L.A. Wars Blu-ray Review

The "L.A. Wars" Blu-ray, featured in the MVD Rewind Collection, presents a vivid audiovisual experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The video material, derived from a 2020 2K scan of 16mm archival elements, showcases both the intricacies and limitations of this source. The presentation retains a rich, albeit somewhat noisy, grainfield characteristic of its era, which may appeal to fans of the grindhouse aesthetic. Notable in this version is the slightly brighter tone compared to previous releases like Vinegar Syndrome's. This brightness potentially enhances flesh tones in darker scenes while affecting color temperature nuances elsewhere—leading to varied perceptions of warmth and detail.

Despite these contrasts, the film’s authentic film stock charm is posited against technical imperfections. The transfer confronts recurrent damage, visible through vertical and horizontal scratches in stark bright green, which, alongside occasional image instability and wobble notably during credits, might detract from clarity but simultaneously underscore its vintage cinema quality. The encoding manages these challenges with some variations in grain intensity, teetering between noise and tempered detail that breathes life into the high-resolution depiction.

Moreover, the video presentation highlights the limitations of a 16mm multi-generational source. High contrast results in tonal clipping that can dim shadow fidelity and dilute flesh tones, yet colors persist with a satisfactory vibrancy. The aspect ratio choice reveals some possible open matte artifacting like visible boom mics, adding to the historical intrigue of "L.A. Wars." Overall, this release provides a respectful homage to its source material while claiming its niche appeal among genre enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of the "L.A. Wars" Blu-ray release offers a notable improvement over previous versions, primarily due to the inclusion of a lively stereo LPCM 2.0 track alongside the traditional mono audio track. The stereo option significantly enhances the auditory experience with its more dynamic range, providing a noticeably vibrant midrange and a deeper, more impactful low end. French and Italian tracks are also available in LPCM 2.0, adding an international flair to this release, although the French track lacks some brightness compared to its Italian counterpart. The dialogue, effects, and score are delivered smoothly, complemented by optional English subtitles for accessibility.

Despite these enhancements, each audio configuration presents its own issues. The mono PCM track often sounds flat and muffled, reminiscent of dialogue that's overly suppressed, particularly in scenes shot indoors where acoustics amplify this effect. Conversely, the stereo track, while offering improved clarity and liveliness, suffers from its own shortcomings. Directional effects tend to spread unnaturally across the soundstage, and there is a notable flaw with overly deep bass that disrupts the experience. Gunshots and deep voice frequencies produce a hollow rumble, suggesting suboptimal mixing that can overwhelm even at lower volumes.

Overall, while this release upgrades the audio specifications significantly, viewers may encounter challenges with specific aspects of both the mono and stereo tracks. The auditory range is enhanced in terms of amplitude and vibrancy in stereo, but caution is advised regarding volume levels due to bass distortion issues. Engaging international tracks provide additional layers, though some may find them lacking in tonal quality compared to the primary options.

The Blu-ray extras for "L.A. Wars" offer a comprehensive look behind the scenes, providing valuable insights into the film's creation and production process. The highlight is a unique Video Commentary featuring a Zoom-style discussion with co-director Tony Kandah and Heath Holland, which doubles as an audio commentary for the film. This interactive commentary stands out as an innovative approach to traditional DVD extras, delivering both visual engagement and auditory insight. Supplementing this, interviews like "Starting a War" with Tony Kandah, and "Shoot First" with cinematographer Mark Morris, delve into the creative and technical decisions behind the film’s stylized appearance. These features are complemented by a variety of supporting content such as the original theatrical trailer and a succinct photo gallery, giving viewers a well-rounded understanding of the film’s legacy. The inclusion of artistic packaging elements like reversible art and a mini-poster adds significant collector appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Tony Kandah & Heath Holland: Audio-only version of the video commentary.
• Video Commentary with Heath Holland & Tony Kandah: Interactive Zoom-style video commentary.
• Starting a War: Interview with co-director Tony Kandah.
• Shoot First: Interview with cinematographer Mark Morris.
• Photo Gallery: Selection of production stills.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Original film promotion trailer.

"L.A. Wars" emerges as a quintessential throwback to the late '80s and early '90s anti-drug action films, standing as an unintentional pastiche of the era's cinematic tropes. The film's narrative is fueled by the prevalent paranoia of the Nixon/Reagan drug wars, delivering a barrage of explosive shootouts over cocaine disputes in a city besieged by chaos. Despite its earnest approach, "L.A. Wars" unwittingly borders on parody with its hilariously kitsch dialog reminiscent of contemporary action flick stereotypes. It offers a portrayal of tough-guy mobsters that teeters into farcical territory, with its hero Jake Quinn channeling a charisma-deficient Axel Foley from "Beverly Hills Cop." This indulgence in overwrought machismo is both a nod to and a critique of the period’s cinematic style.

Technically, this Blu-ray release under the MVD Rewind Collection proves adequate for enthusiasts of lo-fi action films, even though it lacks the more comprehensive supplements provided by the earlier Vinegar Syndrome release. However, for collectors intent on the complete package, it remains an enticing acquisition. The film's production elements emphasize a simplistic but colorful aesthetic typical of its time, ensuring that scenes such as slow-motion car chases involving empty boxes and street-level gunfights maintain their humorous—albeit unintended—impact on viewers.

With "L.A. Wars," audiences witness an exaggerated portrayal of the era’s anti-drug campaigns symbolized by DARE posters in police stations. The over-the-top violence and gratuitous nudity amplify its R-rated edge, unintentionally mocking the very crisis it dramatizes. For those seeking entertainment rooted in nostalgia and absurdity rather than cinematic prestige, "L.A. Wars" delivers an engaging experience that highlights both the charm and pitfalls of its action-packed lineage.

The Blu-ray release of "L.A. Wars" showcases a film that oscillates between unintentional comedy and engaging action. The transfer quality is commendable, providing a crisp visual experience that does justice to the gritty, urban landscape of the movie. Fans will appreciate the clean restoration work presented in this edition, offering a darker, more contrasting palette that enhances the film's tone. However, the storyline remains heavily laden with clichés, which might detract from it being taken too seriously by some viewers.

On the audio front, this release presents a more diversified selection than previous editions. The sound quality complements the explosive sequences that punctuate the plot, maintaining a robust and immersive audio environment. Supplementary materials are thoughtfully curated, offering a satisfying dive into the film's genesis and production quirks. Notably, they differ from those available in the Vinegar Syndrome release, yet remain equally captivating for aficionados.

In conclusion, "L.A. Wars" on Blu-ray is a worthwhile acquisition for action enthusiasts who relish films that veer into genre satire—whether intentional or not. Its improved accessibility and technical enhancements make it a compelling alternative to the pricier Vinegar Syndrome edition. For anyone weighing purchase options, this version stands as a solid contender, preserving the film's rambunctious spirit in a quality package.