Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Drum Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 2, 2014

1976’s “Drum” is a sequel to “Mandingo,” and the feature is thrilled to share that information in the opening moments of the movie. Hitting the viewer with a recap of previous events, overdosing on faces and places before the new film has a chance to breathe, “Drum” is eager to replicate the formula that made its predecessor such a hit. Director Steven Carver is happy to oblige hungry viewers, serving up heaping helpings of sex, violence, and issuing so many racial slurs, it could make a Grand Dragon blush. It’s raw stuff, feral and shameless, and the picture largely succeeds as a provocative Blacksploitation offering, flopping when attempting anything more ambitious.

Dramatically, “Drum” leaves much to be desired. It’s a glorified television movie, with the cast indulging in broad characterizations, digging into the divide between the vicious, privileged whites and their abused slaves, with Drum (boxer Ken Norton, who has trouble keeping up with his co-stars) the focal point for lust and savagery. Trying to make as deep an impression as “Mandingo,” the sequel works overtime to shock with cruel language and scenes of brawling, finding violence carrying to sexual encounters, charging up plantation bedrooms. While the volatile side of the film is enticing, melodrama is its defining characteristic. The production tries to mirror classic cinema with its conflicts, and the exaggeration is wearying, with everything in the picture over-the-top, growing repetitive as the story unfolds.

Drum Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation displays a few rough patches of scratches along the way, though major print damage isn't a persistent problem. Overall, this is a quality viewing experience, offering decent sharpness with aged cinematography and a refreshed color palette that brings out blood reds and fancy costuming. Grain is managed to satisfaction. Fine detail is agreeable with facial close-ups and interiors, with design elements open for inspection. Shadow detail is encouraging, sustaining frame activity and distances during evening sequences.

Drum Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD sound mix preserves the basics without any distortion, though the track retains its age, lacking crispness. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, preserving the picture's myriad of accents and levels of aggression, with nothing lost as violence heats up. Scoring is supportive, sustaining dramatic intent without tripping on the dramatics. Atmospherics are thick but effective, and the group dynamic is adequately protected.

Drum Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Steve Carver.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:41, HD) is included.

Drum Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Drum" is best when focused on pure behavior, witnessing the barbaric practices of plantation owner Hammond (Warren Oates, who was born to play a role like this) and Drum's survival instinct, finding friendship and betrayal during his journey of self-preservation. "Drum" attempts to wind itself up as a literary experience of character and tragedy, but it's really just a B-movie waiting patiently for Quentin Tarantino to liberally recycle elements for his hit film, "Django Unchained."