Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 9, 2024

1977’s “Gay USA” is a documentary that initially presents itself as a study of Pride Parade activity across the country, with cameras visiting celebrations in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. However, director Arthur J. Bressan Jr. (“Buddies”) has much more in mind for the picture, which seeks to appreciate the state of the LGBTQIA+ community during this moment in time, sending interviewers into the crowds to better understand personal stories and deep feelings. “Gay USA” is a remarkable document of a time and place, with a heartfelt approach to reinforcing the solidarity of Pride Parades and what they mean to individuals used to living in a state of fear and confusion brought on by community violence, hateful organizations, and power-hungry leaders.

“Gay USA” introduces multiple cities hosting Pride Parades, but it mostly focuses on the one occurring in San Francisco. The event carries on in the shadow of violence, with the murder of Robert Hillsborough still fresh in the minds of parade participants (the picture is dedicated to the man), and there’s talk of Anita Bryant and her “Save Our Children” campaign, which has refueled aggression toward the community. Bits of history are present in the feature (perhaps requiring some viewer research to really grasp the mood of the event), but the bulk of the viewing experience is devoted to street interviews, with reporters trying to extract thoughts and feelings about the day.

The discussions are illuminating, listening to people share their coming out stories and experiences with partners and sexuality. They delve into family lives and reactions to the parade, which, for many, represents a miracle moment of visibility, with hopes for a brighter tomorrow. “Gay USA” also includes thoughts from those attending the event to condemn it, or to simply observe it, with one older man from L.A. calmly sharing his thoughts on “sex hormone imbalance” when detailing his dislike for the LGBTQIA+ people. Bressan Jr. doesn’t linger on ugliness, but he includes it, also examining the birth the Pride movement after the Stonewall riots, and there’s a sequence that analyzes the horrors of the “Pink Triangle” branding in Nazi Germany.

Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Gay USA" is the end result of a restoration, preserving the picture for future generations to see. Age is obvious, along with technical limitations of the time, but the viewing experience remains passably consistent as it explores activity in different cities with different equipment. It's a softer picture, but a general sense of frame information is preserved, including personal appearances of the interviewees. Street activity is adequately dimensional. Color cinematography varies, but hues are appreciable, exploring period clothing and parade costuming, along with signage. Grain is decently resolved. Source has some wear and tear, but no major elements of damage are encountered.

Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM mix offers a basic understanding of the interviewees, who remain clearly understood despite competition from background commotion. Soundtrack selections aren't sharp, but they retain acoustic instrumentation and decent vocals.

Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Additional Films (HD) include "Gay and Proud" (11:46), "Freedom Day Parade" (11:43), "Gay Power" (33:04), and "Parade" (13:10).

• Commentary on "Gay USA" features Jenni Olson and Dan Romesburg.

• Commentary on "Freedom Day Parade" features Jim Tushinksi.

• Commentary on "Parade" features Ronald Chase.

• "Gay USA" Image Gallery (14:03) collects photos from various events.

• And a Compilation Trailer (1:49, HD) is included.

Gay USA: Snapshots of 1970s LGBT Resistance Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Gay USA" gets a little carried away with musical moods as Bressan Jr. repeatedly turns to songs to communicate Pride Parade atmosphere, but the images captured are fantastic, watching all kinds of participants join the event, including those involved in drag, which carries a divisive reaction from onlookers. "Gay USA" feels real and immediate, setting out to underline the importance of the experience during an era when attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community was ramping up in intensity. Bressan Jr. was looking to create a snapshot of 1977, inadvertently crafting a film that's just as relevant today.