Boulevard Nights (1979) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

When you think of movies about gangs in film most would probably think, Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in New York, Boyz n the Hood, or Gangs of New York. Boulevard Nights probably doesn't show up on anyone's list.

But now as the film is about to celebrate its 45th anniversary Warner Archive has restored and released this film on Blu-ray. But what is Boulevard Nights really about and is it a type of film you would want for your collection?

Synopsis: Boulevard Nights' gang members are cholos from the city's Mexican-American barrios, with the film taking a point of view of the gang kids themselves. Two of those kids are the Avila brothers. Raymond Avila (Richard Yniguez) is an ex-gang member trying to build a better life. Kid brother Chuco (Danny De La Paz) is a sullen low-rider, wasting his days with his angel-dusted gang. In spite of their differences, the brothers are bound by strong family ties. But those ties are violently tested when rivals challenge Chuco's gang .and ignite a full-blown neighborhood war. 

Boulevard Night is a tale as old as time. A tale of two brothers on opposite sides of the fence. Richard Yniguez and Danny De La Paz give amazing performances. Richard as Raymond, the brother with a bright future and Danny as Chuco, the younger brother trying, but finds himself trailing behind Raymond. 

During it's time Boulevard Nights was mostly forgotten about, but over they years have garnered the appreciation it deserves. In 2017 the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress deemed Boulevard Nights culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant and selected it for preservation and rightfully so.

Warner Archive has transferred Boulevard Nights to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Archive has done it yet again with another simply gorgeous looking restoration and transfer to Blu-ray. The colors a bright and the flesh tones are correct. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage or digital artifacts.

The only downside in this Blu-ray release is the lack of bonus features. The lone bonus is the films Theatrical trailer. But still, this is a culturally significant film, getting a Blu-ray release. You can't go wrong.

So if you love dramatic films about family and gangs Boulevard Nights is the film for you. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today. You won't be disappointed. 


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Warner Archive Blu-ray of Boulevard nights receives....