A unanimous winner for the 1998 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. SLAM is a thought provoking, real looking film about life and hard times in the inner city ghetto around Washington D.C.  Ray Joshua (Saul Williams) a gifted, aspiring rap artist gets busted in a drug raid and goes to jail. Immediately he finds the criminal justice system doesn't give a damn about young minorities in trouble. (particularly scary is "Your Number" in scene index #11).  In jail he finds many truths about himself and his god given ability. Through volunteer Lauren Bell (Sonja Sohn) Ray finds himself through his poems, spoken through rap form, he eventually finds salvation and becomes a changed man. This film is a must for any parent raising young teenagers in any of our big cities. This film has the documentary feel reminiscent of "Hoop Dreams" and "Menace to Society."

Transferred in Widescreen, it offers production commentary with director Marc Levin and Bonz Malone, supporting jail scene don. The look feel and color retention of this film is wonderful. Exhibiting natural fleshtones and shadow detail. Contrast as well as images are detailed without a hint of noise. Black retention is excellent making this a must have.