Riverbend Blu-Ray (Pre-Order) • With Limited Edition Slipcover

RIVERBEND (1989) 

(Order Now--don't miss out)

First time ever on Blu-Ray (Region A,B,C) From the 6k Restoration by Reelblack Renaissance / Ships on or before June 19, 2026

First pressing of 1000 copies will ship with a limited edition slipcover designed by Aaron Kai.

[*** First 100 pre-orders will be shipped with a limited edition "Major Quinton" enamel pin (mock up shown) and a Riverbend postcard hand signed by director Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja 1&2, Avenging Force). ***SOLD OUT]

In the heat of the Civil Rights era, three decorated Black soldiers return home from Vietnam only to find themselves in another war — this time against racism, corruption, and brutality in the American South. Led by Major Samuel Quinton (Steve James, American Ninja, The Delta Force), the men take refuge in the small town of Riverbend, Georgia, where a ruthless sheriff (Tony Frank) rules with an iron fist. When peaceful resistance fails, the soldiers use their combat skills to liberate the oppressed townspeople and ignite a revolution that challenges the system itself.

Long considered one of the most daring and overlooked action dramas of its time, RIVERBEND blends social commentary with explosive filmmaking. Co-starring Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), Julius Tennon (How to Get Away with Murder) and Alex Morris (Baskets), the film’s story of courage, sacrifice, and justice feels as urgent today as it did in 1989.

Now newly restored from a 6K scan of the original 35mm interpositive and full mag sound reels, RIVERBEND returns in its most complete and uncompromised form — a lost chapter in Black cinema reclaimed.

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Anticipated extras:

• Limited Edition Slipcover (designed by Aaron Kai) — first pressing only

• Reversible sleeve designed by Samurai Guinea Pig (2025 art by Aaron Kai and Retro cover based on the original 1990 VHS release
• Original Trailer

• Two Audio Commentaries:

  1. With Director Sam Firstenberg and members of the cast

  2. Featuring Sam Firstenberg in conversation with Debbi James, daughter of the late Steve James moderated by Michael J. Dennis of Reelblack Renaissance

• “Remembering Steve James” – a heartfelt featurette honoring the beloved action star produced and directed by Kristian Smock of Retrofiend Radio

• “Remembering Sam Vance” – celebrating the life and legacy of Riverbend’s co-writer and producer

• “Aaron Kai: I Paint the Movies” – exclusive time-lapse demonstration of the creation of the movie's poster

• “Rediscovering Riverbend” – a new 30 minute documentary featuring interviews with director Sam Firstenberg, producer Valerie Vance, Debbi James (daughter of star Steve James) , Margaret Avery, Julius Tennon, Alex Morris, and editor Marcus Manton and stunt coordinator Mike Shanks.

• Restoring Riverbend – an inside look at the film’s recovery from original 35mm elements

• Aero Theatre Q&A – from the October 2025 Los Angeles Premiere at the American Cinematheque.

• Illustrated booklet featuring essays by Corey Danna, Yaba Blay and David F. Walker
• Subtitles in English, Spanish, German and French
• 16:9 aspect ratio

• And more…