Street Law

An Italian crime-film classic gets a well-deserved "special edition" treatment on DVD from Blue Underground with this nicely assembled disc of Street Law. The video transfer is a strong one; despite some minor flaws in the original elements, this is a detailed and colorful widescreen transfer that is far ahead of the muddy videotape versions of this title. It's also worth noting that this disc restores over 20 minutes' worth of footage cut from Street Law for its original American release. In terms of audio, this disc uses the English mono soundtrack. It would have been nice to have the option of the Italian audio, but the English track is a solid one and benefits from Franco Nero doing his own English dubbing. This DVD also offers a worthwhile collection of extras guaranteed to please the Euro-cult fan. The first is a commentary track with director Enzo Castellari and his son Andrea, moderated by Blue Underground founder William Lustig; it's a breezy, conversational track that not only offers information on this film but on Castellari's career in general. Also included is an engaging interview featurette that allows Castellari and star Franco Nero to discuss the film and their working relationship. The extras are wrapped up with a pair of trailers, one from its European screenings and another from its later American release. All in all, this is another excellent Blue Underground DVD package and a must for any Italian crime fan.