Colors (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray this week is the 1988 crime-drama, “Colors”, starting Sean Penn, Robert Duvall, and directed by the late Dennis Hopper. I was a fan of this one when it was released, though I will admit it hasn’t really aged well. Seeing Don Cheadle, Glenn Plummer, and Damon Wayans as young gang-bangers is actually quite a hoot when watching the film today. Wayans sticks out like a soar thumb, but at the same time his performance is extremely entertaining.
Set in South Central Los Angeles during the 1980’s, the violence between the Bloods and Crips has been steadily escalating. The 19-year veteran L.A.P.D. officer Bob Hodges (Robert Duvall) has been partnered up with rookie officer Danny McGavin (Sean Penn). Together they patrol East L.A. as part of the C.R.A.S.H. unit.
Hodges is diplomatic when dealing with gang members, as a seasoned cop, he has learned quite a bit on the streets. McGavin is young, aggressive, and a total hot head. Personalities clash and as the tension rises between the partners, the tension on the streets just piles on-top of it.
Shout Factory has delivered a beautiful HD transfer that includes footage from the International and home video cuts. We also get an interview with writer Michael Schiffer. Admittedly, the bonus features are pretty slim for a Collector’s Edition release but fans of the film will love how the film looks.
Bonus Features
- The Unrated Cut Of The Film, Including Footage Restored From The International Cut And The Original Home Video Cut
- “A Cry Of Alarm” – An Interview With Screenwriter Michael Schiffer
- “Cops And Robbers” – An Interview With Technical Advisor/Ex-L.A.P.D. Gang Division Dennis Fanning
By: Marc Ferman