The Warriors Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Warriors" on Blu-ray, courtesy of Arrow Video, is provided through an AVC encoded 1080p transfer. The theatrical cut is displayed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, while the 2005 alternate version utilizes a 1.78:1 format. The restoration work by Arrow Films, using the original 35mm camera negative scanned in 4K at Fotokem and graded in both SDR and HDR10, is commendable. The film benefits from Dolby Vision grading by Silver Salt Restoration in London, ensuring a robust and natural-looking palette that complements the gritty, textured visuals emblematic of its original Eastman 100T 5247 stock. Despite the presence of grain, particularly pronounced during optical sequences, the restoration successfully retains clarity in non-optical parts. Occasional crush is noted in darker scenes but does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Significant attention has been paid to maintaining the film's atmospheric integrity. The grainy appearance enhances "The Warriors'" downtrodden ambience, reflective of its late 1970s cinematic style. Director Walter Hill’s approval of this restoration ensures the final product aligns with his original vision. Notably, although no major differences arise in shared material between the theatrical and 2005 versions beyond aspect ratios, some scenes suffer from poor quality due to generation dupes, particularly towards the film’s conclusion. Despite this brief dip in visual consistency, the use of advanced restoration techniques mostly provides a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.

Overall, Arrow Video’s presentation balances high fidelity with the period-appropriate aesthetic, crafting a viewing experience that both honors and elevates the film's historical context. As all original materials were sourced from Paramount, even the animated segments from the 2005 version maintain a high-definition quality consistent with the rest of the film.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Warriors" offers a notable enhancement with multiple audio options for both the theatrical and 2005 versions. These options include LPCM Mono, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and Dolby Atmos. The mono track is tightly focused but delivers a surprisingly robust midrange and low-end performance. The stereo track introduces a broader sound field, particularly enhancing the score and sound effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 substantially widens the sonic landscape, while the Atmos track adds further depth. However, it may not meet reference-quality standards for audiophiles due to its original mono source.

Across all tracks, Barry De Vorzon's dynamic underscore and selected source music witnessing increased vibrancy, with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Atmos tracks offering substantial spaciousness. Lauded for its clarity, dialogue remains crisp and well-defined throughout. Viewers can opt for English subtitles if desired.

Despite the comprehensive Atmos and surround sound configurations, some find these expansions from an original mono source to feel somewhat artificial, opting for the stereo track with surround processing or the intact mono for an authentic experience. Whether seeking purity or an enhanced cinematic experience, these audio options ensure "The Warriors" delivers impressive auditory quality across all configurations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Warriors" offers a commendable array of extras, enhancing the appreciation for fans and newcomers alike. The extras are professionally curated to provide deep insights into the film's production, featuring interviews with key figures such as director Walter Hill and editor Billy Weber. Notably, "War Stories" delivers an engaging interview with Hill that complements the new roundtable discussion in "Whole Lotta Magic." Costume design insights are effectively explored in "Gang Style," while the appreciation of the film's soundtrack in "Sound of the Streets" by Neil Brand is humorously underscored by its Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. Archival features offer a nostalgic revisit to 2005 content, although notable details like original and newly commissioned artwork enhance the overall presentation without adding superfluous verbosity.

Extras included in this disc:

• War Stories: Interview with Walter Hill.
• Whole Lotta Magic: Roundtable discussion on Walter Hill and the film.
• Battling Boundaries: Interview with editor Billy Weber.
• Gang Style: Interview with costume designer Bobbie Mannix.
• The Armies of the Night: Gallery of photos and costume designs.
• Come Out to Play: Tour of film locations hosted by Adam Rinn.
• Sound of the Streets: Appreciation of the film's soundtrack by Neil Brand.
• The Beginning: Insights from 2005 with the producer and cast.
• Battleground: Discussion on location shooting challenges from 2005.
• The Way Home: Focus on cinematography from 2005.
• The Phenomenon: Reflections on the film's impact in 2005.

"The Warriors" Blu-ray embarks viewers on a nostalgic journey through 1970s New York City, capturing a raw and gritty escapade amidst testosterone-driven gang altercations. At the heart of the narrative, a charismatic gang leader, Cyrus, seeks to unite all New York City gangs, but chaos ensues following his murder, with the titular Warriors being falsely accused and forced to navigate their way back home. Director Walter Hill skillfully juxtaposes this intense quest with an exploration of masculinity often seen in his other works, such as the "Alien" franchise. Notably, female characters take a back seat in this male-centric dystopian narrative that has sparked both controversy and adoration over time.

Filmed predominantly in New York's subway lifelines, Hill's work illustrates ingenuity in overcoming budget constraints. The film’s style closely echoes the era’s typical filmmaking techniques, utilizing small soundstage settings and intimate character-focused shots to convey depth. This economical approach results in a pseudo-realistic portrayal intertwined with surreal elements like bizarre gangs, from baseball motifs to makeup-clad clowns, blurring lines between reality and fable. Eschewing the drawn-out pacing of modern blockbusters, Hill’s film delivers its tale efficiently within a tight 93 minutes, encapsulating the gritty ambiance of Manhattan as an almost nightmarish land through its depiction of seemingly endless gang rivalries.

An unforgettable aspect of "The Warriors" is David Patrick Kelly’s haunting portrayal of Luther, whose menacing call "Warriors, come out to play" chillingly resonates throughout the film. This improvised line has etched Luther into cinematic history, embodying an unsettling blend of charisma and threat. Arrow's latest release respects the cinematic essence and provides fans with high-caliber audio-visual fidelity along with thought-provoking supplements, allowing enthusiasts to explore both narrative depth and technical excellence.

The Blu-ray release of "The Warriors" offers an immersive and evocative experience that captivates audience appreciation, especially for those with an affinity for films from the late '70s. The film’s minimalist storytelling approach is exceptional, presenting a straightforward narrative that is both engaging and nostalgic. This rendition captures the essence of a road movie, infused with unique and subtle twists that maintain a viewer's attention without relying on the contemporary reliance on special effects or overly complex audio enhancements.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray quality is commendable, with Arrow ensuring that the video and audio presentations stay true to the film's original production values. This offers a compelling authentic viewing experience, emphasizing its gritty urban atmosphere with precision while preserving the distinct artistic style characteristic of its era. Additionally, the package includes outstanding supplementary materials that cater to enthusiasts and newcomers alike, further enriching the understanding and appreciation of this cult classic.

In conclusion, Arrow’s Blu-ray release of "The Warriors" not only delivers a film with solid technical merit but also enriches its presentation through thoughtfully curated supplements. It stands as an engaging trip down memory lane, adeptly balancing between genuine nostalgia and robust storytelling. For collectors and aficionados of cult classics, this release is highly recommended, further solidifying Arrow's reputation for providing high-quality curations in home entertainment environments.