Gang Related Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Gang Related Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 9, 2025

The writer of “Stakeout” (and, well, “Another Stakeout”), Jim Kouf, tries his luck with a twisty tale of crime and paranoia in 1997’s “Gang Related.” Primarily known as the last film rapper Tupac Shakur worked on before his death, the picture tries to fit in as many tributes to the co-star as possible, even using his music on the soundtrack. However, Shakur is arguably the least compelling element in this examination of police corruption, with James Belushi enjoying the meatier part as things go from bad to worse for his character. “Gang Related” has a little trouble with its resolution, but overall escalation is terrific in this darkly comedic thriller, with Kouf clearly having fun arranging difficulties and inventing mistakes for his characters.

Detectives Frank (James Belushi) and Jake (Tupac Shakur) are crooked cops, working the system to collect easy money and dispose of repeat offenders. After killing a man they believe to be a drug dealer, Frank and Jake learn they’ve murdered an undercover DEA agent, and the system wants someone to punish. Unable to find a fall guy, the L.A. detectives settle on Joe (Dennis Quaid), a homeless alcoholic who has no connection to reality. Expecting their problems to fade away, Frank and Jake only get into deeper trouble when they make mistakes involving planted weapons and coached witnesses, soon facing renewed interest in their police conduct as questions arise concerning Joe’s true identity and his location on the night of the shooting.

Kouf gets right to ruin in “Gang Related,” putting Frank and Jake in deep trouble in the opening sequence of film, with the men responsible for killing a man they believed was a simple street menace. Did they mean well? Kouf plays with moral questions for a few minutes, but he’s mostly fixated on rapid responses to the shooting, as the death of a DEA agent brings all kinds of attention on the detectives and their criminal ways. Jake has gambling debts and Frank has a Hawaiian retirement dream, but their lives are thrown into turmoil in “Gang Related,” and suspense follows as the men attempt to cover their tracks, only to dig themselves deeper into trouble.

Kouf achieves real storytelling momentum in “Gang Related,” pushing the cops through failed encounters with crooks they’re looking to frame, and Frank also handles relations with stripper Caroline (Lela Rochon). Law soon enters the story, and Joe becomes a growing issue in the script, as the ferocious drunk gains clarity while behind bars, bringing him back to life after Frank and Jake assume he’s an easy target. “Gang Related” isn’t action-oriented, but it carries some street danger, and Kouf successfully transitions the tale into courtroom warfare, as Joe’s lawyers (including David Paymer and James Earl Jones) sense that something isn’t right about any of this.

For additional information and analysis, please read the 2016 Blu-ray review.

Gang Related Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (2.35:1 aspect ratio) for "Gang Related" is listed as a "new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, approved by filmmaker Jim Kouf." Colors are defined throughout the viewing experience, with a more natural look for daytime L.A. events and cooler hues for evening experiences and office activity. Steely blues are present for jail activity as well. Costuming and signage brings out more varied hues, and skin tones are natural. Detail is strong, capturing textured skin particulars, especially on Joe and his weathered appearance. Costuming remains fibrous. Exteriors maintain appealing depth as the characters move around city streets. Interiors are dimensional, including courtroom visits. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Gang Related Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix offers sharp dialogue exchanges, maintaining clarity on varied performance choices and states of distress. Scoring supports with sharp instrumentation, and soundtrack selections are defined, with clear vocals. Surrounds explore a few musical moods, also handling atmospherics around urban tours and courtroom depth. Sound effects are alert, offering snappy gunfire, and some city experiences play with separation and mild panning effects. Low-end periodically comes to life with violent events and heavier rap beats.

Gang Related Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet contains essays by Quatoyiah Murry, Brandon Streussnig, and Travis Woods.

• Commentary features writer/director Jim Kouf and executive producer Lynn Bigelow-Kouf.

• "Sounds of a City" (19:44, HD) is an interview with writer/director Jim Kouf and executive producer Lynn Bigelow-Kouf, who initially explore the genesis of their "dark comedy of errors," enjoying the craziness of the "Gang Related" premise, though most studios weren't interested in the material. The casting of Tupac Shakur is recalled, visiting the rapper in his studio (Snoop Dogg was also present), and he responded positively to the challenge of portraying a cop. Additional memories of Shakur are provided, including co-star Jim Belushi's impatience with his tardiness and his request to drink real alcohol during a scene set inside of a bar. The helmer details his handling of Belushi and Shakur, also celebrating the supporting cast and their individual contributions. Music selections are highlighted, turning to Mickey Hart after Shakur was killed, looking for a different kind of score. The interviewees close with their thoughts on "Gang Related" and provide a theory as to why audiences stayed away during its initial theatrical release.

• "Dream Opportunity" (15:15, HD) is an interview with producer Brad Krevoy, who was working at Orion Pictures in the 1990s, offered a chance to make whatever he wanted in a short amount of time, beginning a hunt for material to develop. He settled on "Gang Related," delighted to launch a movie with a rapper, finding Tupac Shakur, but also facing the wrath of his manager, Suge Knight. Sending young associates to meet with Knight instead, Shakur was finally secured, handed to writer/director Jim Kouf, who was ready to roll, handling production challenges in Los Angeles, trying to maintain a low profile. The interviewee shares an anecdote about the last night of shooting, which landed on Tupac's birthday, bringing Krevoy on an unforgettable ride in the rapper's new car.

• "Staying in Business" (13:29, HD) is an interview with producer Steven Stabler, who rose in the industry during a time of expansion in Hollywood thanks to the success of physical media. Stabler lists his successes during this era, including "Threesome" and "Dumb and Dumber," eventually paying Jim Carrey a huge fee to star in the comedy smash after initial studio hestiation. Out to "make movies that made money," Stabler slowly walked away from "art films," newly focused on material with mass appeal, including the development of "Gang Related." The interviewee explores the production process, highlighting casting achievements and time with writer/director Jim Kouf, also handling issues with Orion Pictures, who wanted a different title for the feature.

• "Shelf Life" (2:21, HD) is an interview with executive in charge of music Marcus Barone, who briefly shares his experiences building a soundtrack for "Gang Related," referring to Tupac Shakur as "one of the most talented and versatile artists in music history."

• "Relevant Forever" (6:22, HD) is an appreciation piece from author Jonathan Abrams (interviewed via video conferencing).

• Making-Of Featurette (9:52, SD) collects interviews with cast and crew, also offering B-roll footage from "Gang Related" shoot.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:06, SD) is included.

Gang Related Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Gang Related" does well with its study of carelessness and panic, and Belushi leads the charge with a surprisingly accomplished turn as a corrupt person with serious denial issues. He plays well with Shakur, who can't compete with his aggressive co-star, and Kouf invests in a colorful supporting cast to keep things interesting. The script grows more conventional as it hunts for a conclusion, leading to a slightly diluted final act, but "Gang Related" is a mostly consistent ride of psychological pressure and critical mistakes, with Kouf interested in dragging contemptible yet oddly charming characters through a spanking machine of poor decisions and comeuppance.