Matewan on DVD

On April 2nd, 2001,Second Sight will be releasing the classicMatewan (1987) on video and DVD in its’ original widescreen format.

John Sayles’ masterpiece is one of the great films of American independentcinema and was Oscar nominated for its’ breathtaking cinematography. The film featuresfine performances from James Earl Jones and Chris Cooper (AmericanBeauty‘s Colonel Frank Fitts).

This is the first time this classic will be available to buy. Second Sighthave commissioned a brand new transfer of the film and the DVD will bepresented in anamorphic widescreen.

The story concerns the small mining community of Matewan, West Virginia, andis set during the 20’s. When the Stone Mountain Coal Company announces a cutin wages, the miner’s response is strike action. A train arrives in townbringing black and Italian workers to replace them but on that same train isJoe Kenehan, a union organiser who’s aim is to unite all the diverse groupsof workers to stand together.

The bosses’ next move is to bring in some hired ‘muscle’ to “keep the peace”.As the tension and violence escalates, the stage is set for a final showdown.

This film is also available on widescreen VHS: Cat No: 2ND1084;RRP: £12.99

News page content input by Dominic Robinson, 2001.