DVD News

The early days of Carlito Brigante

By M&C News Oct 26, 2005, 16:55 GMT

Carlito’s Way Rise to Power, the gritty, urban action film that reveals the early years of gangster legend Carlito Brigante, receives its premiere release on DVD on 14th November 2005, from Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd. From Martin Bregman, the acclaimed producer of Scarface and Carlito’s Way, Carlito’s Way Rise to Power delivers action, suspense and drama to satisfy not only devotees of Carlito’s Way but all gangster movie fans. 

Like its predecessor, Carlito’s Way Rise to Power is adapted from the critically acclaimed novels of Edwin Torres, Carlito’s Way and After Hours. Both are based on the author’s experiences growing up in New York’s crime-ridden East Harlem in the 1960s. 

Directed by Michael Scott Bregman, the film features rising star Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Lights, Ladder 49) as Carlito Brigante, who, assisted by his two brothers-in-crime, is on the fast track to becoming Spanish Harlem’s ultimate kingpin. As he leads the bloody three-sided war between Black, Italian and Puerto Rican factions, he quickly learns that the only way to survive at the top is through loyalty to his friends and respect for the rules of the street.

Celebrated gangster actor, Luis Guzmán (Carlito’s Way, Boogie Nights), plays hit man Nacho Reyes, who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.  Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (Monster’s Ball) stars as Hollywood Nicky, the powerful and flamboyant leader of a rival drug ring. Carlito’s brothers-in-crime, with whom he builds a lucrative heroin trade, are played by Mario Van Peebles (Ali, Judgment Day) and Michael Kelly (Dawn of the Dead).

Universal Studios originally purchased the rights to Edwin Torres’ two books with the intention of first producing a film about Carlito’s early life. But when Al Pacino signed on to play the lead in Carlito’s Way, the filmmakers opted to produce the second half of Carlito’s story first. Since its 1993 release, Carlito’s Way – much like Martin Bregman’s other hit, Scarface – has become a gangster classic and built a tremendous fan base.

Carlito’s Way Rise To Power:

DVD Release date:  14th November 2005
Price: £15.99
Certificate: 18
Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Copyright:  2005 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. (tbc)
Layers: Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen); 1.33:1 (Full Frame)
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1; English, Spanish and French Subtitles

DVD Extras:

Got Your Back: Carlito’s Brothers In Time:  A look at the special bond between Carlito, Rocco, and Earl. How did these three men of different ethnic backgrounds form their own brotherhood in a period of time when race lines were heavily drawn in the streets New York City?
Bringin’ The ‘Hood To Life:  Stepping back in time, filmmakers work to create the period look of this film with interviews from cast & crew members, including Mario Van Peebles.
The Making Of Carlito’s Way Rise To Power
Set Tour With “Earl”:  Mario Van Peebles (“Earl”) gives us a brief impromptu tour of the set in character.
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel

'Carlito's Way: Rise to Power' is available to buy via Amazon and for pre-order via AmazonUK.
 
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