When American International Pictures asked writer/director Jack Hill to come up with a female-led blaxploitation movie, he realized that actress Pam Grier—who had starred in a couple of his women in prison films—would be perfect for such a role, and wrote Coffy, specifically with her in mind. Coffy Coffin would prove to become one of Grier’s signature roles.
Young nurse Coffy Coffin is devastated when her 11 year-old sister, LuBelle, is left in a comatose state after becoming addicted to heroin. When she learns that corruption all but assures that the pushers will go free, Coffy decides to take the law into her own hands. First, she kills her sister’s dealer, and then decides to clean up the entire neighborhood.
Posing as a hooker, Coffy works to get close to King George (Robert DoQui) an old-timer, who also runs a successful escort agency. After a ‘quickie’ in his office, King George sends Coffy as a gift to his boss, Vitroni (Allan Arbus) who takes pleasure in sexually humiliating women. Coffy and Vitroni meet up, but before she can kill the degenerate one his thugs discovers who she really is. She is quickly taken to the outskirts of the city, where she is to be drugged, rapped, and killed. However, these men have no idea just what a badass Coffy is! When one of Arbus’ goons makes a big mistake, Coffy makes her escape.
No one would refer to Coffy as high art, but its notable for its depiction of a strong female lead (a capable nurse), something not often seen in the blaxploitation genre at that time, but would become a trademark of Pam Grier’s work. While Grier hadn’t quite developed the acting skills she would show off in some of her later work, her action star abilities are in full effect here. There’s plenty of gun blasting, high kicking, and of course, breast baring, to go around. Jack Hill keeps the story moving at a good clip, and the action is never allowed to lag. Allan Arbus does a fine job as the trash onto which Coffy unleashes her wrath!
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Olive Films has delivered a solid 1080p transfer. There’s an impressive amount of detail throughout, with patterns and textures showing particular clarity. Depth is solid, and movement is fluid. Black levels are rich, with only occasional fade around the edges. Flesh tones appear natural, and colors are rather impressive throughout. The film offers up a thin layer of grain, and there are only a few specs of dirt, and a scratch here and there. Overall, there’s nothing to mar the overall viewing experience.
The English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA soundtrack won’t blow your socks off, but it’s pretty impressive when you consider the film’s age, and limited budget. Clean and clear throughout, gunshots have a distinct sound, and dialogue is never muffled by music or other distractions. The score by Roy Ayers sounds as good as ever.
There are no subtitles included.
There are no extras available.
