This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
Note: this is a brand new Limited Edition Slipcover Variant of EAST END HUSTLE, originally released in 2023. The original limited edition slipcover (designed by Chris Barnes) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the packaging.
This special limited edition spot gloss variant slipcover (designed by Colin Murdoch) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
Cindy was a hooker trapped in the East End Hustle. Now she's getting revenge on those who treated her like dirt.
Cindy (Born for Hell’s Andrée Pelletier) is outraged by the sadism of her pimp boyfriend Dan (Ghost Story’s Miguel Fernandes), so she turns her back on him and her seedy profession. As he attempts to lure her back, she doubles down on her rebellion by liberating new recruit Marianne (Bingo’s Anne-Marie Provencher) and giving safe haven to several of Dan’s most prized employees, crippling his business. As this gang of frustrated sex workers waits for the dust to settle, Dan grows incensed, escalating the dispute into a full-blown war. Leaning into his mafia connections and insatiable appetite for violence, Dan orders vicious retaliation… but Cindy has some vengeful tricks up her sleeve.
An unsung Canadian exploitation classic originally brought to American screens by Lloyd Kaufman’s Troma Entertainment, East End Hustle is a sordid crime saga that finds an unexpected balance of horror and humanity. Reuniting director Frank Vitale with his key collaborators from the acclaimed Montreal Main, this gritty, unblinking revenge saga anticipates future genre staples like Ms .45 and The Ladies Club. Fueled by an urgent sense of danger and a memorably funky, synth-laden score by noted screenwriter Len Blum (Meatballs), East End Hustle is a ‘70s genre gem like no other.
directed by: Frank Vitale starring: Andrée Pelletier, Anne-Marie Provencher, Miguel Fernandes, Allan Moyle, Beverly Murray, Joe Mattia 1976 / 91 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 1.0
Additional info:
4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray Set
4K UHD presented in High-Dynamic-Range
Newly scanned and restored in 4K from the 35mm original camera negative by Canadian International Pictures with sound transferred from the 35mm optical track
Audio commentary featuring Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and film historian Jason Pichonsky
East End Director (2023, 18 min.) – New interview with writer-director Frank Vitale
The Art Bug (2023, 8 min.) – Vitale on Montreal Main and his career before East End Hustle
East End Troma (2023, 14 min.) – New interview with distributor Lloyd Kaufman
Kaufman’s Canada (2023, 5 min.) – Kaufman reflects on his Canadian connections
Renegade Films (2023, 10 min.) – New interview with writer Bill Brownstein on Cinépix and its co-founder John Dunning
Audio interview with composer Len Blum (2023, 15 min.)
Theatrical trailer
Booklet featuring a new essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.4221106 / 5 from 199 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
East End Hustle, a Canadian exploitation classic, has received praise for its restoration, picture quality, and features. Customers appreciate the great release and packaging, though feedback on acting is varied.
"Great release with great looking transfer, nice bonus features as well." — Sebastian V.
"The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture!" — Paul K.
"Excellent movie....outstanding music....and amazing Xtra features." — Michael A.
Reviews
Gritty Grindhouse
"I was highly entertained from start to finish. Excellent transfer and extras. Highly recommended."
— Jeffrey L. (4/5)
East End Hustle
"Missed out on the original slipcover, so very happy with this re release. Great time capsule of Canadian film history."
— Adam K. (5/5)
Great little Canuxploitation gem. My
"Great little Canuxploitation gem. My favourite release from CIP so far."
— David M. (5/5)
Exploitation Anora
"Take away the melancholy fairytale quality, focus on the aspect of sex worker empowerment and a ticket out of the hustle, and this sadistically oppressive, Canadian exploitation film works as an an interesting twist on some of the same material from the award-winning Anora. It’s also interesting that both prominently feature largely silent, observatory male allies who advise but don’t really interfere with female characters who self-reliantly make a stand against ecosystems and limiting orbits pushing them down and holding them back. There’s a lot of naked flesh here, but it almost exclusively feels queasily grim whenever it’s bared (often against a woman’s will)."
— Timothy E. (3/5)
Another Canadian crime gem
"Another Canadian crime gem I was a fan och the Mob and Dirty money so it’s not to strange that I liked this one ! If you are a fan of 70s drama crime I would recomend this one ! Nice disc with good picture"
— Patrick J. (4/5)
East End Hustle
"Dirty and delicious, like the sloppiest poutine you ever had. Funky score, awesome drives through a grimy bygone Montreal. The performances are understated but the revenge still hits when it finally comes. Andrée Pelletier is great as our dark angel and embodies the theme of sisterhood as the only road to salvation in a world dominated by disgusting men."
— Jesse H. (5/5)
Canadian Old School
"I heard about this book while reading Lloyd Kaufman’s memoir. It’s a great restoration with excellent slipcase artwork. The movie itself is pretty good and it is a great time capsule of a time that is long passed. Lots of cool moments. Knowing the Kaufman connection is pretty interesting."
— Reeves M. (5/5)
East End Fumble
"A real disappointment. Not much in the way of revenge ala Ms. 45, but there is ample nudity and sleaze. Plus the accents are so thick and the dialogue is poorly recorded in parts that you WILL need subtitles. At least the film looks good."
— Joseph H. (2/5)
Great looking art, restoration looks
"Great looking art, restoration looks good, had fun moments with flick"
— Kimmo V. (5/5)
East End Hustle
"Missed out on the first slip cover so jumped on the new and in my opinion improved one."
— Ryan F. (5/5)
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