It is too easy to throw superlatives around when talking about filmmakers. Many directors with a decent enough filmography, who have been around long enough to be forgotten about can attain such a status. The recently passed Melvin Van Peebles, however, is one of the only American filmmakers who truly deserves every beautiful descriptive that is laid upon him. He was a bona fide renaissance man. Actor, filmmaker, playwright, novelist, and composer – amongst other things, the man was a true artist.

Continue reading ‘Melvin Van Peebles: The Essential Films’ Showcases The Brilliance Of The Iconic Cinema Trailblazer at The Playlist.

The Criterion Collection prides itself on curating fantastic classic cinephile-friendly films that may have gone under-the-radar in the home release market and their upcoming Blu-Ray release won’t be any different. Criterion has announced that they’ll be putting together an essential collection of Melvin Van Peebles movies with their latest offering, “Melvin Van Peebles: Four Films” set to be released on September 28. 

READ MORE: Criterion Adds ‘Bringing Up Baby,’ Tarkovsky’s Mirror,’ ‘La Piscine’ & More For July

A one-man creative maverick and revolutionary, who wrote, directed, starred in, and composed the music for many of his works, Melvin Van Peebles was a shock to the system of American Independent cinema.

Continue reading Criterion To Release ‘Melvin Van Peebles: Four Films’ Blu-Ray Collection This September at The Playlist.

Melvin Van Peebles is someone that revolutionized Black cinema. But when people think of his early work, many people just talk about “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” That’s understandable, as that film is one of the most famous of the early ‘70s. However, thanks to Janus Films, people are going to be reintroduced to the feature directorial debut from Van Peebles, “The Story of a Three-Day Pass.”

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With a new 4K restoration of “The Story of a Three-Day Pass” coming to theaters (both virtual and physical) next month, we’re happy to give our readers an exclusive look at the new trailer for Mario Van Peebles oft-forgotten debut film.

Continue reading ‘The Story Of A Three-Day Pass’ Trailer: Melvin Van Peebles Underseen Debut Gets The Restoration Treatment [Exclusive] at The Playlist.