Vinegar Syndrome

Welcome Home Brother Charles / Emma Mae

Regular Price
$22.99
Sale Price
$22.99
Regular Price
$32.98
Sold Out
Unit Price
per 
VS-213
- +
The product is out of stock

Limit of per customer

My checklist
Have it Need it

You have reached the limit of this product.

Details

Sold Out / OOP

Before directing the legendary PENITENTIARY trilogy, Jamaa Fanaka helmed these two offbeat genre films, which helped catapult him to recognition as one of the most important black filmmakers working in 70s independent cinema.

In Fanaka's debut feature, WELCOME HOME BROTHER CHARLES, a young black man is sent to prison, after being brutalized by a corrupt racist cop. Upon release, he takes deadly revenge against the cops, lawyers, and thugs who got him busted, using a most unusual weapon... As much a parody of exploitation films as it is a proud piece of genre cinema, BROTHER CHARLES combines horror and blaxploitation tropes with stirring social subtext resulting in a drive-in movie unlike any other.

Fanaka's second feature, EMMA MAE, tells the story of a naive young woman who moves from the Deep South to Watts. Initially finding herself at odds with her surroundings, Emma eventually gains acceptance from a local drug addict and dealer. But when he's arrested and jailed, she plans a daring bank robbery to bail him out... Featuring a cast of mostly non-professionals and shot entirely on location in Watts, this uniquely subversive action film is an insider's view of black, working-class LA neighborhoods.

Vinegar Syndrome brings these two landmark films to Blu-ray, newly restored from their original camera negatives.

directed by: Jamaa Fanaka
starring: Marlo Monte, Reatha Grey, Stan Kamber, Jerri Hayes
1975-1976 / 203 minutes / Color / 1.85:1 OAR

Additional info:

  • Region free Blu-ray/DVD combo pack
  • Newly scanned and restored in 2k from 35mm original camera negatives
  • "The History of the L.A. Rebellion & Jamaa Fanaka" - an appreciation by Jan-Christopher Horak, Director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive
  • Post film Q&A with actress Jerri Hayes from a 2017 screening of EMMA MAE at BAMcinematek in Brooklyn, NY
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Multiple original teaser trailers
  • Reversible cover artwork
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.645161 / 5 from 62 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Welcome Home Brother Charles and Emma Mae, two landmark films by Jamaa Fanaka, are now available in a newly restored Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Customers appreciate the great transfer quality and the inclusion of Emma Mae, praising the restoration and the classic blaxploitation features. The release has been well-received, offering a unique view of black, working-class LA neighborhoods.

Summary topics

  • Transfer Quality: 12%
  • Film Quality: 33%
  • Visual Quality: 14%
  • Blacksploitation Film: 10%

Review topics: [looks, packaging, sound, film, features, movie, transfer, flick, emma mae, blaxploitation, release, charles, career, restoration, cinema, director, bill, extras, voice, elements, filmmakers, drama, exploitation, story].

Review highlights

  • "The transfer looks great and the inclusion of Emma Mae is the cherry on top"Alan C.
  • "Excellent transfer and excellent Blaxploitation double feature"Timothy T.
  • "The transfers are great they look excellent and there's some really good informative extras."Bill P.

Reviews

Great Black Film Double Bill

"Movies: Welcome Home Brother Charles: This has a lot of potential which is unfortunately not fully realized. There's some time spent showing the difficulties of reintegration into society after imprisonment, which could've been the movie if more developed. The section that covers the imprisonment itself is very effective, although it works a lot because it's brief. In the second half of the movie you get a few really compellingly eerie scenes which were my favorite parts of the movie, although not supported by enough of the rest of it. Finally, you have the hook, which is probably the real reason to watch the movie, although it's definitely less effective if it's spoiled (right in the IMDb summary no less!). Emma Mae: A much stronger film, although it's less weird than the previous film. Extras: The main extra is an informative, if dry, background on the context of the early films of Jamaa Fanaka within the context of Blaxsploitation films. Almost entirely just a professor talking, but at this length it's fine for putting on while you do something. The Q&A is also interesting, although surprisingly short. Packaging: Bonus points for reversible cover."

Gideon M. (4/5)

Bold Blaxploitation Double Feature with Purpose

"Two powerful films from Jamaa Fanaka that break genre boundaries. Brother Charles is unforgettable for its blend of exploitation and social commentary, while Emma Mae surprises with its grounded emotion and strength. The restorations are gorgeous—clean, vibrant, and respectful of their low-budget origins. Essential for fans of independent Black cinema."

Thomas L. (5/5)

Welcome Home Brother Charles

"Good double feature. I'm happy to pick this up before it went to OOP."

Matti J. (5/5)

Emma Mae Is An All Timer

"This is a great double feature. Never seen a Fanaka flick before, and dang, he is the man! WCBC is a little dull at times, but the pay off is incredible. Had there been another couple of THAT scene this would be undeniable. But EMMA MAE, completely blew me away. Great story, unusual focus and phenomenally made. Plus the restoration of this one is just superb. Why aren’t people talking about this movie? It is phenomenal."

Miguel (5/5)

Double bill

"Early vinegar Syndrome release, includes the movie Emma Mae. Unfortunately Out of print!"

Nicolas A. (5/5)

2 Very Good Blaxploitation Films!

"I have always enjoyed both of these 2 movies, even though the picture and sound left a lot to be desired. Enter VS to the rescue! These now both look and sound fabulous! They are very good Blaxploitation flicks which gave many actors a decent career for a decade or so! I highly recommend them both!"

Paul K. (5/5)

Awesome dual pack

"This release has amazing value with two interesting movies. I'm grateful Vinegar Syndrome found some more in 2024 so I could see this movie without paying exorbitant second-hand prices."

matthew l. (5/5)

Double Feature of an Underrated Director

"All of VS`s releases of Fanaka are great. So inspiring to see a filmmaker who never got the respect he deserved be reclaimed with new access to his films. Both films are uniquely powerful in their depictions of the Black experience in the 1970s."

Josh B. (5/5)

Great blaxploitation release, Glad I

"Great blaxploitation release, Glad I got it before it went OOP"

Andrew H. (5/5)

Q&A

More Items to Consider