Vinegar Syndrome

Def By Temptation

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This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray/DVD combo. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 1,500 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Joel (James Bond III) grew up in the church but has started questioning his beliefs. After sensing a supernatural presence from his deceased father, Joel becomes compelled to visit his cousin, K (Kadeem Hardison) in New York. But shortly after arriving, he and K become embroiled in a series of mysterious homicides of local men, all of whom were last seen in the company of a mysterious and beautiful woman, who has now set her bloodthirsty sights on K...

The sole directorial effort from child actor James Bond III, who also wrote, produced, and starred, DEF BY TEMPTATION is a macabre, neon tinged portrait of late 80s Brooklyn, blending supernatural horror and religious mysticism, punctuated by an electrifying hip hop and R&B soundtrack. Featuring an early performance from Samuel L. Jackson alongside character actor Bill Nunn (DO THE RIGHT THING) and exquisite visuals from one of the late 20th century's most gifted cinematographers, Ernest Dickerson (JUICE), Vinegar Syndrome brings DEF BY TEMPTATION to Blu-ray, newly restored from its original 35mm camera negative.

directed by: James Bond III
starring: James Bond III, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Nunn, Cynthia Bond, Kadeem Hardison
1990 / 95 minutes / Color / 1.85:1 OAR

Additional info:

Region free Blu-ray/DVD combo
Newly scanned & restored in 2k from its 35mm original camera negative
Brand new career-spanning audio interview with writer/producer/director/actor James Bond III
"Ernest & Lloyd" - a candid conversation between cinematographer Ernest Dickerson and Lloyd Kaufman
Film historian and critic Michael Gingold on Def By Temptation
Original trailer
Archival article gallery
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 92 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Def By Temptation, a 1990 film directed by James Bond III, is praised for its engaging and stylish narrative, featuring notable performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Bill Nunn. The Blu-ray/DVD combo offers great visuals, practical effects, and special features, including a 90-minute audio interview with Bond III. Customers highly recommend this release for its excellent transfer, appealing visuals, and rich special features.

Summary topics

Video Transfer: 9%
Overall Release: 13%
Practical Effects: 9%
Special Features: 11%
Visuals: 12%

Review topics: [shipping, feel, looks, lighting, packaging, style, upgrade, work, buy, film, movie, features, release, effects, performances, visuals, transfer, soundtrack, characters, cinematography, blaxploitation, flick, disc, atmosphere, watch, story, gem, thriller, horror, classic].

Review highlights

"This blaxploitation was a blast with great effects and a nice video transfer ." — robert p.
"The practical effects and visuals we expect from a Troma picture is a nice cherry on top as well." — Chris G.
"Excellent transfer, and another great blind buy, wish I would have purchased the slipcover in time." — Timothy T.

Reviews

Probably Tromas Best film

"If not best definitely up there"

— Raffaele V. (5/5)

Def by temptation

"Old school troma when it was good! Definitely a fun blaxploitation movie. Vinegar syndrome did a good job with the transfer."

— joseph c. (4/5)

A classic restored for life

"Absolute classic with an excellent transfer. As always, the shipping is fantastic and on time. Always a pleasure to purchasing from vinegar syndrome."

— Bryan O. (4/5)

def

"so fun, awesome packaging and features!"

— Luther T. (3/5)

This is a fascinating curiosity,

"This is a fascinating curiosity, rather than a good film. I'm glad VS put it out and it looks really good on Blu-ray. The extras did a good job of contextualizing it and made me appreciate it more."

— Randall G. (3/5)

Loved it

"Some excellent performances, a great soundtrack, and beautiful cinematography by Dickerson elevate this film far above its limited budget. A classic!"

— Ed G. (4/5)

Classic

"Really enjoyed this one. Rewatchability is high"

— Gregory T. (5/5)

Samuel L. Jackson was in

"Samuel L. Jackson was in a Troma movie! It’s an early and short appearance, but still. . . crazy. It’s always interesting to see a black horror film, especially older ones. This is the only movie written, produced, and directed by some man named James Bond III (!) He also starred in it, because of course. This was pretty good, and even the drama bits were decent. There’s some really interesting imagery sprinkled throughout, and some quality lines (“Hey, baby, we had a good time - you can get an abortion now”) There’s also a memorable death where someone is sucked into a TV by a Ronald Reagan doll and has his guts explode out of the screen. Yeah."

— Jeff S. (4/5)

Brooklyn succubus

"Fun horror with light erotic theme. Great atmosphere and performances by the cast and a cameo by Sam Jackson. A few extra features and a reversible sleeve. I unfortunately did not get mine with the neat slipcover."

— Kresh R. (4/5)

Excellent!

"Excellent!"

— Michael B. (4/5)