Mondo Cane Collection (1962)

"Mondo" films became popular in the 1970s, and capture some of the most grotesque and repulsive aspects of human behavior and culture. From following the step-by-step slaughter of a pig to the meticulous documentation of "native" rites, Mondo films provide a searing, satiric look at what people do and believe about themselves and others.THE MONDO CANE COLLECTION presents a comprehensive view of the Mondo "shockumentary" experimental documentaries created by Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi. Jacopetti and Prosperi's work dramatically impacted this genre, and this 8-disc DVD set showcases not only the original, sometimes rarely released films, but also provides director's cuts of two of the most controversial works - AFRICA ADDIO and ADDIO ZIO TOM.MONDO CANE - This first film in the series, billed as a documentary, focuses on disconnected obscure and bizarre rituals. Segments include the slaughter of a bull, a pet cemetery, and numerous tribal dances and rites.WOMEN OF THE WORLD - This film documents women from disparate cultures in unusual and often challenging situations. Through women such as mothers of babies affected by thalidomide and Polynesian dancers, this film illustrates the simultaneous glorification and objectification of women. MONDO CANE 2 - This film continues where MONDO CANE stopped. It features further documentation of extreme rituals involving both people and animals, including sex clubs and vivisection.AFRICA ADDIO - This controversial film documents Africa during its liberation from Western colonialism. This film graphically captures the widespread violence of the period, including numerous massacres and other destruction of people and wildlife. GOODBYE UNCLE TOM - Perhaps the most shocking of the series, this fictional film tackles the sensitive subject of the slave trade. Two documentary filmmakers return in time to the American South during the Civil War to capture the experience of the slaves. Viewers should be aware that the film explicitly details the physical and psychological torture of the people who were enslaved.THE GODFATHERS OF MONDO - This original documentary thoroughly examines the films of Jacopetti and Prosperi, including in-depth interviews and never-released footage.