Angel Town Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Angel Town" presents itself in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and utilizes an MPEG-4 AVC codec for its 1080p transfer, courtesy of the MVD Rewind Collection. The presentation, sourced from a rather old and weak master, unfortunately reveals its limitations. A significant portion of the content appears to be upscaled, which becomes problematic on larger screens. There are notable weaknesses in delineation and depth, causing several scenes to appear flat. Additionally, the native dynamic range of the visuals is compromised, further exacerbated by poor gamma levels. Colors tend to look weak and dated, and balance issues are prominent, leading to missing nuances in certain areas.

On the plus side, MVD Rewind employed a 2K restoration from the original camera negatives. This effort slightly mitigates some of the more severe quality detriments, though issues like occasional color fluctuations and specking persist. Image stability remains largely consistent, aside from minor instability in specific areas. Despite various dirt spots, scratches, and blemishes, the transfer retains a certain charm, especially considering the film's low budget production in 1990. While these elements might detract from a pristine viewing experience, fans of "Angel Town" will likely find contentment in this Blu-ray release. Notably, this is a Region-Free Blu-ray, providing accessibility across all geographical locations.

The Blu-ray release of "Angel Town" includes a variety of audio tracks: English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit), English Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps), German Dolby Digital 2.0, and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, with optional German subtitles for the main feature. The English LPCM 2.0 track, while clear and sharp, falls short in terms of depth and dynamic intensity, resulting in a somewhat thin auditory experience in numerous segments. This specific track does provide a decent auditory experience without major distractions, but its inability to render a fuller soundscape is noticeable.

MVD Rewind's inclusion of the English LPCM Mono track for the theatrical cut remains faithful to the original recordings. As expected with a mono track, the sound field is restricted; however, it doesn't detract significantly from the film's enjoyment. The accompanying music, particularly the theme song by The Hot Heads, adds an ironic tone that can be amusing. Despite occasional difficulties in discerning dialogue, the audio track is generally solid and serves the film well. Nonetheless, both the LPCM 2.0 and the LPCM Mono tracks might leave audiophiles yearning for a richer, more enveloping sound profile.

The Blu-ray extras for "Angel Town" offer a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the film's production, providing valuable insights from key contributors. The collection includes a series of exclusive interviews where Olivier Gruner, Eric Karson, Frank Aragon, and John LeBlanc share their unique perspectives and experiences. Particularly notable are the candid recollections of the hazards faced during shooting in East LA and the technical specifics of capturing pivotal scenes like the helicopter light shot. Also included is an archival Making of Featurette, showcasing early promotional efforts and Olivier Gruner's burgeoning career in action cinema. Complementing these features are a variety of promotional materials and additional trailers, enriching the viewer’s understanding of the film’s contextual and historical backdrop.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Olivier Gruner: Recollections on meeting director Karson and his acting career.
• Interview with Director/Producer Eric Karson: Discusses production and Los Angeles gang history.
• Interview with Star Frank Aragon: Insights on casting, martial arts, and filming in East LA.
• Interview with Cinematographer John LeBlanc: Techniques used and shooting experiences.
• Making of Featurette: Archival promotion with interview clips.
• Interview with Eric Karson: Archival discussion for German release.
• Promotional Materials: Trailers and TV commercials.
• Poster: Mini-poster included in packaging.
• Additional Trailers: Titles from the MVD Rewind Collection catalog.

Eric Karson's Angel Town (1990) is now available on Blu-ray courtesy of the MVD Rewind Collection. The disc offers a variety of supplemental features, including exclusive interviews with cinematographer John LeBlanc and actor Frank Aragon, plus a making-of featurette, and archival promotional materials. The release is region-free and includes optional German subtitles for the main feature.

Featuring French martial artist Olivier Gruner in his acting debut, Angel Town was an attempt to replicate the success of action stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, Gruner's lack of acting experience is palpable throughout the film, affecting the action sequences that could have otherwise made it a cult hit. The film's plot follows Jacques Montaigne, a French graduate student who lands in L.A. and ends up entangled in a gang war after defending a young boy from local thugs. Unfortunately, the screenplay is laden with clichéd scenarios and the action choreography appears amateurish. These shortcomings are exacerbated by Gruner’s mechanical delivery, making the film challenging to appreciate even for genre enthusiasts.

Despite its flaws, Angel Town has certain charming quirks that may elicit nostalgia for fans of low-budget '90s action films. The movie's earnest attempt to address gang issues in East L.A., combined with unintentionally humorous dialogue and campy action sequences, offers some entertainment value if approached with the right mindset. Cinematographer John LeBlanc, known for his work on music videos for artists like Prince and Vanessa Williams, couldn't elevate the visual quality beyond these limitations. If you enjoy cheesy action flicks with a heart, Angel Town might just find a place in your collection.

"Angel Town," directed by Eric Karson, introduces Olivier Gruner in his debut acting role, setting expectations high for the French martial artist. Although the film attempts to carve out its niche in the early 1990s action genre, it falls short due to a significant dissonance between its ambitious narrative and subpar production quality. The Blu-ray release derives from an outdated master, compromising visual fidelity. Yet, it compensates with an extensive collection of new and archival bonus features that provide valuable context and entertainment for devoted fans.

MVD Rewind has delivered a nostalgic package that will appeal to enthusiasts of '90s action cinema. The array of supplements, including interviews and behind-the-scenes content, enriches the viewing experience and helps offset the film's technical shortcomings. While the transfer itself is decent, it does not quite meet contemporary Blu-ray standards, partly due to the limitations of the source material. However, for aficionados of this genre, these issues might be easily overlooked in favor of the sentimental value and auxiliary features provided.

In conclusion, "Angel Town" showcases Olivier Gruner's potential as an action star, juxtaposed with evident production inadequacies. Despite its critical limitations, the Blu-ray release offers a well-curated selection of extras that enhance its appeal for genre enthusiasts. For those with a penchant for '90s action films and an appreciation for comprehensive bonus content, this release is worth considering. However, manage your expectations regarding visual quality.