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Released by: Olive Films
Released on: April 21st, 2015
Directed by: Michael Schultz
Cast: Lawrence Hliton-Jacobs, Glynn Turman, Garrett Morris
Year: 1975
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The Movie
Cooley High is often referred to as "The Black American Graffiti," and with good reason, for this 1975 character piece holds quite a bit in common with the George Lucas picture, released only three years prior. Both films are episodic in nature, and feature their fair share of comedy and drama as they detail the carefree lives and hijinks of high school seniors on their way to the great unknown of adulthood.
This film is often lumped in with the Blaxploitation genre, as well, although the tag doesn't really here with screenwriter Eric Monte's thoughtful, light and occasionally touching script. Monte's characters aren't so much exploited as they are explored, particularly the relationship between smart, sensitive poet Preach (Glynn Turman) and the athletic, charming Cochise (Welcome Back, Kotter star Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), who is gearing up for a basketball scholarship.
The rapport and chemistry between Turman and Jacobs is a fun focal point as the film moves from one sequence to another, usually involving girls, trouble or some mixture of the two. Cooley High does eventually come around to tie up some plot points later on towards the back end, but the lion's share of this film is devoted to its characters and their personal growth as friends and members of Chicago's inner city community.
One couldn't ask for a better soundtrack than the solid gold Motown collection with which Cooley High is blessed. Gem after glorious gem of classic soul music shout out their own majesty, just as American Graffiti celebrated classic American rock and roll. The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes all make appearances, while composer Freddie Perren's instrumental score is probably the only connection Cooley High possesses with Blaxploitation styled funk.
It all comes together in a film which really sticks with the listener after viewing. It's a snapshot back to a time which may or may not have ever really existed, but, either way, it's a great ride to watch.
Video/Audio/Extras
The Olive Films Blu-Ray of Cooley High looks absolutely gorgeous, with a crisp high definition picture that pops and crackles with life. Prior DVD issues of this film-including one paired with the similarly themed Cornbread, Earl and Me under MGM's "Soul Cinema" banner-looks just fine, but this Blu really raises the video envelope. The film's audio track is warm, without any noticeable hissing or drone, while the fantastic musical score is set just perfectly below the dialogue, making a nicely balanced presentation.
Sadly, there are no extras on this disc, just the film and chapter stops. It would have been nice to have a truly definitive presentation of Cooley High here on home video, but for now I guess we'll have to settle for outstanding picture quality with no extra content.
The Final Word
Cooley High is a cracking piece of black cinema from the 1970s, and a film which continues to win over movie fans year after year. Highly recommended.
Click on the images below for full sized Blu-ray screen caps!
http://www.npr.org/2015/06/25/417178...th-anniversary
Eric Monte is 70.