Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Bucktown Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 4, 2019

In 1975’s “Bucktown,” director Arthur Marks gives star Fred Williamson room to do exactly his thing, which is to project attitude, remain cat nip for the ladies, and suck down a few of his trademark cigars. There’s no algebra here, with the star settling easily into the hero role, portraying a tough black guy putting himself up against the might of law enforcement, which is staffed by racist white boobs. “Bucktown” does try to avoid the norm by contorting the story’s vision of villainy, but the basics are prized by Marks, who keeps up the action and posing as he makes a sturdy, exciting entry in the Blaxploitation subgenre.

Coming to Bucktown to bury his brother, who was killed by corrupt cops, Duke (Fred Williamson) is ready to take over his sibling’s business, reopening a bar the community once treasured. Standing in his way is Chief Patterson (Art Lund) and his subordinates, and they commence a campaign of harassment, making life difficult for Duke, who makes a connection with Aretha (Pam Grier). Needing help to take back the town, Duke calls in pal Roy (Thalmus Rasulala) for help, and while his partner is an effective man of violence, he also gets a taste of power, making a move to rule Bucktown by himself.

Williamson receives all the heroic moves in “Bucktown,” introduced as a man of little patience for police activity, entering the town on a mission to restore everything that’s been lost over the years. Complications are immediate, with Duke challenged by Chief Patterson, who orders his goons to break up such plans for prosperity, putting the newcomer in a difficult position of submission he refuses to entertain. The bend of “Bucktown” comes with the arrival of Roy, who’s introduced as a pal but evolves into a problem, soon challenging Duke for control of the town, complicating an original plan of Caucasian eradication. It’s a wrinkle that gives the feature a slightly different approach, examining universal dreams of greed and exploitation, while supplying Williamson with a more formidable foe than a basic collection of goobery white guys who love to spout racial epithets.

Bucktown Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation isn't a fresh scan of "Bucktown," but it does fairly well for an MGM catalog title. Some softness is encountered (focus issues are easily observed), but age isn't problematic, finding mild speckling and scratches. Detail is satisfactory, capturing the textures of the urban locations, delivering dimensional street tours and interior decoration. Costuming retains period fabrics, and facial particulars are passable, securing degrees of physical abuse. Colors are appealing, doing well with neon signage and offerings of high fashion, delivering bolder purples and golds. Skintones are natural. Delineation is secure.

Bucktown Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"Bucktown" is a low-budget endeavor and not always attentive to the needs of perfect audio. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't strong, fighting troublesome recording issues, which causes the volume to fluctuate between scenes. Intelligibility isn't erased, but it's challenging to hear some lines of dialogue. Performances retain some level of pronunciation, especially with heated exchanges. Scoring remains steady, supplying compelling instrumentation to maintain the funk flavors of the film. Sound effects are blunt, but gun shots, glass breakage, and property damage are understood.

Bucktown Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (10:34, HD) with Fred Williamson is a straightforward chat with the "number one brother," who displays and assesses his industry attitude and explains how he worked very hard to shape his screen image, refusing to let studios mess with his formula. The actor discusses the "Bucktown" shoot in Kansas City and his role as a technical advisor for director Arthur Marks, who wasn't familiar with urban activity. Williamson recalls his professional education and his dedication to stunt work, making it clear he does all his own physical movement. Co- stars are recalled, with special attention on Pam Grier and their sibling dynamic, and Williamson shares his "three rules" for Hollywood longevity.

• Interview (7:27, HD) with Tony King is a short overview of the "Bucktown" shooting experience with the actor, who's quick to share his love for the cast and crew, paying tribute to Williamson and his ability to command a set. The pair shared a football past, keeping them friendly and competitive, while King admits the rest of the ensemble was busy "chasing Pam." Details are minimal, but King has an upbeat attitude about the picture.

• Interview (14:06, HD) with director Arthur Marks explores his entrance into Blaxploitation, courtesy of "Detroit 9000," which inspired him to remain in the subgenre. Marks shares the production origin story for "Bucktown," and highlights the Kansas City locations. There's a lengthy assessment of cast and crew, sharing details about personalities and professionalism, and Marks recalls the feature's overwhelming success in Chicago. A final summary of creative achievements is also offered.

• Interview (17:36, HD) with editor George Folsey, Jr. shares his entrance into the film business, working with John Landis on "Schlock." Enjoying an extended career in Hollywood, Folsey, Jr. remained with Blaxploitation, offering thoughts about his time on "Bucktown," trying to preserve the themes of the script. Individual assessments of cast and crew are also shared.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:18, SD) is included.

Bucktown Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Bucktown" is entertaining and remains active, with Williamson beating up opponents and dodging bullets, eventually graduating to more destructive methods to extend his life. It's strong work from the actor, who manages to give a performance, joined by a feisty Grier and an authoritative Rasulala. Technical credits are a little shaky at times, but Marks is wise to pay attention to the basics of conflict and physical might, prioritizing stunt work to give "Bucktown" some extra punch. Subgenre demands are met, and Williamson remains the king, adding another offering of escapism in a filmography already packed full of such endeavors.