The Warriors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Warriors" in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, using an AVC MPEG-4 transfer, marks a significant upgrade from all previous home video releases, delighting fans with a cleaner and sharper image that truly rejuvenates this 1979 classic. The meticulous restoration has virtually eliminated grain and print damage, presenting the film with a clarity and depth that vastly surpasses even the Director's Cut SD edition. This 1080p transfer showcases an exceptional contrast with inky black levels that maintain detail and avoid crushing, even in the film's numerous nocturnal scenes. Viewers will appreciate the refined detail visible in everything from the characters' expressive faces to the vibrant city backgrounds, making the gang's journey through a hostile New York City more immersive than ever. Colors are rich and well-saturated, breathing new life into the eclectic gang costumes and the neon-lit urban landscape, while skin tones appear natural, despite occasional inconsistencies.

Noteworthy is the film's improved definition, allowing for a more detailed appreciation of its iconic set pieces and character moments. For example, scenes like the Baseball Furies chase now reveal subtleties previously lost in murkier versions, from the nuanced lighting of Central Park to the crisp textures of costumes and surroundings. Additionally, the cleaned-up print scarcely shows any specks or stains, affirming the care taken in this high-definition remaster. However, minor issues such as slight noise in red-heavy scenes and less organic-looking comic book-style interludes in the Director's Cut version remind us of the balance between preserving original aesthetics and digital enhancement.

Despite these minor quibbles, both high-def editions on Blu-ray and HD DVD present "The Warriors" with a visual quality that significantly outshines any previous release, providing a depth and detail that celebrates its gritty, urban setting without succumbing to excessive grain or loss of detail in shadows. This Blu-ray transfer not only respects the film's original look but elevates it to a level that could hardly have been anticipated, making it an essential upgrade for fans and a compelling discovery for newcomers to this cult classic. The technical prowess on display ensures that "The Warriors" can now be experienced with a visual fidelity that matches its cultural impact, securing its place as a standout remaster that respects its source material while embracing the potential of modern home cinema technology.

The audio presentation of "The Warriors" on Blu-Ray, while not quite a revelation, certainly puts some muscle behind the cult classic, remixed into Dolby Digital 5.1. The updated mix adds a degree of oomph, giving Barry De Vorzon’s score – reminiscent at times of Goblin's work on "Dawn of the Dead" – and critical scenes, including the iconic Baseball Furies chase, a new vibrancy and presence. The spatial distribution across the front channels is notably wider, offering a semblance of dynamism to the action sequences that the original mix lacked. Despite these improvements, the soundtrack’s age and the limitations of its original recording are evident. The rear channels are largely underutilized throughout the movie, contributing only occasionally with ambience and specific sound effects like the swishing of baseball bats or Luther's bottle-clacking taunts, making for a mix that feels front-heavy and somewhat flat.

Dialogue clarity has seen some improvement, although there are moments when it competes unsuccessfully with background noise or the score, particularly in bustling scenes such as the big rally or subway conversations. The high-end sound effects sometimes present a brittle quality, and although the bass offers more punch than expected, it does not consistently provide the depth or impact one might find in more modern audio tracks. Moreover, the absence of significant low-frequency effects even during intense moments - such as explosions - underscores the limitations of the source material.

Nevertheless, for a film of its time, "The Warriors" benefits from this remastered audio track. The clean highs and healthier dynamics contribute to a more engaging experience, despite the inherited constraints that leave room for improvement. Paramount's decision on the bitrate seems to have little impact on audible difference, which likely stems from the original audio’s limitations. In sum, this Dolby Digital 5.1 remix manages to breathe some life into "The Warriors," providing an audio experience that, while not groundbreaking, enhances the film within the boundaries of its era.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Warriors" Ultimate Director's Cut presents an enriching experience with its carefully curated extras, despite not boasting a commentary track from director Walter Hill or the cast. The centerpiece is a 62-minute documentary, produced by Laurent Bouzereau, divided into four segments that delve into the film's origins, production challenges, iconic fight scenes and costuming, as well as its enduring legacy and controversies. This retrospective features insights from Hill, producers, and key cast members, providing a deep dive into the creative process and the film's impact. Notably, cinematographer Andrew Laszlo shares technical details on the filming, while the discussion on Barry de Vorzon's music highlights its role in driving the film's relentless energy. A brief introduction by Hill explains his vision for this director's cut, and while missing a coveted play-all option for the documentary and lacking deleted scenes or a high-definition upgrade for all features, the inclusion of the original theatrical trailer in 1080p offers a nostalgia trip for enthusiasts. Collectively, these extras package delivers valuable context and commemorates "The Warriors" as a cult classic, maintaining its appeal for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Walter Hill: Hill discusses his vision for the Director's Cut.
• The Beginning: A look at the development and casting process.
• Battleground: Insights into filming and location challenges in New York.
• The Way Home: Exploration of choreographed violence and costume design.
• The Phenomenon: Discusses editing, scoring, and the film’s legacy.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 1080p resolution.

Walter Hill's "The Warriors" has cemented its status over the years as a cult classic, albeit with a blend of amusement and controversy attached to its original release back in 1979. The movie's presentation on Blu-ray, specifically with the 'Ultimate Director's Cut', offers subtle modifications that not only polish its rough edges but enhance its comic-book flair, elevating the movie from its dated origins to a more timeless urban fantasy spectacle. This version manages to inject fresh life into the narrative, embracing its somewhat campy underpinnings with a more pronounced gusto. Remarkably, it's a film that refuses to be confined by its era, presenting a gritty yet exaggerated tableau of gang warfare set against a New York City backdrop, invoking a mix of nostalgia and a sense of quaint absurdity in its portrayal of gang dynamics and urban struggle.

The Blu-ray delicacy lies in its adherence to details — from the animated transitional elements added by Hill to emphasize the film's comic-inspired aesthetic to preserving its thematic essence, which revolves around the fantastical journey of the titular gang, The Warriors, as they navigate through hostile territories to their home turf in Coney Island. The narrative's roots in Greek mythology, specifically drawing parallels to Xenophon's "Anabasis", enrich the storyline with a classic touch of heroism and adventure amidst adversity. Additionally, the upgraded version's visuals and sound significantly bolster the overall experience, making it a worthwhile venture into the film's dystopian vision.

Character development and plot dynamics within "The Warriors" strike a chord between humor and action, with nuanced performances that blend well with the movie’s dramatic pacing and thematic elements. The dialogues, costumes, and set pieces collectively hallmark the era it represents while inviting viewers into a realm where reality intermingles with fantasy. As much as it is a product of its time — complete with contentious societal reactions and moral panics — the movie through this Blu-ray presentation invites reevaluation and appreciation from both old fans and newcomers alike. It successfully captures the essence of an era where cinematic experimentation and edgy narratives challenged traditional storytelling norms, making "The Warriors" an enduring testimonial to Walter Hill's visionary direction.

The Blu-ray release of "The Warriors" has undeniably set a new standard for the visual and supplemental presentation of this cult classic. Paramount's commitment to quality is evident in the superb video transfer, offering a level of clarity, color, and detail previously unseen, making the gritty streets and vibrant chaos of 1970s New York more immersive than ever. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of a plethora of extras, including an insightful introduction and commentary by director Walter Hill, and engaging reminiscences from cast members such as James Remar, Michael Beck, David Harris, and David Patrick Kelly. Their shared memories add a valuable layer of nostalgia and depth to the viewing experience, enriching the film's already considerable appeal.

While the audio quality might not reach the same exemplary heights as the video presentation, it remains adequate for the material at hand. The balance is struck with a well-curated selection of documentary content that provides both context and commentary on the film’s production, its cultural impact, and its enduring legacy. This release deftly captures the essence of a bygone era, adorned with bandanas and leather vests, yet it’s the engaging simplicity and undercurrents of depth within the storyline that captivate modern audiences, affirming its status beyond mere '70s kitsch.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "The Warriors" is an essential addition to any cinephile's collection, offering the definitive viewing experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Its blend of exceptional visual quality, enriching extra features, and a nostalgic trip through a stylistically unique period of cinema history ensures its place as a standout release. Whether one is drawn to its action-packed narrative, thematic depth, or cultural significance, "The Warriors" on Blu-ray delivers on all fronts, solidifying its cult status for generations to come.