Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Lady Cocoa Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 27, 2016

Returning to the blaxploitation world in 1975, director Matt Cimber employed a different type of crime-fighting vibe for “Lady Cocoa.” Replacing violence with conversation and confrontation, the feature is more a character-based thriller, finding inspiration in behavior and attitude while the story slowly builds moments of suspense. Star Lola Falana is an apt focal point for the picture, bringing chirpy moxie to the effort, greatly enhancing its charms as periodic inertia sets in, watching Cimber try to build a nail-biter that merely samples excitement.

“Lady Cocoa” rests almost entirely on the shoulders of Falana and her co-stars, Gene Washington and Alex Drier, with the trio generating a least something approaching tension as the story unfolds. Falana goes big as Coco, a parolee brought to Nevada to testify against her ex-boyfriend, a noted gangster. She’s emphatic with line-readings and sass, paired well with Washington, who plays the cop assigned to protect her as they hole up inside a Lake Tahoe casino resort. Chemistry is important, as much of “Lady Cocoa” is a waiting game, watching threats constructed and then relaxed, while twists are given away too soon, missing chances to wind up the tale. Cimber captures locations and awkward encounters well, but the feature often mistakes stasis for characterization, leaving it limping when it should be sprinting towards a conclusion.

Lady Cocoa Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation resembles the quality found "The Candy Tangerine Man," offering slightly battered source material that encounters lengthy, green vertical scratches, green splotches, and rough reel changes. Damage is present, but it's not bothersome, especially for those looking to enjoy the spirit of theatrical exhibition. The rest of the viewing experience is impressive, with detail coming through on faces and locations, while textures are sustained for costuming. Colors are stable, delivering on period hues. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is filmic.

Lady Cocoa Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers the essentials of the "Lady Cocoa" listening event without overt disruption. A few points of damage are detected, but dialogue exchanges are easy to follow, with clear voices and emotional response. Soundtrack cuts and a musical performance are lively, with a comfortable bottom and passable instrumentation. Atmospherics aren't exciting, but group activity is detected.

Lady Cocoa Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Matt Cimber and actor John Goff.

• A Theatrical Trailer hasn't been included.

Lady Cocoa Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Atmosphere is appealing in "Lady Cocoa," soaking up casino culture and social interactions, and eventually, Cimber works his way to gunfire and misdirection. The picture has its moments, but nothing consistently dazzles, riding surges in pace and drama to a boisterous climax that merely identifies the level of panic the rest of "Lady Cocoa" should've remained it.