Graffiti artist Raymond AKA “Zoro” (Lee Quiñones, Downtown 81) specializes in spray-painting impressive murals on New York City subway cars. He views artists who have gone legit by creating commissioned murals on buildings as sellouts. What’s the point of graffiti art without the anxiety of the cops chasing after you? Reporter Virginia (Patti Astor, Assault of the Killer Bimbos) cruises to the Bronx to interview several graffiti artists, including Phade (Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite, Yo! MTV Raps). Can Zoro stay an anonymous outlaw when the Manhattan art world is ready to pounce on this urban movement?
What We Thought:
Wild Style isn’t for me. I’m not really into hip-hop. I’m not into graffiti either. That being said I understand the influence the film had on its culture. I don’t believe I had ever seen it before, but I was aware of its existence.
Released in the early 1980s, it was one of the first movies to show that lifestyle. There was rapping, house parties, DJs, B-boys, and plenty of graffiti “art”. It’s a fictional look at that culture portrayed by those who did it in real life. It focuses on the character of Zoro who was portrayed by real-life artist Lee Quiñones. Fab 5 Freddy’s character wants him to go mainstream with a white journalist doing a story on the scene, but Zoro isn’t sure. There is plenty of music, art and the clothing of the time period.
The film has a major cult following. Because those involved took it seriously, the movie became part of the culture. Unlike the Breakin’ series, this following is more authentic and doesn’t feel exploitative. It’s probably why the film still holds up compared to others of that time period.
Wild Style feels like a documentary with the way it was shot and the fact that most of the people in it weren’t actors at the time. I’m sure fans of it will absolutely gobble up this release (which also comes in Blu-ray). Bonus features contain new commentary, archival commentary, new interviews with the cast and crew and more. Even though I’m clearly not the target audience I understand its draw to those who are. The film looks great in 4K and sounds even better. If you’re a fan of the movie then it’s a must own.
Special features include a 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible); newly restored original lossless mono audio; optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; a perfect bound illustrated collector’s book; a double-sided foldout poster; a Hip-Hop Family Tree comic book; three logo stickers; a brand new audio commentary; an archival audio commentary; brand new interviews with Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Chris Stein, and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite; an image gallery, Wild Style’s 1983 Japanese Tour; three Wild Style anniversary shows; archival featurettes and interviews; outtakes; a “Subway Rap” music video; and theatrical trailers. A limited edition CD features a new mega mix by Jorun Bombay; radio spots; alternate mixes; audio outtakes; and a radio interview with Charlie Ahearn.
The Nerds Templar 