Blu Ray Review: To Live and Die in L.A.

The recent passing of William Friedkin brought our attention to his work once again, including what may be the filmmaker’s masterpiece, The French Connection. What was too-often overlooked is another of the finest action dramas of its time, To Live and Die in L.A., which has been released to bluray by Kino Lorber.

A layered narrative based on the book by Gerald Petievich, who co-wrote the screenplay with Friedkin, To Live and Die in L.A. is a compelling crime drama that explores corruption at several levels and features strong performances and stylish direction. Filled with robust action, the film is an amazing document of 80s-era action drama. A popular film, it grossed roughly three times its $6 million budget, despite having no bankable stars in the cast (all fine actors who turned in top drawer performances).

Kino’s blu ray is a brand new HD master from a 4K scan of the original camera negative and is filled with interesting special features, including an audio commentary by William Friedkin, an interview with lead actor William Petersen, an interview with actress Debra Debra Feuer, an interview with actor Dwier Brown, and interview with composers Wang Chung, an interview with stunt coordinator Buddy Joe Hooker, a documentary on the making of the film, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, introductions, a trailer and other extras.

This is one of Kino’s finest blu ray releases and is most heartily recommended.

It can be purchased at this link: LIVE/DIE/LA