Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 10, 2023

1979’s “Walk Proud” hopes to present a gritty look at Chicano culture in Los Angeles, highlighting the rule of street gangs as power plays erupt into violence, and individual futures are threatened by dismal economic and societal opportunities. The production demands some type of name to help the endeavor’s box office prospects, and weirdly, they settle on Robby Benson. Perhaps the most unthreatening actor of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Benson hopes to transform himself in the part, going “brownface” for his portrayal of a young man caught between his gang affiliation and his personal potential, with love on the line. Benson is such a strange choice for the character but, to his credit, he commits to the tone of Evan Hunter’s screenplay, working to bring a sense of confusion and frustration to the effort. “Walk Proud” has interesting ideas and some level of interest in community politics, and while it refuses to avoid crushing melodramatic events, director Robert Collins handles the first half of the movie with care, capturing the energy of a time and place.

Emilio (Robby Benson) is a 17-year-old high school student who spends most of his time with the Los Aztecas street gang, led by Cesar (Pepe Serna). He’s a loving son to his mother (Irene DeBari) and struggles with emotional issues tied to his absentee father, whom he’s never met, but he’s drawn to the power and camaraderie of the gang. Emilio’s worldview changes when he meet Sarah (Sarah Holcomb), a privileged young woman who responds to his kindness, with the pair soon trying to figure out how to be a couple, dealing with different worlds. Shadowing Emilio is Sgt Gannett (Ji-Tu Cumbuka), who’s looking to make an arrest after one of the gang is shot during a record store robbery. Realizing that his life is no longer his, Emilio works up the courage to break free from the Los Aztecas.

“Walk Proud” examines Emilio’s experience in the Los Aztecas, with the gang a family of sorts for the teen, though things are looking grim when the story begins. The picture offers an understanding of the “jumped out” process, where a shunned member is beaten by his fellow gang members before pushed out of the city. Emilio is disturbed by what he sees, but it’s all he knows, aiming to reinforce his sense of masculinity and identity through gang contributions. “Walk Proud” doesn’t celebrate violence, with the writing tracking the erosion of Emilio’s confidence, with his tough exterior softened by the arrival of Sarah, the daughter of a rich dentist.

Tenderness flows into “Walk Proud,” watching Emilio and Sarah try to make sense of their different lives, and with such a pairing comes a dramatic imbalance. One side of the film deals with the tingles of new love, while the other manages gang aggression, with Emilio in charge of dealing with the Los Espiritus, a rival gang looking to take down the Los Aztecas. “Walk Proud” is more compelling in gang mode, watching wayward young men deal with emotional issues through hardness, facing social workers who want to help and pressure from Gannett, an ex-gang member determined to make arrests. Collins explores criminal behavior and acts of retaliation, which puts Emilio in a difficult place of loyalty, adding some passable tension to the feature, which does better with anguished self-inspection than sudsy romantic events ordered up to appeal to Benson’s fanbase.

Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "brand new 2K master," but provides a softer look at frame particulars. Detail isn't striking, with a milder sense of skin surfaces and period costuming. Los Angeles locations are passably dimensional, and interiors retain some sense of decorative elements. Colors show a little age, but primaries are appreciable, best with the deep blues and reds of gang life, and L.A. greenery. Skintones are natural. Delineation struggles with some evening events, but solidification is avoided. Grain is slightly blockier. Source is in decent condition, with occasional speckling and light scratches.

Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix deals with slightly aged elements. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, capturing dramatic surges and softer personal exchanges, also securing accents. Scoring cues are passably clear, with some more assertive synth found in the final act. Soundtrack selections retain adequate instrumentation and clean vocals.

Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (16:58, HD) is an interview with actor Luis Reyes, who grew up in New York City, eventually making his way to Los Angeles, finding work with the Nosotros organization. An audition story is shared, with Reyes offered a bigger part, only to end up with minimal screen time. The interviewee details his interactions with stunt work and the production's origins, with Universal trying to cash in on the success of "The Warriors." The Robby Benson brownface issue is addressed, with the production trying to keep him as authentic as possible, even if he didn't really pull it off. Interestingly, Reyes is critical of "Walk Proud" but not completely dismissive, trying to remain positive about certain production elements and casting opportunities.

• Interview (13:45, HD) is a video conference chat with actor Pepe Serna, who shares his casting story, making his way to "Walk Proud," defending the feature's casting of Benson. Co-stars are recalled, with Serna detailing friendships and futures for production participants. The interviewee details his time on other productions, including "Scarface" and "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai." Serna closes with his reflection on career limitations for Latino performers, and offers a plug for his documentary.

• Interview (10:34, HD) is a video conference chat with actor Panchito Gomez, who was only 11 years old in "Walk Proud," appreciative of director Robert Collins and his respectful treatment. The interviewee explores his relationship with Robby Benson, with the pair attending acting school at the same time. Co-stars are fondly recalled, as Gomez was surrounded by role models and friends. The release of "Walk Proud" is recalled, making Gomez popular with strangers who recognized him. Cult longevity is assessed, with the Blu-ray bringing the movie to a fresh audience, and Gomez highlights other acting achievements, including a role on "Sesame Street."

• Interview (3:15, HD) is a brief discussion of "Walk Proud" with actress Irene De Bari. Her casting story is detailed, joining a welcoming production. Co-stars are recalled, with positive feelings offered to her fellow castmates, emphasizing Robby Benson's warmth and professionalism. De Bari's interactions with real gang members are highlighted, and she offers happiness that "Walk Proud" is returning to life on Blu- ray.

• A Trailer isn't included on this release.

Walk Proud Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Walk Proud" tracks Emilio's heartbreak, including a trip to Mexico to deal with his deadbeat father. The feature ends with hostility between gangs, with Cesar maintaining leadership while facing the potential loss of one of his top soldiers. The story leads to a predictable challenge of physical endurance, but Benson sells the turmoil with confidence. He's not right for the part (this was an issue back when the movie came out), but he does well with the details of Emilio's unraveling, finding ways to present the character's crisis of conscience without becoming a cartoon. Collins also labors to give "Walk Proud" a level of realism before convention takes over the effort's second half, supplying a softer but still poignant understanding of community and family demands.