Cockfighter (1974) - April 26, 2022

[Akijama]

https://www.shoutfactory.com/product...roduct_id=7820

Synopsis

A small-town Georgia man caught up in the illegal sport of cockfighting is the center of this action-drama from legendary producer Roger Corman.

Warren Oates (Stripes, The Wild Bunch) stars as Frank Mansfield, one of the most infamous trainers in the brutal world of cockfighting. His reputation in tatters due to his hubris, Frank becomes obsessed with making his way to the top of the game — against the wishes of his lover, Mary Elizabeth (Patricia Pearcy, The Goodbye Girl).

Featuring Richard B. Shull, Harry Dean Stanton, Ed Begley Jr., Millie Perkins, and Troy Donahue, Cockfighter is an impossible-to-resist Corman classic!

[houseca]

I never thought this one would get released.

Hoo-ray! Blind buy for me!

[slybone]

It’s an interesting film. It would be great if this includes the somewhat lengthy Warren Oates documentary film that was included on the Anchor Bay DVD.

[McCrutchy]

I've always wanted to see this and it's cut effectively banned in the UK for...cockfighting...so it's an easy choice, since there won't be a better UK edition. I expect this will sell out soon enough, since it looks like the only other release is from King Records in Japan.

EDIT: My mistake, apparently the film has never seen a UK release (commercially, anyway) because any distributor knows it will be cut to pieces, since all the cockfights were staged for the film. Yet more reason to buy this one.

Originally Posted by slybone

It’s an interesting film. It would be great if this includes the somewhat lengthy Warren Oates documentary film that was included on the Anchor Bay DVD.

Sadly, only the trailer is listed on Shout's site.

[ToonySpoonGoon]

since no remaster is listed, an HD version already exists?

[peruguy]

Worth it for Laurie Bird... In the 2nd of her "female white trash" performances.

[slybone]

Looking like they also aren’t able to include the commentary featuring the late Monte Hellman. Considering that and the omission of the above mentioned documentary then my DVD isn’t going anywhere.

[dylrichard02]

I really liked this movie when I saw it. I might have to get it.

[dressedtokill]

So let me get this right, a film directed by Monte Hellman and starring Warren Oats is relegated to having to be released as an overpriced, barebones SF exclusive? Mkay... not to mention the fact that it isn't even a new transfer, yet Dr. Strange of all movies gets one?! What is even more infuriating is the fact that this will most likely not get released elsewhere due to the animal cruelty thing.
F u SF and your nonsense.

[sb5]

I’m glad it’s finally coming out in the US, but it’s a limited Shout website-only exclusive? Movie deserves better.

[dylrichard02]

Originally Posted by dressedtokill

So let me get this right, a film directed by Monte Hellman and starring Warren Oats is relegated to having to be released as an overpriced, barebones SF exclusive? Mkay... not to mention the fact that isn't even a new transfer, yet Dr. Strange of all movies gets one?! What is even more infuriating is the fact that this will most likely not get released elsewhere due to the animal cruelty thing.
F u SF and your nonsense.

Super frustrating. I think this film deserves as good a treatment as Two Lane Blacktop, but unfortunately I don't see the rights to it going anywhere else. I'm probably going to hold out and see how the transfer is before I drop nearly $30 on it (before shipping no less). Like I said before it's a really good movie, but SF is gonna do what SF is gonna do I guess.

[annubis44]

Originally Posted by ToonySpoonGoon

since no remaster is listed, an HD version already exists?

I believe this was released on Blu in Japan.

[brettgallman]

Totally in agreement that this really doesn't fit the profile of Shout Factory exclusives. It's a huge cult favorite that's been fairly hard to come by on disc for a while now, so I'm expecting the demand to outpace the 1500 copies that are available.

[sb5]

Originally Posted by annubis44

I believe this was released on Blu in Japan.

God I hope it’s not that. I have the Japanese release and it’s terrible. It’s looks like an upscale of an SD master (not exaggerating; I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually was).

[dressedtokill]

Originally Posted by dylrichard02

Super frustrating. I think this film deserves as good a treatment as Two Lane Blacktop, but unfortunately I don't see the rights to it going anywhere else. I'm probably going to hold out and see how the transfer is before I drop nearly $30 on it (before shipping no less). Like I said before it's a really good movie, but SF is gonna do what SF is gonna do I guess.

It's a terrific and underrated film as expected considering the talent involved. It's a film begging to get the special treatment which makes it all the more frustrating. Unfortunately, even if I don't consider the whole price or transfer thing, I still can't get it as it's an exclusive and they don't ship to Europe. I could get it from Ebay, but then it will be even more overpriced. Again, F U SF.

[ste71]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

I've always wanted to see this and it's cut effectively banned in the UK for...cockfighting...so it's an easy choice, since there won't be a better UK edition. I expect this will sell out soon enough, since it looks like the only other release is from King Records in Japan.

EDIT: My mistake, apparently the film has never seen a UK release (commercially, anyway) because any distributor knows it will be cut to pieces, since all the cockfights were staged for the film. Yet more reason to buy this one.



Sadly, only the trailer is listed on Shout's site.

It would be a complete waste of money and time to put this one before the BBFC.

[dylrichard02]

Originally Posted by dressedtokill

It's a terrific and underrated film as expected considering the talent involved. It's a film begging to get the special treatment which makes it all the more frustrating. Unfortunately, even if I don't consider the whole price or transfer thing, I still can't get it as it's an exclusive and they don't ship to Europe. I could get it from Ebay, but then it will be even more overpriced. Again, F U SF.

I didn't even consider that, apologies I didn't know you are in Europe. That really sucks.

[Zillamon51]

I'm guessing no Humane Society disclaimer at the end of this one?

Probably why it's being relegated to such a limited release. Just imagine the Amazon reviews! It is what is. If you're a fan, be happy it's coming out at all. (I've never seen it.)

[OA-5599]

A really unique slice of New Hollywood filmmaking & an outstanding, almost entirely mute performance by Warren Oates!

[Rayjg]

Probably getting dumped like this after so long because they had nothing to work with and used the transfer that already existed