Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Youngblood Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 9, 2019

Screenwriter Paul Carter Harrison has something to say with 1978’s “Youngblood,” exploring the tale of a teenager in South Central, Los Angeles struggling to find his place in the pecking order of his neighborhood, exposing himself to troubling influences. It’s not an especially fresh tale of poisoned maturation, but Harrison is trying to give the material a distinct sense of humanity as he works in more traditional elements of crime and family. “Youngblood” is certainly aiming to be exciting, but it’s much more satisfying as a study of a troubled mind coming to realize the enormity of the world around him.

Bryan O’Dell stars as the titular character, a high schooler who desperately wants somewhere to belong, ending up in gang life under the tutelage of an older Vietnam vet (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs). Youngblood’s life is filled with trouble, most of his own making, but the fatherless boy isn’t interested in self-inspection as a juvenile, instead trying to master his own power, which only makes things more difficult for him. He deals with his gang, which defends its territory with violence, and he’s monitored by his older brother, a “banker” who’s managing more organized interests in the area. “Youngblood” is also attentive to juvenile pursuits, with girls a common fixation with the young man, along with friendship, trying to pal around with his companions. There’s a lot swirling around the screenplay, and while Harrison has some difficulty balancing broad antics with painfully intimate exchanges, intent is there to create more of a life for these personalities as they juggle daily offenses and disappointments.

Youngblood Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Youngblood" doesn't originate from a fresh scan, and the catalog title has some noticeable age. Detail is soft but not impossible to find, with the textures of the period, including knitted hats and smooth polyester, coming through. Skin surfaces are merely adequate, and locations are identifiable, offering street dimension. Colors are a tad muted, but primaries are appreciable, with blue skies and greenery present. Personal style encourages more varied hues, especially in club scenes. Delineation is passable. Source is in decent condition, without major points of damage.

Youngblood Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Leading with the War soundtrack, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix remains clear, presenting sharp instrumentation to retain the funky vibe of the feature and its disco influences. Volume supports dramatic endeavors, never crowding out dialogue exchanges, which are preserved, fighting some inherent production audio limitations. Sound effects and group activity are acceptable, filling out atmospherics.

Youngblood Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Noel Nosseck.

• Interview (13:33, HD) with Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs opens with his introduction to the world of acting in New York City, managing a career that led him to a co-starring role on "Welcome Back, Kotter." "Youngblood" was an offer, presenting Jacobs with a richly defined character, encouraging him to use his own understanding of the Vietnam War to help inspire his performance. Director Noel Nosseck is celebrated, offering a gentle touch with a difficult subject matter, and cast members are recalled, including the revelation that Bryan O'Dell was actually a year older than Jacobs. The interviewee also reveals his part in the hiring of War for the soundtrack, and shares memories of seeing "Youngblood" for the first time in Times Square with an appreciative audience.

• And a Trailer (:28, SD) is included.

Youngblood Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The soundtrack by War provides a beat-heavy rhythm to "Youngblood," offering some musical muscle to develop the pressure building within the lead character. Nosseck doesn't have much money to secure his vision, but he does have music, which is generally quite good at creating moods and amping up club encounters. The helmer also captures the roller coaster ride of fate in Youngblood's life, guiding impressive performances from O'Dell and Jacobs, who dig in deep with these men, aiming to create thinly veiled pain as they play parts in the South Central drama. "Youngblood" leads to a more action-oriented conclusion, but the ending is appropriately somber, leaving viewers with something more to chew on besides the empty thrill of violence.