1990: The Bronx Warriors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "1990: The Bronx Warriors" boasts an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The video quality is a mixed bag, reflecting the low-budget nature of its original production. While large portions of the film exhibit pronounced scanner noise and harsh quality, colors remain stable with impressive primaries that pop without bleeding. However, there are noticeable issues with shadow definition during darker scenes, causing nearly complete collapse and significant smearing when the camera moves. On the positive side, image stability is excellent, and the film grain is consistently maintained throughout, offering solid detail in most scenes.

In terms of clarity and detail, the transfer varies. While some areas are surprisingly clean and well-defined, other portions appear soft and overly smooth. The film excels in scenes featuring ruinous interiors where depth and separation between characters and environments are eye-catchingly distinct, with black levels appearing rich and accurate with minimal crushing. Flesh tones are generally natural and consistent, although they can shift between detailed and smudgy in wider shots. Noise and artifacts are present but largely minimal, showcasing a commendable effort in preserving the integrity of this older film.

Overall, despite a few instances of speckling, nicks, and scratches that pepper the print, the Blu-ray release from Blue Underground stands as a marked improvement over previous iterations, particularly older DVD versions. This release captures the essence of the film reasonably well, especially considering the era and budget constraints surrounding its production.

The Blu-ray release of "1990: The Bronx Warriors" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track that impresses with its clarity and balance. The remastered audio remains well-balanced throughout, enhancing the film's overall auditory experience. The iconic score by Walter Rizzati and the immersive sound effects stand out vividly, lending the soundtrack a natural and lively presence often missed in other Italian films of this era.

Although the dialogue can sometimes appear out of sync due to the heavy use of overdubbing, there are no noticeable pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or distortions. This clean audio presentation ensures that the dynamic range of elements like bass, drums, and punches are distinct and well-defined, without any loss of clarity or natural feeling. Dialogue reproduction is commendable - it remains loud and clear, despite some dated ADR characteristics.

The subtitles in English, French, and Spanish are appropriately placed within the image frame, ensuring they do not detract from the viewing experience. While the sound may have a slightly dated ADR quality, it does not detract from an otherwise pristine and immersive audio offering. Overall, this audio track lives up to its DTS-HD MA 2.0 specifications, providing an engaging and faithful auditory representation of the film.

The Blu-ray of "1990: The Bronx Warriors" includes a robust collection of extras that provide deep insights and contextual background into the making of this cult classic. Highlights include an engaging and informative audio commentary with director Enzo G. Castellari, his son Andrea Castellari, and moderator David Gregory, which covers the film's production, casting, and Vic Morrow's contributions. Noteworthy is “Adventures in the Bronx,” an interview with actor/stuntman Massimo Vanni, detailing Mark Gregory's casting and shooting experiences. Additional interviews feature Castellari visiting Paolo Ricci's Italian weapons rental house and a conversation between Castellari and producer Fabrizio De Angelis. Visual extras include multiple trailers and a comprehensive gallery curated by Gregory Chick.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Enzo G. Castellari, Andrea Castellari, and David Gregory.
• Enzo G. Castellari and Fabrizio De Angelis in Conversation Part 1: Professional relationship discussion.
• Sourcing the Weaponry: Visit to Paolo Ricci's weapons rental house.
• Adventures in the Bronx: Interview with Massimo Vanni.
• Theatrical Trailers: Multiple international and Italian trailers.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Gallery of promotional materials and behind-the-scenes photos.

Enzo G. Castellari’s “1990: The Bronx Warriors” (1982) embodies the quintessential elements of Italian post-apocalyptic exploitation cinema, drawing heavily from the thematic and aesthetic frameworks of “The Warriors” and “Escape From New York.” Set in a dystopian 1990s Bronx, anarchy reigns as violent gangs partition the borough into territories until the arrival of Anne, the heiress of an arms corporation, shakes up the fragile peace. Saved from a roller hockey gang by Trash, the enigmatic leader of the Riders, Anne inadvertently sets off a chain of violent confrontations driven by Hammer, a mercenary hired by her manipulative corporate overseers.

The film’s narrative ambition is undermined by its inconsistent execution. Although it aspires to emulate its American predecessors, “1990: The Bronx Warriors” suffers from a lack of polish and coherence. Mark Gregory’s portrayal of Trash is particularly weak; his wooden performance often disrupts the film’s flow. Even seasoned actors such as Fred Williamson (The Ogre) struggle to bring gravitas to their roles within the erratic story arc. The editing by Gianfranco Amicucci lacks fluidity, rendering many transitions jarring and ineffective. Nonetheless, Walter Rizzati’s soundtrack provides a redeeming quality with its distinctive blend of funk and psychedelia, augmenting the film’s otherworldly atmosphere.

Despite its flaws, there are underpinning features that evoke a raw charm synonymous with exploitation films of this era. The practical stunts and chaotic action sequences offer moments of genuine engagement, albeit sometimes marred by unconvincing effects, including conspicuous use of mannequins during gore-heavy scenes. The film also leverage its gritty Bronx locations effectively, lending an air of authenticity absent in studio-bound productions. Ultimately, while its pacing and acting may falter, “1990: The Bronx Warriors” invites an appreciation from genre enthusiasts for its audaciously chaotic vision and unrestrained sense of fun.

Enzo G. Castellari's "1990: The Bronx Warriors" offers an engaging cinematic ride with its fusion of post-apocalyptic themes and gritty action scenes. While the film may be considered a cult classic among fans of vintage B-action/genre films, its latest Blu-ray release presents a mixed bag in terms of technical presentation. Although restoration efforts are apparent, the overall result is inconsistent. The visual quality varies throughout, often appearing too harsh and flat. Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray edition still stands out due to its robust audio-visual (A/V) presentation and a generous array of supplemental materials that enhance the viewing experience.

From a content perspective, "1990: The Bronx Warriors" remains a fun and entertaining piece reminiscent of early '80s action cinema. Its narrative may not be sophisticated, but it compensates with sheer entertainment value, offering hours of escapist fun. Highlights of the Blu-ray edition include a solid A/V presentation that, despite its inconsistencies, performs well enough to satisfy the expectations of genre enthusiasts. The additional extras bundled with the release are particularly noteworthy, providing further insight and entertainment that will likely delight dedicated fans.

In conclusion, the technical presentation of "1990: The Bronx Warriors" Blu-ray is somewhat underwhelming. The restoration has been inconsistent, resulting in a visual experience that is occasionally harsh and flat. However, if you are a fan of trashy, vintage B-action films, this release—with its solid A/V performance and fantastic extras—is still a worthy addition to your collection. Seek out a sale for added value.