Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Death Wish 3 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 20, 2020

1974’s “Death Wish” was a big deal in the careers of actor Charles Bronson and director Michael Winner. It not only gave them a big hit to sustain their careers, it delivered a vivid portrayal of vigilante violence that spawned numerous imitators, endeavoring to supply an imagined sense of emotional realism when dealing with exploitation cinema. While a singular viewing experience, the feature inspired a sequel in 1982, with Cannon Films sensing a future in the brand name, putting Winner and Bronson back to work with an unnecessary continuation that began to bend the franchise into absurdity while trying to remain serious about acts of revenge. For 1985’s “Death Wish 3,” there was nothing left in the creative tank, giving Winner a chance to run wild with the one-man-army concept, pitting Bronson against a street gang in an NYC brawl, offering no social commentary or interesting psychological analysis. It’s just an over-the-top battle royal with mindless violence, thinly sketched characters, and a single city block to destroy. And that’s exactly what makes “Death Wish 3” so compulsively watchable.

Paul (Charles Bronson) is returning to New York City to visit his friend, Charlie, who lives in an isolated, crime-infested part of town. Instead of a happy reunion, Paul discovers Charlie has been murdered by a local gang led by Fraker (Gavan O’Herlihy), unwilling to participate in their protection racket. Initially thought to be the killer, Paul is soon put to use by Police Chief Striker (Ed Lauter), who loathes the visitor but recognizes his gift for killing punks, allowing him to live in a gangland apartment building, handed permission to take out Fraker and his minions. Meeting the frightened senior citizens who live in the neighborhood, Paul realizes his purpose, soon setting up traps to pick off select goons, with acts of revenge escalating into all-out war with Fraker.

There’s a loose sense of continuity to the “Death Wish” saga in the second sequel, with Striker’s role primarily consisting of reminders to the audience that Paul is responsible for major acts of violence, referring to the man as “Mr. Vigilante.” Beyond that, Cannon Films simply wants a more simplistic version of “Death Wish II,” once again putting Paul in a situation where his aggressive instincts are put to heroic use. This time, Paul relocates to his dead pal’s apartment, befriending resident Bennett (Martin Balsam), who gives him a tour of the block’s decline, also introducing him to the other kind folk living in a constant state of fear. It’s supposed to be a gun-free zone, but such laws only punish the renters, with the cops quick to relive them of weapons while they allow the gang to continue business, unwilling to confront villains who freely enter apartments for evildoing, inspiring Paul to take action.

“Death Wish 3” is no acting challenge for Bronson, but he does what he does, and he does it very well. The legendarily stoic actor tries to show off some personality as he interacts warmly with other tenants, and Paul is assigned an unlikely (and sudden) love interest in Kathryn (Deborah Raffin), a public defender who’s immediately interested in the visitor, responding to his confidence. It’s a cheap way for the script to create an emotional investment, and it plays awkwardly, but Winner doesn’t pay much attention to nuance (why start now?), wisely focusing on the most important aspect of the feature: Paul gunning down scumbags.

“Death Wish 3” is filled with confrontations, watching Paul work his streetwise magic to lure gang members (including a young Alex Winter) into the line of fire. He buys a car to attract thieves, shooting them when they try to challenge him. He offers loose control of a camera case to catch the attention of speedster The Giggler (Kirk Taylor), introducing the neighborhood to his pal, Wildey (a large gun), which blasts a hole in the baddie’s chest. And Paul’s pretty crafty as well, assembling a series of traps around numerous apartments to catch the goons in the act.

There’s inherent ugliness to “Death Wish 3,” as Winner can’t control himself when it comes to staging sexual assaults, lingering on nudity (one victim is played by Marina Sirtis, who’s made her negative feelings about Winner crystal clear in recent years). And there’s the whole issue of glorifying violence, turning Paul into a man of action, not a haunted figure of primal response. Mistakes are made in execution and writing, but the movie is a cartoon, arranging a game of escalation between Paul and Fraker, with the crime leader doing his best to ruin Mr. Vigilante’s life, only to be confronted with a 64-year-old war machine and his senior citizen army (you haven’t really lived until you witness Martin Balsam wield a gigantic WWII machine gun).

For additional analysis, please read the 2012 Blu-ray review.

Death Wish 3 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Scorpion Releasing brings "Death Wish 3" back to Blu-ray after the MGM release in 2012. This time, there's a "brand 2020 scan from the original interpositive" to enjoy, with the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation providing a fresh, appealing look at the grungy events of the movie. Colors are especially striking, brightening up the viewing experience with deep reds on face paint, along with signage. Apartment interiors deliver strong blues and wood panel browns. Outdoor action is also vivid, capturing red bricks and graffiti designs. Urban greenery is preserved. Costuming favors darker hues, but style choices are distinct. Detail emerges with clarity, doing well with facial particulars, capturing fine hairs and age. Location shots handle with inviting depth. Urban tours are textured, surveying destruction and rot. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Death Wish 3 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix presents an expectedly louder listening event for a noisy movie. Scoring cues are defined, mixing electric guitar squeals with bigger synth stings, supporting the mayhem without overwhelming it. Dialogue exchanges are precise, clarifying Bronson's low-energy line readings and managing excitable gang energy. Sound effects are broad but appealing, serving up booming gunfire and explosions. Atmospherics register acceptably with street activity and gang bustle. There's a brief audio dropout at 37:21.

Death Wish 3 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features author Paul Talbot.

• Interview (8:33, HD) sits down with Kirk Taylor, who portrayed The Giggler in "Death Wish 3." Taylor explains how he was hired for the job, sending a photo of himself in-character from "Streetwalkin'" to the production, with director Michael Winner appreciating his look, requiring no audition. The interviewee shares his impression of star Charles Bronson, who immediately warmed up to the actor, introducing him to wife Jill Ireland and posing for a photograph (which is displayed). Co-stars are celebrated, with the gang a bunch of likeable guys. Taylor shares his experience playing an "iconic villain," and his work with massive squibs, putting him on edge while filming. "Death Wish 3" connections are highlighted, with Taylor on-set in London while hustling to acquire a role in Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:38, SD) is included.

Death Wish 3 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Death Wish 3" is not a good movie. There's no drama, no suspense, no characters. But it's an entertaining actioner that delivers amusing mayhem while keeping Bronson's customary iciness front and center. It's ludicrous in every way, but that's the charm of it, giving the audience a wish-fulfillment high as Paul destroys criminal activity, saving NYC from the nightmare of wayward youth and their face-painted organizational habits. I mean, come on, we didn't need a "Death Wish II," but thank Wildey there's a "Death Wish 3."