The Warriors: Ultimate Director's Cut

Walter Hill's controversial 1979 adaptation of Sol Yurick's novel, presented in a “director's cut” (that sports small but significant changes in spots—including scenes that now feature comic book panels), follows a stranded New York gang forced to cross rival territory to get back to their own 'hood. A sort of urban Western with a fast pace, artificial colors, a fable-like tone, and broad acting, the film isn't intended to steep us in gritty realities so much as spin a tale of urban fantasy. More absorbing than Hill's later Streets of Fire, an over the top rock ‘n' roll action fable, The Warriors makes its second appearance on DVD with a nice transfer and a slew of extras, including an introduction by Hill, and a quartet of featurettes that focus on the film's production and cult status. Recommended. (T. Keogh)