Actors: Samuel L. Jackson, Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bill Duke, Charles S. Dutton, Tyrin Turner
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Language: ENGLISH: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), ENGLISH: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English
Region: Region A
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of Discs: 1
Rating: R
Orig. Release Date: 1993
Studio: Criterion
Release Date: 11/23/2021
Run Time: 97 Min.
- Commentary One - in this archival audio commentary, Allen Hughes discusses the shock value of some key sequences in Menace II Society, the particular use of sound in similar sequences, some of the forced cuts that he and his brother had to do on their original version of the film, the depiction of the generation gap and what it reflects (and specifically the fact that violent kids misinterpret religion), the use of music, etc. The commentary was recorded exclusively for Criterion in 1993.
- Commentary Two - in this archival audio commentary, Albert Hughes discusses primarily the visual aspects of Menace II Society and specifically how different sequences were framed and lit, various editing choices that were made once the film was completed, the use of color lights throughout (and specifically the significance of red lights), the intent to make the film appear more expensive than it really was, the filmmakers' relationship with New Line Cinema, etc. The commentary was recorded exclusively for Criterion in 1993.
- Trailer - vintage trailer for Menace II Society. Remastered. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).
- Deleted Scenes - presented here are two scenes that Albert and Allen Hughes cut from their initial version of Menace II Society to maintain the focus of its story and flow. In English, not subtitles.
- 1. Harold's Funeral. (2 min).
- 2. Visit with Caine's Grandparents (2 min).
- Film-to-Storyboard Comparison - this short video compares the original storyboards for the killing sequence at the fast food place with the final filmed material. The drawings were created by a professional storyboard artist that worked with original content supplied by Albert Hughes. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).
- Music Video - presented here is an original music video for 2Pac's "Brenda's Got a Baby". The video was directed by Albert and Allen Hughes in 1991, and was apparently instrumental in convincing New Line Cinema that they were ready to work on feature films. (4 min).
- The Hughes Brothers - in this archival interview, Albert and Allen Hughes discuss some of the directors and films that influenced them in the years before they made their directorial debut (GoodFellas, Scarface), their decision not to depict or reference the feud between The Bloods and Crips in their film in order to give it a more universal message, why art should not have an "artistic responsibility" so that it remains authentic and legit, the critical reception of Menace II Society, etc. The interview was recorded for Criterion in 1993. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).
- Gangsta Vision - this archival program features interviews with Albert and Allen Hughes, producer Darin Scott, screenwriter Tyger Williams, and actors Larenz Tate and Ryan Williams. The interviewees discuss the impact Scarface and Goodfellas have had on popular culture, the conception of Menace II Society, the relationship between Menace II Society and Boyz n the Hood, the casting choices, and the finished film. The program was produced by Automat Pictures in 2009. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).
- Liza Rinzler - this selected-scene commentary was recorded by director of photography Lisa Rinzler for Criterion in August 2021. Mrs. Rinzler, who had previously worked with Albert and Allen Hughes on various music videos, discusses some of the particular choices that were made to infuse Menace II Society with a sense of heightened reality rather than naturalism, the need to respond to unique improvisation during the filming process, and Martin Scorsese and his style as a guiding force that ultimately shaped up the look of Menace II Society. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).
- Trust and Collaboration - in this new program, Allen Hughes and Bill Duke recall their collaboration on Menace II Society and discuss some of the film's important themes. The program, which is moderated by critic Elvis Mitchell, was produced for Criterion in July 2021. In English, not subtitled. (27 min).
- Capturing Youth - presented here is a filmed conversation between Albert Hughes and screenwriter Tyger Williams, moderated by critic Elvis Mitchell. The conversation was filmed for Criterion in June 2021. In English, not subtitled. (35 min).
- Leaflet - an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Craig D. Lindsey as well as technical credits.
Directors Albert and Allen Hughes and screenwriter Tyger Williams were barely into their twenties when they sent shock waves through American cinema and hip-hop culture with this fatalistic, unflinching vision of life and death on the streets of Watts, Los Angeles, in the 1990s. There, in the shadow of the riots of 1965 and 1992, young Caine (Tyrin Turner) is growing up under the influence of his ruthless, drug-dealing father (Samuel L. Jackson, in a chilling cameo) and his loose-cannon best friend, O-Dog (Larenz Tate), leading him into a spiral of violent crime from which he is not sure he wants to escape, despite the best efforts of his grandparents and the steadfast Ronnie (Jada Pinkett). Fusing grim realism with a propulsively stylish aesthetic honed through the Hughes brothers' work on rap videos, Menace II Society is a searing cautionary tale about the devastating human toll of hopelessness.
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