Vigilante Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of William Lustig's "Vigilante" exhibits a commendable and impressive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.35:1) that is about as good as it gets from Blue Underground. Despite a few softer shots, the film's image quality is stable with exceptional clarity and sharpness throughout. The transfer crucially retains a handsome layer of grain without introducing any bothersome background noise or visual anomalies such as noise reduction, aliasing, or excessive banding. The urban landscapes, building façades, tree trunks, and other objects in the cityscape display excellent texturing and clarity, extending far into the background.

Fine details are notably sharp and well-defined, whether in the textures of clothing or the natural facial complexions that reveal pores and minor blemishes in close-ups. The contrast is comfortably bright and crisp with blacks that are inky and deep, offering an accurate representation with substantial depth of field. The color palette impresses with stable, true tones and vibrant secondary hues, particularly reds and greens which present boldly and energetically without any discernible bleeding.

On occasion, some scenes bear the signs of age with slightly lower resolution and blacks that can overpower foreground details. Nonetheless, this modestly budgeted 1983 picture generally boasts an outstanding transfer that emphasizes its gritty atmosphere. Hands down, this Blu-ray release arguably stands as Blue Underground's finest transfer to date, bringing a thirty-year-old classic vividly to life in high definition.

The audio presentation of "Vigilante" on Blu-ray is a finely-tuned offering, featuring a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack that brings impressive clarity and immersion. Blue Underground's meticulous attention to detail delivers a potent auditory experience that fully utilizes the surround sound capabilities of modern home theater systems. From the solid, pulsating low-end frequencies that kick off the opening monologue, through the forceful gunfire and hard-hitting score, each sound element is precisely rendered. The musical elements, especially during the title sequence, exhibit a smoothness and clarity that are well maintained throughout the film. The expansive use of surround channels enhances the immersive experience, whether it's the echoing noises in an elevator shaft or the general din of a rowdy prison. The background ambiance, too, is seamlessly integrated, adding depth and realism to various urban soundscapes and indoor environments.

Despite some minor issues such as occasional hissing and dialogue that can sometimes be too soft, the audio track remains robust throughout. The front soundstage is wide and welcoming, marked by a sharply-rendered and precise mid-range that consistently remains clean and stable. Imaging within the soundfield demonstrates strong separation and effortless movement between channels, enhancing the immersive quality of the viewing experience. While the bass may not be overwhelmingly persuasive, it provides sufficient depth to support the overall track. Surround usage, although occasionally feeling slightly forced and localized, generally succeeds in expanding the soundfield effectively. Overall, "Vigilante" boasts an outstanding audio presentation that rises to meet the demands of its action-packed narrative, making it a valuable addition for any Blu-ray collection.

"Vigilante" debuts on Blu-ray with a compelling array of extras, headlined by dual audio commentaries. The first track features Director William Lustig and Co-Producer Andrew W. Garroni, offering in-depth discussions on the film's guerilla filmmaking, cast insights, and budgetary stress, making it a must-listen. The second commentary, featuring Lustig, Robert Forster, Fred Williamson, and Frank Pesce, provides engaging on-set anecdotes but lacks the depth of the first. Additional extras include an extensive collection of international trailers, TV spots, a promotional reel originally crafted to secure funding, and a still gallery set to the movie's score.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary 1: A detailed discussion with Lustig and Garroni on guerilla filmmaking.
• Audio Commentary 2: On-set anecdotes with Lustig, Forster, Williamson, and Pesce.
• Trailers: A variety of U.S., international, and European trailers.
• TV Spots: Four promotional TV spots.
• Radio Spot: A radio commercial for the film.
• Promotional Reel: Fundraising footage later used as the film's opening.
• Still Gallery: A slideshow of movie stills set to music.

Bill Lustig's "Vigilante" (1983) stands as a compelling entry in the revenge-thriller genre. The movie plunges viewers into a grim portrayal of urban collapse and personal vengeance, anchored by the solid performances of Fred Williamson and Robert Forster. Lustig deftly utilizes the film’s New York setting, lending authenticity to its raw and gritty visuals. With an opening monologue that engages the audience right off the bat, Williamson's Nick calls for vigilantism in the absence of effective law enforcement, offering a raw depiction of a society where justice must be taken into one's own hands. The narrative captures the erosion of societal order and the emergent brutality as common citizens are pushed toward retaliatory violence.

The film's storyline centers around Eddie Marino (Robert Forster), who is devastated by the savage murder of his son and brutal assault on his wife by a gang led by Rico Melendez (Willie Colón). Forster’s portrayal of Eddie’s relentless quest for justice is both understated and emotionally potent, showing a man driven to exacting personal revenge in a world where the legal system has utterly failed him. The movie’s setting brings a palpable sense of dread, with its dark and deteriorating cityscape mirroring the hopelessness and raw anger of its characters. Director Lustig ensures the film’s thematic balance, portraying the moral complexity and tragic consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands.

Aside from its powerful thematic core, "Vigilante" excels in technical areas such as its compelling score by Jay Chattaway and suspenseful action sequences, including a high-octane car chase reminiscent of classic thrillers like "The French Connection." Lustig's direction showcases visceral brutality without glamorizing violence, placing viewers right in the unforgiving heart of urban warfare. Though pegged with an 80s veneer that adds an ever-so-slight dated charm, it remains an intense and emotionally engaging film, offering viewers a rough yet cathartic experience that stands alongside genre staples like "Death Wish" and "Taxi Driver."

William Lustig's Vigilante is a gripping urban revenge tale that holds its ground firmly in the exploitation genre. The film thrives on its well-executed action sequences and strong performances, particularly from Robert Forster and Fred Williamson. While Vigilante does not break new ground in terms of originality, its carefully balanced blend of gritty realism and stylistic choices serve to immerse the viewer in its dark narrative. The movie is underscored by a pervasive sense of dread and urgency, aptly reflecting the bleakness of the environment it portrays.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of Vigilante is exemplary in its technical presentation. The 1080p transfer is sparkling, effectively enhancing the visual storytelling with crisp image quality and robust color reproduction. The video clarity elevates the film's raw aesthetic, making the brutal sequences more palpable for the viewer. Complementing the impressive visuals, the lossless soundtrack delivers a dynamic audio experience that intensifies the tension and highlights the meticulous sound design. The package also includes valuable bonus features such as insightful commentaries that add depth to the viewing experience, although more extras could have been included to fully satisfy hardcore fans.

In conclusion, Vigilante may not be an award-winning film, but it stands as a well-crafted, entertaining effort that successfully engages its audience. The combination of gritty storytelling, strong performances, and high-quality technical execution makes this Blu-ray edition a solid addition to any cult genre enthusiast's collection. Blue Underground has done right by the film, offering a release that enhances its appeal and ensures it remains a staple for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.