Search - The Wanderers on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language, Profanity Movie Release: 1979 DVD Release: 09/03/2002 Format: DVD - Soft-Matted WSE for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 57 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 11 Genres: Drama, Coming-of-Age, Juvenile Delinquency Film

The year 1979 saw an epidemic of American street-gang films, including Phil Kaufman's hit period drama The Wanderers. Set in the Bronx in 1963, the film concerns the titular gang of Italian-American teens and their ongoing power struggle with the rival "Fordham Baldies." Richard Price, upon whose novel this film was based, drew from his own experiences to weave his tale. Essentially a series of anecdotes-some tension-filled, some amusing -- The Wanderers climaxes on the occasion of the J.F.K. assassination, which for Price and hundreds and thousands of his aimless contemporaries served as a wake-up call. Viewed from the vantage point of the 1990s, one would wish that the current street gangs be shocked into adulthood with such suddenness (though not through the same tragic means). Ken Wahl, Karen Allen, and Linda Manz are among the standout performers in this richly detailed period piece. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Ken Wahl - Richie
John Friedrich - Joey
Karen Allen - Nina
Linda Manz - Peewee
Toni Kalem - Despie Galasso

'50s nostalgia returns in director Philip Kaufman's The Wanderers, based on the book by Richard Price. Warner's work on this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is only passable with an inexcusable number of blemishes and dirt in the image. The detail in the print appears to be fine, though colors and black levels sometimes appear too soft. Overall this is a watchable transfer, though fans will be disappointed by the studio's efforts on this title. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono in English and French. Not surprisingly, this is a very flat and uninspired soundtrack that features little-to-no fidelity or range. All aspects of the sound mix are clear of any excessive hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are English and French subtitles. The only meaty extra available on this disc is a commentary track by director Kaufman. Fans will delight at hearing about the history of the film's production, as well how the director feels about it after all these years. Also included on this disc is a theatrical trailer for the film. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide