Film Still

Do the Right Thing

Spike Lee

United States

1989

120 minutes

Color

1.85:1

English

97

Synopsis

The hottest day of the year explodes on-screen in this vibrant look at a day in the life of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast that includes Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Nunn, Rosie Perez, and John Turturro, Spike Lee’s powerful portrait of urban racial tensions sparked controversy while earning popular and critical praise.

Cast

SalDanny Aiello
Da MayorOssie Davis
Mother SisterRube Dee
VitoRichard Edson
Buggin OutGiancarlo Esposito
Sweet Dick WillieRobin Harris
Mister Señor Love DaddySamuel L. Jackson
Radio RaheemBill Nunn
TinaRosie Perez
PinoJohn Turturro
MLPaul Benjamin
Coconut SidFrankie Faison
Officer PonteMiguel Sandoval
CeeMartin Lawrence
CliftonJohn Savage
JadeJoie Lee
SmileyRoger Guenveur Smith
CharlieFrank Vincent

Credits

DirectorSpike Lee
Produced, written, and directed bySpike Lee
Co-producerMonty Ross
CinematographyErnest R. Dickerson
Line producerJon Kilik
EditingBarry Alexander Brown
MusicBill Lee
featuringBranford Marsalis
Production DesignWynn Thomas
CostumesRuth Carter
CastingRobi Reed
SoundSkip Lievsay

Disc Features

DIRECTOR-APPROVED DOUBLE-DISC SPECIAL EDITION:

  • New widescreen digital transfer, enhanced for 16×9 televisions and approved by cinematographer Ernest Dickerson
  • Dolby Digital surround and PCM stereo soundtracks
  • Audio commentary by director Spike Lee, Dickerson, production designer Wynn Thomas, and actor Joie Lee
  • New video introductions by Spike Lee
  • St. Clair Bourne’s 60-minute documentary The Making of “Do the Right Thing”
  • Spike Lee and line producer John Kilik revisit the film’s Bed-Stuy locations
  • Public Enemy’s video for "Fight the Power,” directed by Spike Lee
  • The 1989 Cannes Film Festival press conference with Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, and Joie Lee
  • Spike Lee’s behind-the-scenes footage, from rehearsal to wrap
  • Original storyboards for the riot sequence
  • New video interview with editor Barry Brown
  • Theatrical trailer and TV spots
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

From the Current

Do the Right Thing

by Roger Ebert Feb 19, 2001

Leaving the theater after the tumultuous world premiere of Do the Right Thing at Cannes in May of 1989, I found myself too shaken to speak, and I avoided the clusters of people where arguments were already heating up. One American critic was so angry she chased me to the exit to inform me...

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Available Editions

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DVD

2 Discs

SRP: $39.95

Criterion Store price

$31.96