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ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13
Review by Gordon Justesen
Stars:
Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer
Director: John Carpenter
Audio: English Dolby Mono
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Studio: Image Entertainment
Features: See Review
Length: 91 Minutes
Release Date: March 11, 2003
"There are no heroes anymore, Bishop. Just men
who follow orders."
If there was any indication of just how good a director John Carpenter
was, Assault on Precinct 13 was a darn good sign. It was the director's
second outing as a director, following his first try, Dark Star, and the
film that would be followed by his landmark breakthrough, Halloween, in
1978. Being a longtime fan of Mr. Carpenter's, and having seen nearly all of his
work, Assault on Precinct 13 is one I have just now been able to
experience. Desperate to see it after reading endless critical praise, I
couldn't seem to locate the movie at any local video store, probably because its
original DVD release had been discontinued. I even managed to miss its repeat
viewings on the Independent Film Channel, where it was even presented in
letterbox. Now, Image has courageously re-released what I now consider to be one
of Carpenter's best films.
There are several genres of film that Mr. Carpenter has perfected, one
being horror, another being sci-fi, and the other being action thriller, and Assault
on Precinct 13 not only makes for a creepy and effective thriller, but for a
low budget film, which for 1976 made it very, very low, it delivers a strong
impact that most big budget films seem to lack. About 85% of the film takes
place at night, and mostly at one setting. Given these advantages, Carpenter
succeeds at letting the atmosphere become a character itself in this tale of a
deadly war declared by a street gang in the name of cold-blooded vengeance.
The story opens with a police squad opening fire on several members of a
notorious street gang known as The Street Thunder. The very next day, the four
ringleaders of the gang take a blood oath and unite to bring the city of Los
Angeles down to its knees. Another creepy aspect is that the gang members aren't
given any dialogue, but it isn't needed. The very look of rage and terror is
displayed in their faces. Street Thunder is made to be more a deadly force than
a group of individuals, making it even more terrifying. I feel as though to give
away any details of their actions would be unfair, but I can implicate one such
incident will unquestionably shock anyone who watches this movie.
As day turns into night, the trail of the gang leads to Precinct 13, whose
occupants include just that of a watch commander, his assistants, and a couple
of prisoner transfers scheduled for death row. When it is discovered that the
precinct is indeed under attack, with the gang circling its every exit, it's up
to Lt. Bishop (Austin Stoker) to make a critical decision, which is using the
two inmates, Wilson (Darwin Joston) and Wells (Tony Burton) as allies to strike
back against the gang, whose number is in a superior high quantity.
Blending in elements of Rio Bravo and Night of the Living Dead,
Assault on Precinct 13 is nothing short of an audacious, landmark
independent film. Carpenter, who also provides the film's remarkably creepy
score, masters here both the art of pacing and execution, which he has since
become somewhat famous for in some of his other films. Those who have seen his
last movie, Ghosts of Mars, will no doubt recognize a similarity in both
plot and build up. Alongside all of the chaos in the film, Carpenter also
manages to squeeze in some character development amongst the hostages of
precinct 13.
Having deservedly earned the status of a cult classic, Assault on
Precinct 13 is a definitive John Carpenter thriller. Brutal, relentless and
uncompromising like the Street Thunder gang, it is nothing short of a perfect
first step for one of today's masters of cinematic terror.
In closing of this review, I wanted to pose a question to Image
Entertainment. Will there be any possibility of a re-release for Carpenter's Prince
of Darkness or They Live?
Judging
by how thoroughly impressed I was by the transfer of this 27 year old release, I
can conclude that the folks at Image took their time in making sure this
presentation was perfected in every aspect. The anamorphic picture is endlessly
crisp and rendered right, making it one of the grandest looking films from the
70s I've ever seen on DVD. For a film that is endless in its dark settings, the
quality turns out to be impressive even in that aspect. An instance or two of
picture softness appear briefly, but they are so brief they are barely worth
quibbling about.
How's this for incredibly shocking? Never before have I heard a mono track
that sounded so much like anything BUT a mono track, as the mix for Assault
on Precinct 13 marks a rarity in all my time reviewing discs.
Carpenter's haunting score to the film, which is the first thing heard before
the credits even appear, is one of the high points of the discs, as it
practically jumps up the chill factor. Even the dated sound effects work in the
film, such as gunfire, etc., sound a lot better than you would think. Image
should really congratulate themselves for delivering one of the year's most
pleasant surprises.
Image
gave this re-release a much needed boost in the extras department (the original
disc reportedly contained zilch). Included is an intriguing interview with John
Carpenter and star Austin Stoker that is loaded with insightful questioning and
occasional humor. Also featured is a commentary track by Carpenter, which, like
all his commentaries, a very good listen. Rounding out the extras are an
isolated music track, a stills gallery, a trailer and radio spots.
Summary:
