The Black Panther

Crime drama, charting the infamous killing spree of Donald Nielson.

Directed by Ian Merrick, this intelligent crime drama charts the infamous killing spree which Donald Neilson, aka the Black Panther, perpetrated across England during the mid-70s, culminating in the kidnapping and death of a 17-year old girl. Told with uncommon accuracy and refraining from any measure of sensationalism, this fascinating and disturbing film fell foul of a media-driven campaign upon its original cinema release which resulted in an effective ban.

Special features

  • Presented in Both High Definition and Standard Definition
  • Original 1980s video release trailer (2 minutes, DVD only)
  • Alternative French language soundtrack, with optional English subtitles
  • Recluse (1981, 30 minutes): Bob Bentley’s arresting short film based on real events, starring Maurice Denham and edited by David Gladwell (editor of if…. and O Lucky Man!)
  • Recluse: recce footage (1978, 10 minutes): newly-discovered 16mm location scouting footage
  • Comprehensive booklet with newly commissioned essays and contribution from James Oliver, Ian Merrick and Michael Armstrong; original promotional artwork; full credits

Product information

    • Certificate

      18

    • Colour

      Colour

    • Sound

      Sound

    • Running time

      97mins

    • Languages

      English language

    • Subtitles

      English (optional)

    • Original aspect ratio

      1.85:1

    • DVD region

      • 2 Europe (except Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Middle East, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Greenland, French Overseas departments and territories

    • Blu-ray region

      • B - Includes most European and Middle-Eastern countries, all of Africa, Australia and New Zealand

    • Catalogue number

      BFIB1135

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