Although the original events depicted in this classic from the drug infested, gang dominated streets happened over thirty years ago, the life-changing solution that David Wilkerson brought to desperate lives was just b... more »eginning. The beat goes on. The change in the life of notorious gang leader Nicky Cruz, as shown in the film, proved to be wonderfully lasting and real. Nicky continues today to reach young people around the world with the same life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ that delivered him from violence and despair. And what about the skinny preacher, David Wilkerson, who braved the meanest streets of New York to tell desperate and drug crazed youth that there was a better way? Now, three decades later, he is still at it with a ministry based in Times Square that is still changing lives and offering genuine hope to countless souls who had given up on life. Now in over 25 languages, The Cross and the Switchblade, starring Pat Boone and Eric Estrada, is one of those rare films that has shown its unique power to connect with the deepest hopes and fears of youth around the world. It remains today one of the most compelling stories of love, grace and the truth that no one is ever so far gone that they cannot find the way out. DVD Features:
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Polish language tracks with or without English
Subtitles: English
Viewing Format: Widescreen
Digitally remastered from the original 35mm negative.
Bonus Material:
- Director's Commentary
- Producer's Commentary
- Biographical information on actors, director's commentary, testimony by Nicky Cruz, and a look back on the making of the film and its impact
Max Kennedy | Covington, Ky United States | 02/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've heard about this show before, and just watched it, and plan on watching it again before the night is out!This movie is great. I expected to be let down, but it moved me like few other films have. It tells the story of God's love through a Christian witness like no other modern film that I've seen. Based on a real life story, it stars Pat Boone and Eric Estrada (who also starred in the television show Chips). This is a classic.Don't be fooled by the above review. This has nothing to do with the world's morality, and everything to do about the love that God shows to save men. This film was made in 1969, and may seem a bit dated in how it presents gang violence, but it presents it like the other, secular, films of that era, and quite frankly is like a long overdue breath of fresh air after watching the nth gang and detective shows of the 60s and 70s. Finally, something REAL.It is also not surprising that the networks will not air this film, and therefore you will need to buy it. While the networks continue to promote witchcraft, a sequel to this movie was made. Nicky Cruz, the gang member who was saved in this movie tells his own story in "Run, Baby, Run" -- his family was involved in the occult and witchcraft. Another movie and another needed breath of fresh air."
Dramatic, vivid, and very highly recommended viewing
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 07/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Cross And The Switchblade is the special anniversary edition DVD, which was digitally restored from the original 35mm negative. This is the now classic story of how the life-changing message of Jesus Christ gave a gang leader the inspiration and opportunity to transform his violent life into something better. Reaching out to the hopes and fears of young folks everywhere, The Cross And The Switchblade is dramatic, vivid, and very highly recommended viewing. This 105 minutes, fully color DVD production is enhanced with extra features including 8 language tracks, English sub-titles, commentary by writer/director Don Murray and associate producer Dr. A. Kenneth Curtis, actor biographies, and more."
Inspiring!
W. Langan | the end of the world to your town! | 08/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Both Pat Boone (Debbie's dad and known for his infamous No More Mr. Nice Guy CD) and especially Erik Estrada do a fine job acting in this one! The music is a little dated, but that's not the point of the movie. The highlight is seeing the respectable preacher turn around the hearts of many hardened gang members. It has its funny scenes as well, like the girl singing the song and the gang members taunt her. Most of all, it's an inspiring movie based on a true story. The Lord works in mysterious ways and anybody's life can change for the better!"
"It's back in style!"
Midwest Book Review | 02/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a classic in the Christian world! It's a story of a country preacher who feels God calling him to help the New York street gangs and particularly a young warlord played by Eric Estrada. Full of suspense, drama, and humor- this is a rare nugget of gold in the Christian market which has been plagued until the last few years with cheese due to lack of big budgets. The cheese factor is here, too, just because of the "groovy" music and 70's production techniques, but it fits in nicely with the whole retro thing and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how the story grabs you. Check it out, baby!"
The Book helped me change for the better
Harry Greene | Georgia | 03/10/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In 1975 I was given a copy of the book, The Cross and the Switchblade while i was waiting for a Greyhound Bus to go see my dad's mom whom I had never met. I was 14 years old and found myself put on the street by my natural mother who told me never come home. If it had not been for the spark this book put in my life and the seed that this book planted helped me prepare for my early adult life taking care of myself. I could not depend or trust anyone who said they loved me because I just didn't trust them, my own mother who said she loved me cast me to wolves, what would others do to me. It was David Wilkerson's book that changed me not immediately but planted the seed for the harvest in my life. I am now a Minister of the Gospel with a good business and a family whom I love and kids I wouldn't trade for anything."