Black Magic
by Dan Klores
List Price:
Our Price: $6.59
You Save: $13.36 (67%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $5.99 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: EspnDirector: Dan Klores
Brand: ESPN
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 224 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-28
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Team Marketing
Movie Reviews of Black Magic
Movie Review: If you liked "Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks," then check out this previous Dan Klores effort
Summary: 5 Stars
I got turned on to Dan Klores' work through the excellent ESPN Films 30 for 30: Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks. Klores is a high-powered NYC PR professional who doubles as a documentary producer of the first order...and as a mad hoops fan. His '30 for 30' piece oozes basketball credibility. Indeed, one of the most enjoyable parts of the Miller/NYK production are the interludes with Klores describing - in his rich, authentic Brooklyn patois - his presence at and remembrance of those games.
But it was 'Black Magic' that got Klores invited to the '30 for 30' table. This 224-minute ESPN Films production first appeared on cable in 2008. To be clear, 'Black Magic' focuses on role of traditional black colleges in the advancement of African-American opportunity and equality. Yes, that opportunity is ostensibly about basketball. But Klores juxtaposes his basketball arc with the civil rights progress of the 50s and 60s. In that regard, Klores' pioneer is Coach John McLendon, a man that brought credibility and respect to the programs he headed and launched the careers of proteges such as Clarence 'Bighouse' Gaines and Ben Jobe. McLendon's teachings and dedication to an up-tempo style literally changed the face of the game. To prove that point, Klores includes some jaw-dropping footage of what basketball looked like before the influence of McLendon and his successors. Answer: an unrecognizable - almost comical - game. Thank god for these pioneers.
Of the various protagonists around to tell their tales to the camera, there are three standouts. First, there is Coach Ben Jobe. He's the living connection to McLendon. He's overflowing with authenticity...and with palpable emotion. His presence is magnetic. Second, there's Willis Reed. Has there ever been a more regal and elegant man to grace the hardwood? He looks spectacular here. We should all age this well. Third, there's the unparalleled Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe. Not only is Monroe - a collegiate star of the highest caliber at Winston Salem - a winning interview subject, he's also Klores' co-producer! The Pearl's calling card - his indelible, infectious smile - is on full display here.
'Black Magic' is informative and enjoyable. I heartily recommend it to any basketball fan or anyone with an interest in the civil rights movement.
Summary of Black Magic
Discover the fascinating account of Black Magic, an inspirational story profiling the basketball players and coaches who forced dramatic social change through the brilliance and determination of their game. This groundbreaking film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and jazz great Wynton Marsalis, with introductions from point guard Chris Paul and basketball icon "Dr. J" Julius Erving.Similar DVD Movies
The Best That Never WasESPN; Release date: 2011-01-05; DVD
Best price: $7.17
Price in other shops:
Magic Johnson: Always Showtime (Two-Disc Special Edition)Warner; Release date: 2006-05-16; DVD
Best price: $2.65
Price in other shops:
Skywalker - The David Thompson StoryImage Entertainment; Release date: 2005-04-26; DVD
Best price: $3.23
Price in other shops:
More Than a GameLions Gate; Release date: 2010-02-02; DVD
Best price: $5.49
Price in other shops:
NBA - Allen Iverson - The AnswerTeam Marketing; Warner; Release date: 2003-11-04; Sports
Best price: $8.47
Price in other shops:
Up From SlaveryDIG; Release date: 2011-09-13; DVD
Best price: $3.69
Price in other shops:
The Real: Rucker Park LegendsImage Entertainment; Release date: 2006-08-22; DVD
Best price: $9.97
Magic & Bird: A Courtship of RivalsHBO Home Video; Release date: 2010-09-28; DVD
Best price: $9.49
Price in other shops:
ESPN Films - The Fab FiveESPN; Release date: 2011-05-18; DVD
Best price: $8.50
Price in other shops:
Rebound: The Legend of Earl "The Goat" ManigaultHBO Home Video; Release date: 2004-06-01; Published: 2004-06-01; DVD
Best price: $3.06
Price in other shops: