Blu-ray Review: ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX (1983)

ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX
Directed by:  Enzo G. Castellari
Distributed by:  Blue Underground

  A couple of months ago I posted my review of Director Enzo G. Castellari's 1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS.  You can see that review HERE.  Castellari is back with his sequel to that film, ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX.   As much as I enjoyed the original film, I think this might be one of the few times when the sequel is actually better than the first film.   Here is the basic plot of ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

 The year is 2000 and the Bronx has been reduced to a decaying, desolate wasteland infested with swarms of vicious street gangs and outcast scavengers. When an imperialistic mega-corporation plans to rebuild the doomed "No Man's Land" into a perfect metropolis, they unleash their secret army of sadistic death squads to wipe out the few remaining inhabitants. But beneath the twisted rubble, fierce legions of resistance fighters arm themselves for the final onslaught - ready to die for their homeland. And ready to kill for it. 

  As I mentioned above, I think I actually enjoyed this film better than the original.  This film was action packed throughout the entire running time, and even had quite a few instances of some good gore, which is a always a plus in my opinion!  The film is very bloody and violent, and in fact, boasts a body count of 174 deaths!   That's more than any horror movie I think you could find! 

  Now I have to admit, it had it's faults, including some pretty silly dialog and some laughable action scenes.   Some of these include our lead character Trash blowing up a helicopter with about 3 or 4 shots of his pistol!  He also shoots at a van (with what seems like unlimited bullets) until it explodes as well.   Maybe vehicles back in the 80's were just highly explosive compared to today's vehicles and our safety standards!   Although these scenes are a bit silly, they actually give the movie as certain charm and definitely don't take away from the enjoyment of this film.

  I highly recommend this one for all fans of exploitation, grindhouse type cinema.

  ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX is available now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Blue Underground.  As always, Blue Underground has done an amazing job with this package with a beautiful Blu-ray transfer and some great special features including:

*  Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Enzo G. Castellari
*  Enzo G. Castellari and Fabrizio De Angelis In Conversation Part 3
*  The Hunt For Trash - Interview with BRONX WARRIORS Superfan Lance Manley
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Gallery


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS (1982)

1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS
Directed by  Enzo G. Castellari
Distributed by  Blue Underground

 Blue Underground has had some amazing DVD/Blu-ray releases lately, and continue to show why they are one of the best film companies out there with the release of 1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS.  This is is another cult classic I had heard of before, but I had never seen before.  Here is the plot of the film courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

  It's 1990 and the Bronx has officially been declared a "No Man's Land." The authorities have given up all attempts to restore law and order. When a beautiful young woman runs away from Manhattan into this wasteland of motorcycle gangs and marauding warriors, her corrupt father sends a ruthless mercenary to bring her back at all costs. But gang leader Trash has other plans, uniting the rival outlaws to wage an all-out guerilla war against their corporate oppressors.
  Co-written and directed by Enzo G. Castellari (THE INGLORIOUS BASTARDS), this action-packed post-apocalyptic cult classic is a delirious mix of elements from THE WARRIORS and ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. Starring Vic Morrow (TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE), Christopher Connelly (MANHATTAN BABY), Fred Williamson (VIGILANTE), and Mark Gregory (ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX), 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS has been newly transferred in High Definition and includes exclusive new Extras created especially for this release!

  While not a horror film, it is still a great grindhouse type of exploitation flick, so that's good enough for me to cover it!  As I mentioned, I had never seen this film before, but I immediately fell in love with this one and it will definitely get some repeat viewings from me in the near future.   The first thing I noticed was the remarkable HD transfer.  This looked like a film that was shot just recently with the crystal clear picture it had.    As for the film itself, it was action packed and entertaining all the way through.  There were no real dry or slow sections here...it was paced very well and kept the thoroughly entertained the entire running time.  The film reminded me a lot of THE WARRIORS with all the different gangs making up this new post-apocalyptic Bronx, so if you are a fan of that film, I am sure you will love this one as well. 

  1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Enzo G. Castellari
*  Enzo G. Castellari and Fabrizio De Angelis In Conversation Part 1
*  Sourcing The Weaponry - Enzo G. Castellari visits the Italian Weapons Rental House of Paolo Ricci
*  Adventures In The Bronx - Interview with Actor/Stuntman Massimo Vanni
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Gallery


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray