MovieChat Forums > Babylon Discussion > FOUND IT!

FOUND IT!

posted 19 years ago by sidiqqui
12 replies | jump to latest

Like many others, I saw this film in the 80s on VHS. It was a regular late night session movie for us.

A couple of years ago I was at Notting Hill Carnival and a guy was selling VHS copies for £10 at stall on the side of the road. Boy was I excited, couldnt wait to get home to watch it again after 20 years. First thing I did when I got in was settle down with a fat one to enjoy reliving my youth, only to find that I had been ripped off. The video was a dud; nothing on it.

But that awoke the demon in me and I had to get a copy. I have since managed to track down a DVD version from Dub Vendor records in London <www.dubvendor.co.uk> It's not listed on their website, you will need to phone and talk to someone about it.

It is a DVD copy of the VHS original, so the quality is not perfect but it is good enough to enjoy the amazing music and wonderful language.

I have just rated this movie as a 10, which I virtually never do. Not because it is a great movie, but because it such a rare movie. How often did you see films in the 80s dealing with the experience of London's black youth? Groundbreaking stuff.

Watching it again the other night, reminded me of quite how good the soundtrack is. Especially the jazz/blues/reggae number when Blue is wandering the streets at night and get's arrested.

So, the next mission is to get a copy of the soundtrack. Any ideas?

[–] vincybrit 19 years ago

i have seen the soundtraack for sale on amazon's website

[–] murfx 19 years ago

Wow on and off for years i looked for the soundtrack and i find it on amazon for a fiver ....:>thanks

[–] pjbarr2 19 years ago

Tried this avenue, sent them an email got no response whatsoever.
Just like dealing with some corporate bloodsuckers i.e. you get ignored.
www.dubvendor.co.uk unless anyone can tell me different will
not supply you with a copy of this movie.
Really sad that the possibility of finding underground, rare
non-mainstream films from supposedly 'indie' sources is becoming
well nigh impossible.
Welcome to the future, soon all we'll be able to get are Tom Cruise
movies and Dido C.D.'s.

[–] pierredoubleclick 19 years ago

this movie supposed to be getting an official release in March 2006 but haven't managed to confirm this yet

[–] lula_cache 18 years ago

I know it's been a while, but have you heard of its release yet? I've been looking for a copy of this movie for AGES. I would love one on DVD. I agree with the guy who posted ahead of you: all we'll have is ridiculous Tom Cruise and studio movies if there is no way to keep small, legitimate distributors around. If you hear of a place, please respond and let me know. Thank you! [email protected]

[–] sharkattack1978 16 years ago

it has been re-released on amazon by Icon entertainment and i have a copy. brill film. just type in babylon and hey presto its there the original on dvd, proper release DVD.
SharkattackUK- "Shoot me again, I ain't dead yet!"

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] disrupt-1 18 years ago

Yeah, a masterpiece in its own field. Like it even more than "Rockers".
I also bought it last week in a small record shop named "Selekta" (if I
remember correctly) in Brixton / London. 10 GBP. THE place to get the right
vibes along with the movie.

[–] Bwoyruff 18 years ago

Try the forum over at www.reggaefilms.co.uk i'm sure someone will be able to point u in the right direction.

[–] deejaystrider 10 years ago

Its on you tube now.

I've had my 15 minutes,now what!

[–] crawfish (57) 5 years ago

BABYLON just got its first U.S. release earlier this year, and it opened to a lot of good reviews. Really enjoyed seeing it myself. Currently, it's available on the Kino Lorber site on DVD or Blu-Ray, and I-Tunes: https://www.kinolorber.com/product/babylon-blu-ray

[–] HellFire (583) 5 months ago

It wasn't released in the US until five years ago? Wow.