DVD: Black Panther Suite
(Big Red Media)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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Nine years in the making, initially conceived as a type of ballet, the Black Panther Suite: All Power to the People is a revolution in its fusion of historical artistry. In its unique treatment of one of the most controversial, dangerously challenging political movements in American history, the work represented here will undoubtedly age as a premiere document in understanding our legacy of racial turbulence.

The combination of Chinese-American composer Fred Ho's music and the stunning video artistry of Paul Chan make for a historical anecdote that is both soulful and revelatory. Without literally preaching the cause of Black Power salutes or reminding the viewer in tired prose of its subject, the broad imaginative gesture of hundreds of years of oppression sink in slowly, more emotionally than cerebrally. The percussion heavy score, teetering between traditional Chinese and jazz is uncompromising and the wildly accomplished Ho's brilliant intensity cuts through on The Black Panther Suite from open to close. His Afro-Asian Music Ensemble is a dynamic force, a powder keg of moving incendiary fury. For both culturists and free-form jazz fans, this is a must have.

The extras throughout are fair. The poetry by Jayne Cortrez and Andrea Locket as well as the image gallery are good supplements, perhaps a little repetitive as a number of pictures appear second and third times under different headings. The project's unique history from inception to release is well documented and itself becomes a valuable resource for information on the continuing cause of equality.

But The Black Panther Suite is not without serious faults, albeit merely technical ones. It is one of the most difficult DVD's to navigate I have ever encountered and this stiff presentation makes it a tough view. Many of the features seem to dead end, without easy transfer in and out of the main menu. For a project that seems to thrive on a lack of linearity and quick multi-media panache, a better layout would be a serious help in extending its message.

[Pick this up at innova.mu.]

© 2003 - Erick Mertz