1990: The Bronx Warriors Blu-ray Review
Score: 73
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
A mixed bag in terms of A/V quality, but '1990: The Bronx Warriors' Blu-ray offers a fun, trashy film experience and solid extras, highly recommended for fans.
![1990: The Bronx Warriors Blu-ray Front Cover](https://images.mightychroma.me/reviews/large_1990_the_bronx_warriors_blu_ray_front_1f0be54a89.jpeg)
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 71
Enzo G. Castellari's '1990: The Bronx Warriors' on Blu-ray, presented in 1080p with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offers stable color reproduction and impressive black levels, but is marred by scanner noise, smearing, and occasional softness; a stark improvement over previous DVD releases but still technically flawed.
Audio: 76
With a well-balanced English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, '1990: The Bronx Warriors' delivers clear, vibrant sound despite minor dubbing synch issues, eschewing age-related anomalies and presenting a natural, immersive auditory experience with spot-on levels and individualized effects.
Extra: 74
The Blu-Ray extras for '1990: The Bronx Warriors' include insightful and dynamic features such as multiple international trailers, a gallery of original posters and stills, an actor's interview on casting, a director's visit to a weapon rental house, and an engaging audio commentary, all presented in crisp 1080p.
Movie: 66
Enzo Castellari's '1990: The Bronx Warriors' merges inspiration from 'The Warriors' and 'Escape From New York' into an entertaining yet flawed post-apocalyptic film. While the lackluster acting and uneven editing are notable, the atmospheric setting, engaging soundtrack, and distinctive exploitation style make it a cult classic worth revisiting on Blu-ray.
![Loading](https://images.mightychroma.me/content/xlarge_Mighty_Chroma_Square_Logo_0973ab8c2d.png)
Video: 71
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.
Audio: 76
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.
Extra: 74
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.
Movie: 66
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.
Total: 73
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.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 60
The most serious issue, however, is the prominent smearing that emerges when the camera moves....
Audio: 90
However, keep in mind that the majority of the actors were overdubbed and as a result there are some minor synch issues (the timing is fine, but the movement of the lips could be somewhat different)....
Extras: 80
The Bronx Warriors (a good portion of the film was shot in Rome), the casting process (and specifically the casting of Mark Gregory), some of the director's interactions with the Hells Angels riders during...
Movie: 40
Some of the footage from the Bronx is quite atmospheric, but the transitions between the different segments are very uneven....
Total: 60
It is easy to see that the film has been restored, but the end result is very inconsistent....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
There are a couple soft scenes here and there, but from the looks of them thats a fault of the elements rather than the transfer....
Audio: 80
Sure there is plenty of rubber mouths not lining up to the dubbing, but that's not the fault of the track....
Extras: 60
Part 2 of this conversation is found on the Blu-ray for 'The New Barbarians' and Part 3 is found on the Blu-ray for 'Escape From The Bronx.'...
Movie: 80
Then you have Mark Gregory who does an amiable job looking like a tough yet shrewd gang leader in his first acting role yet some of the more emotional scenes feel a bit forced - but that doesn't keep him...
Total: 80
and I know I'll be rewatching this fantastic Blu-ray from Blue Underground many, many more times in the days and weeks to come....
Why So Blu? review by Brandon PetersRead review here
Video: 60
There are some really good moments in some of the ruinous interiors, with separation of character and environment....
Audio: 60
The vocals are a little bit dated sounding, but this mix sounds really balanced and cleanly....
Extras: 80
Part 1 (HD, 14:09) – The director and producer sit down to talk about how they started working together (Castellari was offered Zombie Flesh Eaters before Lucio Fulci) and details of their production....
Movie: 50
There are a lot of interesting, beautiful and weird things to gaze at in The Bronx Warriors that even a detractor could appreciate....
Total: 70
But, you gotta realize the film you’re dealing with, the distributor and the potential sales for the release....
Director: Enzo G. Castellari
Actors: Mark Gregory, Fred Williamson, Vic Morrow
PlotIn a dystopian future, the Bronx has become a lawless wasteland ruled by violent gangs after being abandoned by authorities. A young woman, Anne, who is an heiress to a powerful corporation, runs away from her sheltered life and seeks refuge in the gang-ridden Bronx. There, she meets Trash, the leader of the Riders gang, who takes her under his protection. As a powerful relationship forms between them, Anne's disappearance prompts her corporate guardians to hire a ruthless mercenary named Hammer to bring her back. Hammer's invasion disrupts the fragile balance of power among the gangs, leading to escalating violence and chaos.
Trash must navigate the treacherous alliances and rivalries within the Bronx's gang landscape while protecting Anne from both Hammer’s relentless pursuit and the threat posed by rival gangs. As tensions rise, Trash finds himself drawn into a broader conflict that questions loyalty, survival, and the pursuit of freedom. With brutal combat and high-stakes chases, the story unfolds into a battle for control over an urban jungle where only the strongest can claim any semblance of order. The future of the Bronx—and Anne's fate—hangs in the balance as alliances are tested and old codes of honor are challenged.
Writers: Dardano Sacchetti, Elisa Briganti, Enzo G. Castellari
Release Date: 22 Apr 1983
Runtime: 89 min
Rating: R
Country: Italy
Language: English, Italian