British label Arrow Video has announced the upcoming release of director Abel Ferrara’s electric gangsta classic, King of New York (1990) on a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Stars Christopher Walken.
Arguably maverick filmmaker Abel Ferrera’s most accessible and explosive film, King of New York’s status as an urban gangster classic is cemented by a magnetic, career-best central performance by Christopher Walken, as well as riveting support from Laurence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito, Steve Buscemi, and David Caruso.
After years inside, drug lord Frank White (Walken) is fresh out of jail and back on the streets of New York City. Seeing himself as half Scarface, half Robin Hood, Frank, and his enforcers brutally take back control of the city, turf by turf – with starry dreams of using the millions to benefit the community and save a local hospital. Before Frank can fulfill his ruthless lust for power, though, he’s got to get past the crooked cops determined to take him down, and the criminal competition that won’t bend to his will.
Still just as relevant and incendiary now as it was three decades ago, King of New York returns with guns blazing in this definitive special edition, including a new director-approved 4K restoration.
King of New York’s storyline is pretty one-note, but there’s an energy and aura of fear lingering in every gritty composition.
Gabe Leibowitz — Film and Felt
Release date: November 16, 2020
Genre: Crime / Thriller
| Director | Abel Ferrara |
| Cast | Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishburne |
| Country | USA |
| Production Year | 1990 |
| Discs | 1 Blu-ray Disc |
| Region | 4K Blu-ray – Region Free / 2K Blu-ray – Region B |
| Run Time | 103 minutes |
| Formats | Color / 4K Ultra HD / 1.85:1 |
| Audio | English |
| Subtitle | English |
| Studio | Arrow Video (UK) |
Special features
| NEW 4K RESTORATION from the original negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Abel Ferrera and cinematographer Bojan Bazelli |
| 4K Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) |
| LPCM original stereo and remixed DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio options |
| Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing |
| Audio commentary by director Abel Ferrera |
| Audio commentary with composer Joe Delia, producer Mary Kane, casting director Randy Sabusawa and editor Anthony Redman |
| Interview with director Abel Ferrera |
| Interview with producer Augusto Caminito |
| Abel Ferrera: Not Guilty, a documentary on the director from the French TV show Cinéastes de notre temps |
| A Short Film About the Long Career of Abel Ferrera, a documentary looking back at the director’s career, including interviews with his key collaborators |
| Original theatrical trailers and TV spots |
| Image gallery |
| Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Tracie Ching |
| First pressing only: Illustrated collectors’ booklet containing essays on the film by Iain Sinclair and Abel Ferrera biographer Brad Stevens |
King of New York (1990) trailer
