Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.0

Affirmations Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see short documentary by Marlon Riggs (Ethnic Notions).

Affirmations is a short exploring some of the important issues discussed throughout the career of documentarian Marlon Riggs (Ethnic Notions, Color Adjustment): homosexuality in black men and living as a black man within the cultural spectrum of the United States. Produced and directed by Riggs, the 10 minute film is another compelling work from the filmmaker and a must-see for fans.

The Affirmations documentary is divided in to two distinct parts: one segment of the film features interviews with gay black men speaking about their personal life experiences and one segment showcases the African American Freedom Parade – with its celebratory festivities highlighting Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglas, and other important figures in black history.

The beginning of the documentary highlights the youthful Reginald Jackson, as he discusses his first experience with a gay black man. Jackson explores what that experience was like for him: going to a bar, being hit on by a man, and going home with the man and making love to him. Jackson described the night as being “the best experience I have ever had.”

A journey of expression.

The parade shows multiple sides of black culture: a band marches down the street performing music important to the black community. Gay men march and shout “homophobia has to go!” with a clear passion for the message at the core. Individuals march while carrying signs signifying important messages: the mission of a silent voice being heard is as clear as day.

Brilliantly edited by Christiane Badgley (Sacred Places, Guangzhou Dream Factory), Affirmations is a short which also delves in to the civil rights movement (even if as a backdrop to the other core ideas in Affirmations): the documentary focusing primarily on the gay experience of Reginald Jackson and the African American Freedom Parade.

Riggs evokes a message of wanting homosexual black men to be able to express themselves without any fear of oppression and judgment from others in the black and white communities. The message is central throughout the piece. Riggs seeks to create a community of non-judgment. A wish for freedom of expression.

Please Note: the Affirmations short documentary features additional contributions by the Gay Men of African Descent, R. Battle, Michael Bell, Blackberri, Wayson Jones, Essex Hemphill, David B. Kirkland, Cornelius Moore, Alan Miller, Britt Tennell, Colin Robinson, and Donald Wodds.

Affirmations Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection, Affirmations is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The film is presented in standard-definition and is encoded in a high-definition container (from a new digital master of the film). Given source limitations, Affirmations has a more limited range as a documentary presentation – with colors and details appearing muted compared to more modern documentaries. The presentation is reasonable (as long as one can put aside obvious limitations). Better than a standard DVD – compression artifacts less pronounced.

Affirmations Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in uncompressed PCM 1.0 mono. The lossless, 24 bit-depth audio track is an acceptable presentation. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The audio has a more limited dynamic range and doesn't sound as crisp or dynamic as modern films but given the age of the documentary the audio has been well preserved for the presentation.

Affirmations Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

To find out more regarding the supplemental features in The Signifyin' Works of Marlon Riggs collection, please refer to the main review page for the release.

Affirmations Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Affirmations is an essential short-film from Marlon Riggs (Color Adjustment, Black Is... Black Ain't). The film highlights the sexual awakening of Reginald Jackson and the experiences held through the African American Freedom Parade. A short but worthwhile effort by Riggs. Highly recommended.