Dakota – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Netherlands, 1974
Director: Wim Verstappen
Writers: Charles Gormley, Jan Verstappen, Harrie Verstappen, Wim Verstappen
Cast: Kees Brusse, Monique van de Ven, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Diana Dobbelman, Dora van der Groen, Harcourt Curaçao, Frank Davelaar, Helmert Woudenberg, Wim de Meijer, Bob Verstraeten, Marlies van Alcmaer, Ramona Lucas, Eddy Lobo

Release Date: September 16th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 102 Minutes 21 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"A Dutch pilot (Blue Movie's Kees Brusse) with a real passion for flying risks everything to keep his DC3/Dakota plane in the air when getting involved with contraband. Attention to flight detail and the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean, and co-stars Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva) make this seldom-seen, much-loved Dutch classic worth watching." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "New Restored 2K Transfer".

Dakota comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 35.8 GB

Feature: 25.4 GB

Outside a few very minor instances of print debris, the source is in excellent shape. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity is generally strong, compression is very good, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, black levels are not as convincing as they should be.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Dutch, DTS-HD Mono Dutch)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Dutch and a DTS-HD mono mix in Dutch. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well-represented. Included are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 43 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), a photo gallery (38 images - poster/stills), an archival featurette titled Cannes Film Festival 1978 (8 minutes 16 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival featurette titled Dakota Press Flight (19 minutes 14 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with film historian Peter Verstraten, reversible cover art, and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Other extras include a collection of Scorpio Films trailers: Wan Pipel, Frank & Eva, My Nights with Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra, Obsessions, Blue Movie, and Pastorale 1943.

Summary:

Wim Verstappen directed Dakota. He’s most known for his collaborations with Pim de la Parra.

A Dutch pilot with a passion for flying takes dangerous jobs transporting illegal cargo. With each new job, scrutiny over what he’s doing puts him in the crosshairs of the police. When they catch him red-handed on his latest job, instead of landing his plane, he embarks on a dangerous journey across the Atlantic.

Although there are several characters who play a role in the story that unfolds, they are just background fodder to the plane and its pilot, Dick de Boor. There is not much in the way of backstory, except Dick’s love for flying and his DC3 plane, Dakota. It is clear early on that he’s a man who does what he wants and cannot be persuaded easily. His turning point comes when his finances dry up because banks refuse to do business with who he works for. Reluctant at first, he takes a highly risky job that he had turned down several times after a friend convinces him to.

While every performance contributes effectively to the unfolding story, Kees Brusse's portrayal of Dick de Boor is particularly noteworthy. He delivers an utterly convincing performance of a fearless character who lives on his terms. The bulk of the narrative is Dick flying alone, and yet his performance engages in such a way that these moments always hold your attention. Rounding out the cast are a few recognizable faces of Dutch cinema, Monique van de Ven (A Woman Like Eve) and Willeke van Ammelrooy (Frank & Eva). Next to the protagonist, Monique van de Ven’s character is the next most compelling, while Willeke van Ammelrooy portrays a character that anyone could have portrayed.

Being that the plane is the main attraction, it is not surprising that there are a lot of beautiful aerial shots of scenic landscapes. While the narrative initially takes its time to establish the protagonist, the pace significantly quickens once he embarks on his perilous journey across the Atlantic. That said, the final act does lose some momentum, and everything culminates with the protagonist getting into his Dakota and continuing on his journey, destination unknown. Ultimately, Dakota is a well-made melodrama that fans of aviation will enjoy more than your average filmgoer.

Dakota gets a first-rate release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and informative extras.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer