DVD Corner

Boulevard Nights Blu-ray Review

“Boulevard Nights” is an overlooked street gang movie.

Set in East L.A., 1979’s “Boulevard Nights” revolves around brothers Raymond and Chuco Avila. Raymond is the eldest brother who is more responsible and looks out for his younger brother Chuco. He has a good job working at an auto shop and is looking to take his relationship with Shady/Denise to the next level. He also enjoys cruising in his lowrider. Despite Raymond’s best efforts, Chuco is a troublemaker. He’s taking drugs, he’s becoming more involved in the VGV gang, and is squandering opportunities given to him by his brother. Things get further out of hand when VGV’s war with rival gang 11th Street escalates and affects the Avila family.

Overshadowed by “The Warriors” and marred in controversy, director Michael Pressman’s “Boulevard Nights” is a film that deserves recognition and seems to be getting it with its recent inclusion in the National Film Registry. It’s an authentic film with an all hispanic cast that is filmed entirely on location in L.A. There’s no shoehorned in movie stars nor does it ever feel Hollywoodized. Sure, writer Desmond Nakano’s script does succumb to crime movie cliches at times, but it’s a serious Mexican-American drama story about family, violence, consequences, and environments. One can argue that it’s rather straightforward and perhaps struggles in its search to tell a profound story and that’s valid. At the same time though, it’s a well told tale that never glorifies gang life and explores the dangers within it (not to mention the devastating effects of it). 

As mentioned above, there’s no major stars here, but that’s to the film’s benefit. A star would have been distracting and would have pulled attention away from the story being told. Richard Yniguez is essentially the main star here as Raymond and he gives the film’s best performance. You really buy into his character due to his honest performance. Marta DuBois gives a heartfelt performance as Shady/Denise who gets caught in the middle of violence. Danny De La Paz (Chuco) is very rough around the edges, but it’s to his advantage. His acting inexperience makes this quiet, confused, and regretful character come to life.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 11.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Another superb restoration from Warner Archive. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? An all around crisp 2.0 track.

The lone extra is an original theatrical trailer.

September 10, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 70's Movie, Boulevard Nights Blu-ray Review, Street Gang Movie, Warner Archive