Blue Underground Unveils the Legendary ‘Goodbye Uncle Tom’ in Exclusive Limited Edition 4K UHD!
Prepare for the groundbreaking release of Goodbye Uncle Tom, a cinematic gem notorious for its boldness, now in a stunning Limited Edition 4K UHD and Blu-ray format from Blue Underground, hitting shelves on April 23rd, 2024.
Originally hitting screens in 1971, Goodbye Uncle Tom stands as an Italian mondo-docudrama, drawing from factual narratives to depict the emergence and rebellion against slavery in America.
Guided by directors Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi (of Mondo Cane fame), the film meticulously reconstructs the pre-Civil War Southern landscape and the grim realities of the slave trade using authentic documentation and historical sources. The sheer intensity of its portrayal compelled US distributors to demand significant cuts and alterations before its release.
Even in its truncated state, Goodbye Uncle Tom sparked a contentious response from critics. Roger Ebert condemned it as “…the most repugnant affront to morality ever packaged as a documentary.” Pauline Kael branded it as “the most direct and inflammatory call to racial conflict,” while The Detroit Chronicle praised it as “an intense, stirring, soul-shaking film.“
Now, more than fifty years later, Goodbye Uncle Tom resurfaces in its original uncut Italian rendition, alongside its markedly different English iteration, both meticulously restored to 4K quality from their original negatives. This release includes a supplementary Blu-ray disc packed with enriching extras, providing vital context to this harrowing reflection on American history’s darkest chapters.
The 4K UHD and Blu-ray Extras boast an array of special features, such as comprehensive documentaries, exclusive interviews with the film’s creators—Gualtiero Jacopetti, Franco Prosperi, and composer Riz Ortolani—never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, English and Italian trailers, captivating still galleries featuring Giampaolo Lomi’s candid captures, a bonus CD of Riz Ortolani’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and a collector’s booklet to complete this unparalleled cinematic experience.
Order Goodbye Uncle Tom 4K UHD from Blue Underground here.
Extra Features:
Disc 1 (4K UHD) Feature Film + Extras:
- English Version (123 Mins.)
- English Trailer
Disc 2 (4K UHD) Feature Film + Extras:
- Italian Version (136 Mins.)
- Italian Trailer
Disc 3 (Blu-ray) Extras:
- THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOCKING: GUALTIERO JACOPETTI – A feature-length documentary by Director Andrea Bettinetti (94 Mins.)
- THE GODFATHERS OF MONDO – A feature-length documentary by Director David Gregory (89 Mins.)
- Goodbye Cruel Mondo – Interviews with Writers/Directors Gualtiero Jacopetti & Franco Prosperi, and Composer Riz Ortolani (20 Mins.)
- Behind-the-Scenes 8mm Footage with Audio Commentary by Production Manager Giampaolo Lomi (50 Mins.)
- Mondo Mercenaries – Interview with Author & Academic Mark Goodall (27 Mins.)
- Abjection Under Authoritarianism – Interview with Professor Matthew J. Smith (20 Mins.)
- Extensive Still Galleries, including Giampaolo Lomi’s Behind-the-Scenes Photos
Disc 4 (CD):
- GOODBYE UNCLE TOM Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Riz Ortolani
BONUS! Collectible Booklet with new essay by Dan Madigan
Sell Points:
- STRICTLY LIMITED EDITION – ONE PRESSING ONLY!
- One of the most shocking and controversial films of all time, now on Blu-ray and UHD for the first time ever!
- WORLD PREMIERE! New 4K 16-Bit Restorations of both the English and Italian Versions from their original negatives
- UHDs feature 2160p Ultra HD Resolution and Dolby Vision HDR, with newly restored DTS-HD Master Audio
- Bonus Blu-ray Disc with over 5 hours of Extras, including 2 feature-length documentaries and NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN interviews with Gualtiero Jacopetti, Franco Prosperi, and Riz Ortolani!
- Deluxe packaging includes embossed slipcover, reversible sleeve with alternate artwork, and collectible booklet
- National Print Advertising and extensive Online Exposure
- From acclaimed documentary filmmakers Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi (MONDO CANE, AFRICA ADDIO)
- Features a sweeping score by Academy Award nominee Riz Ortolani (MONDO CANE, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST)
- Controversial and shocking documentary in the tradition of MONDO CANE, AFRICA ADDIO, and FACES OF DEATH
- #2 on Gene Siskel’s list of “10 Sickest Films of 1972” – Chicago Tribune
Restored HD Trailer:
