc 1: BD50 | 1080p | 24fps | PCM mono audio (48k/24-bit) Disc 2: DVD9 | PAL | Dolby Digital mono audio (320kbps)

UK | 1977 | Colour | English language, with optional English hard-of-hearing subtitles | 98 minutes | Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1

This powerful and thought-provoking film provides a compelling examination of the infamous "Black Panther" case, exploring the events and individuals involved with a level of nuance and sensitivity often lacking in more sensationalized accounts. Merrick's direction avoids the pitfalls of melodrama, instead crafting a measured and deeply unsettling portrait of a horrific crime spree that gripped the nation.

The attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in the storytelling lend an air of authenticity to the proceedings, drawing the viewer in and challenging them to grapple with the complex moral and ethical questions raised by the case. While the subject matter is undoubtedly disturbing, the film's restraint and focus on the underlying human tragedy prevent it from descending into exploitative territory.

Through its thoughtful exploration of the Black Panther's crimes and the societal factors that may have contributed to them, the film invites the audience to engage in a deeper examination of the nature of evil, the mechanisms of the criminal justice system, and the ways in which the media can shape and distort public perception.

The inclusion of this important work in the BFI Flipside series ensures that it will be preserved and made available to new generations of viewers, providing a valuable resource for those interested in British cinema, true crime narratives, and the enduring complexities of the human condition.

Overall, THE BLACK PANTHER (DVD + Blu-ray) stands as a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the BFI's catalogue, offering a nuanced and insightful exploration of a disturbing chapter in British history.

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