Los Angeles vice squad detectives, and partners, Jake Rodriguez (Tupac Shakur, Juice) and Frank Divinci (James Belushi, Red Heat), stage a faux drug deal with a drug trafficker that they end up murdering and robbing, taking his cash and drugs in the process. Upon turning in the stolen cocaine at their precinct, Rodriguez and Divinci are notified that the person they murdered wasn’t a lowly street criminal but, in fact, a DEA agent in deep cover, igniting a citywide search for those responsible for his murder. Now Rodriguez and Divinci have to find someone else to pin the murder on, before it’s too late.
Written and directed by genre cinema stalwart Jim Kouf (Stakeout, The Hidden), GANG RELATED is an oft-overlooked entry in mid-90s crime cinema, anchored by an outstanding, would-be star-making, performance from hip hop star Tupac Shakur who would die only days after production wrapped, never able to see the final film. Shot on location on the streets of Los Angeles and featuring an eclectic ensemble cast that includes James Earl Jones, Dennis Quad, Lela Rochon, David Paymer, Gary Cole and rapper Kool Moe Dee, GANG RELATED is a vital time capsule of Los Angeles in the mid-90s as well as a potent swan song for Shakur. Cinématographe is proud to present Jim Kouf’s gritty, star-studded, police procedural in a new 4K restoration from its original negative, accompanied by hours of new extras.
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Video Quality
Cinématographe brings Gang Related to Blu-Ray with an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 derived from a newly commissioned 4K restoration from the 35mm Original Camera Negative approved by filmmaker Jim Kouf. The film was previously released on Blu-Ray in 2016 by Olive Films. We have never seen that release, but all indications point toward it being an underwhelming old master supplied by MGM. Some may be disappointed the lack of a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade, but most will likely agree this is a terrific release. This presentation eradicates nearly all print damage such as specks, scratches, and tears.
The transfer preserves an evenly rendered grain structure that enriches the filmic origins of the picture, showcasing minute details within the various backgrounds of the police station, the courtroom, and other dwellings. The cinematography from Brian J. Reynolds grounds you in this gritty world that matches the murky morality of the narrative. Colors are fairly subdued, saturating the frame with mostly natural hues in the costumes and set design. Skin tones are natural with a respectable amount of facial detail present in close-ups, especially in the facial hair. Black levels are stable and never lack shadow detail. The picture never falls victim to crush, and highlights are firm with no trace of blooming. Cinématographe has provided this film with a truly top-tier video.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio surround sound track that deftly realizes the sonic ambitions of the film. The film has a great soundtrack that fills up the room properly, and the score from Mickey Hart sounds powerful as it comes through with ideal fidelity. The dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overshadowed by competing noises. The sounds of the urban sprawl and bustling police station emanate, creating excellent ambient details such as the chatter and other subtle elements. All of the sounds in the mix seem properly executed so that nothing ever feels unnatural. Cinématographe has provided an audio track that easily accomplishes everything it needs to. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
The Limited Edition version of Gang Related comes beautifully packaged in a hard outer slipcase that opens up to a MediaBook that includes a bound booklet featuring new writing by film critics Quatoyiah Murry, Brandon Streussnig, and Travis Woods, plus select archival photo reproductions. These essays delve into the film from multiple angles and each piece provides a great analysis in a thoughtfully written style. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- Audio Commentary: Writer/director Jim Kouf and executive producer Lynn Bigelow-Kouf provide an informative commentary track that delves into details about the production, the shooting locations, working with the performers, changes that had to be made on the set, the makeup effects, and more.
- Interview with Director Jim Kouf and Lynn Bigelow-Kouf: A new 20-minute interview with the filmmaker and producer in which they reflect on the production with quite a bit of material repeated from the commentary track, but there are also unique anecdotes. A lot of time is devoted to the experience of working with Tupac and James Earl Jones.
- Interview with Producer and Co-President of Orion Pictures, Brad Krevoy: A new 15-minute interview with the executive producer in which he discusses getting involved with Gang Related, working with Tupac, the uncertainty of meeting with Suge Knight, his involvement in the production, and more.
- Interview with Producer Steven Stabler: A new 14-minute interview with the producer in which he discusses the state of filmmaking at the time, making modestly budgeted films that could make good money, the films he made that he considered “art” movies, working with first-time filmmakers, and more.
- Interview with Executive In Charge of Music at Orion Pictures, Marcus Barone: A new two-minute interview with the executive in which he briefly discusses the music in the film.
- Interview with Author Jonathan Abrams: A new six-minute interview with the author of The Come-Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop, in which he discusses the legacy of Tupac, his love of acting, aspects he used from his real life in his performance, and more.
- Making Of Featurette: A ten-minute archival featurette that features some on-set interviews of Tupac discussing his relationship to acting, Jim Belushi exploring what drew him to this project, and more.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:06)
Final Thoughts
Gang Related is a gritty cop drama that makes you ride around with morally bankrupt characters and question whether or not you want them to get away with their schemes. The film builds tension with an assured hand as each development keeps you on edge, and the characters are backed further into a corner. Jim Belushi and Tupac Shakur occupy their roles well, and the film fleshes out the ensemble with some strong talent to assist them. It is worth rediscovering this one after all of these years. Cinématographe has provided a Blu-Ray that features a great A/V presentation and a sterling array of supplemental features. If you have an affinity for the talent involved or cop dramas in general, this release is the one to get. Recommended
Gang Related is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Cinématographe has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
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