THE PLOT THUS FAR
“Thunder Soul” is the inspiring, music-filled true story of high school band leader “Prof” Johnson, who took a ragtag jazz band and transformed them into the legendary funk powerhouse that took the nation by storm. Now decades later, “Prof’s” students prepare to gather and celebrate the man who taught them about pride, honor and the power of a deep groove in this unforgettable true story.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Thunder Soul features some great footage of the band performing in their heyday. One particularly fascinating segment is when the band wins a nail biting high school stage band competition in Alabama. The band also got to tour all over the world including Europe and Japan and the former students speak of their own feeling of awe when they set foot outside the United States for the first time. There are also interviews with Johnson from back in the 70s as well as the time when the documentary was made.
The documentary is ever so poignant since Johnson was hospitalized a few days before the reunion concert was scheduled. Somehow, the very frail ex-musical director, is brought to the high school in a wheelchair, and gets to see his former students offer up a sensational smörgåsbord of funk/jazz hits that they used to play in the 70s. As it turns out, Johnson passes away just two days after the reunion concert and his funeral is a sight to behold—replete with rousing eulogies and celebratory musical selections.
The DVD comes with commentary, footage from the original 1974 documentary and a trailer. The A/V Quality is pretty strong for a Soul Cinema documentary with a warm appeal to the mainstream. The DD 5.1 EX nearly blew out my center speaker, which I wasn’t expecting. You’ve got to love that big boomy bass, as it just kicks the hell out of a movie like this. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
