Can…You…Dig It!?!? Arrow unleashes one of the most infamous grindhouse classics in a new prestige format with the Limited Edition 4K UHD version of Walter Hill’s The Warriors.
The first ever 4K UHD edition of The Warriors is cleaner and meaner than ever, with every gang represented in their colorful best due to the new transfers. Both the original theatrical release and the 2005 director’s cut were sourced from the original camera negatives, and an added shot of color through the Dolby Vision process. It is rare that a 70s film looks this good, and the quality lets viewers experience NYC to the fullest. The theatrical cut also comes with the original mono audio as well as an old stereo mix and a new Atmos one.
Like all Arrow releases, this one is sure to please the hardcore fans, with tons of extras and collectible packaging and extras. The Warriors contains a ton of new supplemental material such as audio commentary by film critic Walter Chaw, author of A Walter Hill Film, an interview with director Walter Hill, a roundtable discussion about the cult classic with filmmakers Josh Olson (A History of Violence), Lexi Alexander (Green Street), and Robert D. Kryzkowski (The Man Who Killed Hitler and then Bigfoot), an interview with editor Billy Weber, an interview with costume designer Bobbie Mannix, an appreciation of composer Barry De Vorzon and the music of The Warriors by film historian Neil Brand, and a look at the iconic locations of the Warriors’ Coney Island home turf.
Some excellent archival bonuses also made their way over to the new set such as a look back on how The Warriors came to be, featuring interviews with producer Lawrence Gordon, actor James Remar, editor David Holden and writer/director Hill, an interview with Hill and assistant director David O. Sosna about the difficulties of shooting on location in New York City, a segment focusing on the look of film with contributions from director of photography Andrew Laszlo, and another featurette starring Hill and the cast of The Warriors, as they reminisce about their work on the film.
Fans will also get some collectibles to revel in with a 100-page perfect-bound collector’s book containing new writing by film critic Dennis Cozzalio as the centerpiece. For collectors, these type of bonuses are just as important as the upgrades in quality, and having a book chock full of photos and commentary makes the set a necessary purchase, even if you are happy with your previously purchased VHS, DVD, or Blu-ray editions.
Like many other Arrow releases, The Warriors comes with a limited edition reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laurie Greasley. A double-sided fold-out poster featuring the same original and newly commissioned artwork by Laurie Greasley also comes with the set, as well as six postcard-sized reproduction art lobby cards, and gang logo stickers for your lunchbox or bumper.
The set is available in three formats: a 4K UHD version, a Blu-ray version, and an Arrow Store Exclusive 4K version. All of the releases contain the same bonus materials and collectibles. The only difference is that the Arrow Store exclusive swaps out Greasley’s case for one featuring the original poster art.
Warriors fans, who are as dedicated to this wild movie as the gang members to their clans, will be more satisfied with this package than any previous released version.
