Sheba, Baby isn’t one of Pam Grier’s great movies from the blaxploitation era but it’s still an entertaining and cheesy romp between the 1970s style, soundtrack and all around acting particularly on the part of D’Urville Martin and some of his cohorts (“that’s right”). This Blu-ray released through Arrow Video offers good video and audio transfers and a so-so selection of bonus material.
Sheba, Baby
(1975)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Crime, Drama
Arrow Video | NR – 91 min. – $29.95 | February 9, 2016
Date Published: 02/21/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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PLOT SYNOPSIS |
| Sheba Shayne (PAM GRIER) is a private eye based in Chicago who is called to her hometown to stop the local mob boss (D’URVILLE MARTIN) from moving in on her father’s loan business. Aided by her father’s partner, Brick Williams (AUSTIN STOKER), Sheba finds out that the violent thugs aren’t going away without a fight. Car bombs, gun fights and boat chases ensue whilst armed with her curves, street smarts and a .44, Sheba is in for a bloodbath! |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.5/5 |
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This two-disc set (Blu-ray, DVD) is housed in a thick HD Keep Case inside is a 14-page essay and picture booklet. As with most Arrow Video releases, this comes with a reversible cover. Audio Commentaries – There are two tracks included: one is with Screenwriter David Sheldon, moderated by film critic Nathaniel Thompson; the other features Patty Breen, webmaster of WilliamGirdler.com. Sheldon, Baby (15:16; HD) is an interview with producer and screenwriter David Sheldon as he discusses Sheba, Baby and his working relationship with William Girdler. Made exclusively for this Arrow Video release. Pam Grier: The AIP Years (11:54; HD) – Film historian Chris Poggiali discusses Pam Grier’s wonder years with a focus on her time working for American International Pictures. Shot exclusively for Arrow Video. Also included is the film’s Trailer (1:54; HD) and a Gallery with still and publicity photos. |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| Sheba, Baby arrives on Blu-ray through Arrow Video and although it was a quickly produced blaxploitation flick, it doesn’t look half bad with a 1080p high-definition transfer (MPEG-4 AVC codec) and shown in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio. Colors generally speaking are bright and natural while detail looks decent enough though there is some heavy noise in spots. The work done, from a 35mm interpositive, is highly respectable. |
AUDIO – 3.75/5 |
| The movie comes with a LPCM Mono track which shows off relatively clean dialogue levels and the action elements come through the center channel pretty well. It’s not entirely perfect as there were some minor hissing noises in some places but nothing distracting. As with the picture, this audio was sourced from a 35mm mono DME printmaster mag. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
| Overall, Sheba, Baby isn’t one of Pam Grier’s great movies from the blaxploitation era but it’s still an entertaining and cheesy romp between the 1970s style, soundtrack and all around acting particularly on the part of D’Urville Martin and some of his cohorts (“that’s right”). This Blu-ray released through Arrow Video offers good video and audio transfers and a so-so selection of bonus material. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.