Welcome Home Brother Charles / Emma Mae
Description
Details
Director(s): Jamaa Fanaka
Starring: Marlo Monte, Reatha Grey, Stan Kamber, Jerri Hayes
Release Year: 1975, 1976
Runtime: 203 min (combined)
Aspect Ratio(s): 1.85:1
Language(s): ENG- English
Sound: Mono
Subtitles: English SDH
Format: Blu-ray/DVD
Disc Info: Region Free Blu-ray/DVD
Restoration: Newly scanned and restored in 2K from 35mm original camera negatives
Genre: Exploitation, Drama
SKU: VS-213
Bonus Content
Trailers / Videos
Label Bio
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- GMGideon M.Verified Buyer7 months agoRated 4 out of 5 starsGreat 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.
- MJMatti J.Verified Buyer1 year agoRated 5 out of 5 starsWelcome Home Brother Charles
Good double feature. I'm happy to pick this up before it went to OOP.
- TLThomas L.Verified Buyer1 year agoRated 5 out of 5 starsBold 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.
- KGKyle G.Verified Buyer1 year agoRated 5 out of 5 starsBlaxploitation
VS doesn't do a whole ton of blaxploitation these days. A welcome part of the catalogue.
- MMiguel1 year agoRated 5 out of 5 starsEmma 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.
