‘Dakota’ Blu-ray Review (Cult Epics)
Stars: Kees Brusse, Monique van de Ven, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Diana Dobbelman, Dora van der Groen, Harcourt Curacao, Frank Davelaar | Written by Charles Gormley, Jan Verstappen, Harrie Verstappen | Directed by Wim Verstappen
Wim Verstappen was a Dutch producer and director. In 1967, he started Scorpio Films, and among the productions he created during his time working under this banner was the 1971 explicit film Blue Movie, which led to the abolition of the Dutch film rating system for adults.
In 1974, he completed his final project for Scorpio Films, an American drama titled Dakota. Now, more than fifty years later, the film is long overdue for a proper Blu-ray release. Thankfully, Cult Epics has stepped in to rescue this overlooked work, bringing it to a new audience with a long-awaited high-definition edition.
A Dutch pilot (Blue Movie’s Kees Brusse) with a real passion for flying risks everything to keep his DC3/Dakota plane in the air when getting involved with contraband. Attention to flight detail and the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean and co-stars Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva) make this seldom seen much loved Dutch classic worth watching.
Wim Verstappen brings a striking sense of realism to the film, to the point where it often feels more like a documentary than a work of fiction. The story itself is a well-crafted piece of cinema, though it ultimately diverges from Verstappen’s original vision of how the narrative was intended to unfold.
Cult Epics have transferred Dakota to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. There are two options for audio tracks an English Dutch language LCMP 2.0 Mono and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. And finally, there is the option for English subtitles.
This transfer comes from a brand-new restored 2K print, meaning the film looks and sounds crisp and clean. The colours are bright and vibrant, and I can’t imagine this film has ever looked as good as it does now! But a wonderful restoration is not all this release has going for it. Check out the bonuses that Cult Epics added to this Blu-ray…
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary by film historian Peter Verstraten
- Dakota Press flight
- Cannes Film Festival 1978 (Vara Visie)
- Photo Gallery
- Scorpio Films Trailers: Dakota, Wan Pipel, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Sandra, Olga &Julie, Obsession, Blue Movie and Pastorale 1943
Extras:
- New artwork design by Juan Esteban R.
- Reversible sleeve with original Dutch poster art
- Slipcase
Cult Epics consistently impress with the meticulous attention to detail they bring to their Blu-ray releases. The alternate artwork adds a unique and enjoyable touch, while the inclusion of insightful audio commentary and engaging featurettes significantly enriches the viewing experience. For fans of foreign cinema, few home video releases match the quality and care that Cult Epics delivers.
***** 5/5
Dakota will be released on Blu-ray on September 19th, courtesy of Cult Epics.
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