L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 31, 2020

While “L.A. Wars” is technically a 1993 production, it mostly plays like something from 1985, when action movies created for the VHS market were really starting to take off, trying to create as financially responsible a ruckus as possible. For their introductory sequence, co-directors Tony Kandah and Martin Morris (who also script together) serve up a coke deal gone wrong, filling the screen with bullets and explosions, trying to sell the stuffing out of the title before viewers have fully settled in. It’s that type of spunk that carries most of “L.A. Wars,” which is exceedingly silly work, but determined to provide at least some level of non-stop excitement, keeping the endeavor stuffed with stunt work and steely characters, coming up with a low-budget ride that doesn’t get by on I.Q. points, but offers a dead body for every star in the sky.

In the heart of Los Angeles, South American drug lord Raul (Rodrigo Obregon) aims to wrestle control of the city from the Italian mafia, targeting Carlo (A.J. Stephans) and his family. War erupts on the city streets, and law enforcement feels powerless, forcing Captain Roark (David Jean Thomas) to turn to ex-cop Jake (Vince Murdocco) for help, pulling him away from his job as a bar bouncer to infiltrate Carlo’s operations. Setting himself up as a bodyguard for Carlo’s daughter, Carla (Mary E. Zilba), Jake is challenged by enforcer Vinnie (Johnny Venokur), but he’s soon targeted by Raul’s hit squad, forced to battle his way out of danger, protect Carla, and shut down organized crime in Los Angeles.

Kandah and Morris aren’t interested in delivering hospital corners with their drama, crudely arranging a series of escalating incidents between the Italians and the South Americans, with Raul determined to flood the streets with cocaine, and that’s just for starters. Big action is there from the beginning in “L.A. War,” giving the film welcome emphasis throughout, with the directors trying to arrange stunt sequences wherever they can find room, taking the brutality to alleys, warehouses, and for one kidnapping attempt, Hollywood Boulevard (you can see traffic waiting for the scene to finish). The violence of “L.A. Wars” is impressive, with bodies broken, filled with bullets, and set on fire, allowing the helmers a chance to realize their B-movie dreams. Who really cares about the central crisis between bad guys, or Jake’s troubles relationship with police authority? We just want to see destruction and attitude, and the feature has that. Not always with a professional polish, but there’s clearly a production mandate to keep things moving along at top speed.

L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

There's definitely a Grindhouse quality to the viewing experience provided on the AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "L.A. Wars." Listed as a fresh scan of "16mm archival elements," the feature arrives with sustained wear and tear, with scratches and speckling common, and occasional judder. The battered quality possibly adds to the presentation of the low-budget movie, but the essentials in detail are protected, offering dimensional street views and warehouse visits. Close-ups offer decent skin particulars. Colors are exciting, showcasing bright period hues on costuming, favoring blues and reds. Signage is also lively, along with greenery. Skintones are ample and natural. Delineation is communicative. Grain is thick but film- like.

L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix has a little more of a problem with age, finding the track offering a muddier presentation. Dialogue exchanges are intelligible, but they aren't distinct, dealing with sibilance issues and mild damage. Scoring is similar, with a bit more power to share throughout. Sound effects are acceptable, handling all sorts of gunshots, body blows, and explosions.

L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Starting a War" (17:26, HD) is a conversation with co-director/co-writer Tony Kandah, who shares his earliest moviegoing memory: seeing "The Sound of Music" in Jerusalem. This event inspired him to pursue film production, traveling to Los Angeles for P.A. work, building his reputation at P.M. Entertainment. Deciding to make his own way, he scripted "L.A. Wars" in nine days with Martin Morris, soon in charge of a $165,000 budget to make his vision a reality. Kandah details parts of the shoot, which required enormous organizational efforts to keep on track, dealing with stunt sequences and the partial closing of Hollywood Boulevard. Casting achievements are noted, along with a genre appreciation, noting that "action is a universal language." Kandah offers interesting directorial advice and shares his first feature memories, noting that "everybody gave their best" to see him succeed.

• "Shoot First" (23:00, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Mark Morris, who cut his teeth on Andy Sidaris movies, learning the ins and outs of speedy, low-budget productions, also making his way through several action films. Meeting Tony Kandah, the pair found co-director Martin Morris, working together to build a crew of friends and professionals able to slap together a detailed script in a hurry. Striving to find the visual potential of "L.A. Wars," Morris describes the labor to create scenes and manage stunts, identifying a few mishaps along the way. The interviewee goes into technical challenges, including a drive-by shooting secretly pulled off in suburbia. Casting is examined, reuniting with Sidaris vet Rodrigo Obregon, and Morris remains "pleasantly surprised" by the overall professional effort, including financial reward and cult longevity.

• Audio Interview (21:44) presents Vince Murdocco, the star of "L.A. Wars," interviewed by Vinegar Syndrome's Brad Henderson. Murdocco recounts his initial meeting with Tony Kandah, who worked to charm the actor into his own production. While paid $100 a day, Murdocco made the job his own, responsible for stunt work, and he shares the mood of the set after Brandon Lee was killed on "The Crow." Returning to Vancouver after time in Los Angeles, Murdocco made himself known to "X-Men: The Last Stand" officials, commencing his years as a stuntman. The interviewee details his transition from kickboxing to acting, landing the lead role in "Flesh Gordon Meets the Cosmic Cheerleaders," and shares some memories of the "L.A. Wars" shoot.

• Audio Interview (18:49) chats with actor Rodrigo Obregon (conducted by Brad Henderson), who details his international upbringing and youthful love of women, which ultimately led him to America. Arriving in New York City, Obregon devoted himself to theater before taking off around the globe for film productions. Studying with Lee Strasberg, Obregon made the unlikely leap to Andy Sidaris, making several features for the B-movie king. Some memories of "L.A. Wars" are shared, along with career reflection, and his current employment status.

• Still Gallery (2:12) collects film stills, publicity shots, and sales pages.

• And a Trailer (2:51, SD) is included.

L.A. Wars Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"L.A. Wars" has its clumsiness, with no real appropriate place to squeeze sex into the picture, trying to replicate Andy Sidaris and his exploitation touches. Kandah and Morris aren't that gleeful when it comes to selling sin, but they manage to do an impressive amount with limited coin, arranging all sorts of hellraising with limited actors, working to generate a sprawling sense of criminal activity. It won't win awards for presentation, but "L.A. Wars" has interest in generating mayhem, always finding success when it stops trying to be anything more than a VHS-ready bruiser that loves to shoot up characters and burn everything else to the ground.