Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970
Action: The October Crisis of 1970

Canadian International Pictures

Action: The October Crisis of 1970

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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{ "42744408703018":1 }
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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

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Dylan Haley) 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!

A gripping account of the crisis that shocked Canada.

In October 1970, the long-brewing tension between French and English Canada explodes onto the world stage after a group of Québécois nationalists violently kidnap two prominent political figures, holding them ransom and issuing a now-famous manifesto. With a nation on the brink, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau responds by invoking the controversial War Measure Act, suspending civil liberties in Québec, jailing hundreds without trial, and unleashing the Canadian Armed Forces on the streets of Montréal. As tensions mount, local and federal leaders are forced to reckon in real time with shocking acts of political violence and unprecedented abuses of government power. 

A masterclass in urgent historical filmmaking by National Film Board veteran Robin Spry (One Man), Action: The October Crisis of 1970 is a bracing portrait, expertly synthesizing a dizzying, watershed moment through archival material, news reports, and first-hand, on-the-ground footage. In league with the great political documentaries of the ‘60s and ‘70s – and complemented here by its companion film, Reaction: A Portrait of a Society in Crisis – Action remains a riveting account of the upheaval that shook Canada to its very core.

directed by: Robin Spry
starring: Robin Spry, Pierre Trudeau, René Lévesque, Robert Lemieux, Jean Drapeau, Robert Bourassa, John Diefenbaker
1973 / 87 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • Scanned and restored in 2K from the 16mm interpositive by the National Film Board of Canada
  • Audio commentary featuring writer and film programmer Justine Smith
  • Audio commentary assembled from archival interviews with director Robin Spry
  • Tensions and Contradictions (2025, 16 min.) – New interview with professor Zoë Druick
  • Making Action (2025, 15 min.) – New interview with NFB curator Marc St-Pierre
  • Alternate French language audio track
  • Reaction: A Portrait of a Society in Crisis (1973, 58 min.) – Spry documentary exploring a sampling of English-speaking Québec’s perspective on the October Crisis
  • Booklet featuring a new essay by film critic/professor Tom McSorley and an essay by film journalist A. Ibrányi-Kiss
  • Reversible cover artwork
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.7380953 / 5 from 42 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This Blu-ray release of 'Action: The October Crisis of 1970' offers a gripping account of the 1970 crisis in Canada, featuring archival material and interviews. It is part of Canadian International Pictures' line of home video releases, focusing on vital Canadian cinema from the '60s to '80s.

Summary topics

  • Blu-ray Release: 20%
  • Documentary Quality: 53%

Review topics: ["picture","documentary","release","film","events","clips","worth","label","doc","history","features"].

Review highlights

  • "Excellent documentary and a great release." — Chris S.
  • "Interesting Movie, great release!" — Blake B.
  • "Bonus content is welcomed here and once again, good restoration!" — Martin B.

Reviews

Riveting

"This is fascinating stuff. Anyone with an interest in Canadian politics will really enjoy this. Highest recommendation. Great supplements, too."

— David R. (5/5)

A fascinating piece of Quebec history

"Really glad to have this release. Action: The October Crisis of 1970 feels raw, direct, and historically important, and it does a great job capturing the tension of the moment. It is the kind of documentary that feels both immediate and informative, which makes it especially compelling. A very worthwhile release for anyone interested in political documentaries or Quebec history."

— Thomas L. (5/5)

Stand up and yell

"Insightful and interesting period doc"

— Colin B. (5/5)

Great release and sub label

"If you are into 70s political documentary features like for example Patricio Guzman’s the Battle of Chile, this should be a must watch if curious on the subject . Always awesome packaging and great special features provided by vinegar syndrome for thus release"

— Mason P. (5/5)

A Tense and Grounded Political Reconstruction

"Action: The October Crisis of 1970 offers a gripping dramatization of one of Canada’s most turbulent political moments. Rather than sensationalizing events, the film adopts a measured, almost procedural approach, focusing on the human and institutional responses to crisis. What makes it compelling is its sense of realism. The film carefully builds tension through dialogue, decision-making, and the mounting pressure on those involved, rather than relying on overt dramatics. It paints a complex picture of political urgency, fear, and moral ambiguity. While its style may feel restrained, that restraint is precisely what gives the film its weight. It’s a thoughtful and engaging piece of historical storytelling that prioritizes nuance over spectacle."

— Thomas H. (5/5)

Action: The October Crisis of 1970

"Documenting a dark time in Canada's history."

— Oliver B. (5/5)

The October Crisis

"Fascinating time in Canada well documented."

— Samuel L. (5/5)

Good

"Canadian history"

— Matthew R. (4/5)

Very informative even if you

"Very informative even if you are not into politics. . ."

— Michael H. (5/5)

While the presentation is a

"While the presentation is a little dry and academic, it's a fascinating subject."

— Corey D. (4/5)

Q&A

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