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Empire (2002) DVD Review
Empire (2002) DVD Credits:
Empire (2002) Directed by:
Franc Reyes
Empire (2002) Written by:
Franc Reyes
Empire (2002) Cast:
Rafael Baez, Anthony Criss, Nestor Serrano, Delilah Cotto, Sonia Braga, Isabella Rossellini, Vincent Laresca, Denise Richards, Peter Sarsgaard, John Leguizamo
Empire (2002) Released by:
Not available at this time
Region:
1
Empire (2002) DVD Release Date:
1st January 2006
Our Rating: Extras Rating:

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Empire (2002) Synopsis:

Victor Rosa runs a successful "street pharmaceutical" business that peddles a high-in-demand heroin mix, which he has named "Empire". His beautiful fiancee, Carmen, a Baruch College student, befriends a classmate who has an investment-banker boyfriend named Jack Wimmer. Victor meets Jack, and they instantly connect. Both are hard-core businessmen from two different sides of the legal fence. When Jack offers Victor a piece of the action on the stock market, Victor finally sees that this could be his ticket out of the violent streets of the South Bronx--and so, he jumps at the opportunity. But there is a bigger price to be paid than clean money for his gorgeous new Soho lifestyle. For the first time, Victor is confronted with a price tag that he will find very difficult to pay.

Empire (2002) DVD Review:

Gangster Victor Rosas (John Leguizamo) is determined to escape his criminal past and free himself of the trappings of easy money on the violent South Bronx streets. Hoping to find the American Dream and make a legitimate life for himself and his new family, Victor partners with a powerful Wall Street investment banker (Peter Sarsgaard), only to discover that the price he must pay for his new lifestyle is much more than he bargained for.

The Video

EMPIRE appears in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. EMPIRE proved to be consistently positive in respects to it’s video transfer. Sharpness was solid. The film looked crisp and detailed. I noticed no signs of softness or fuzziness through out the presentation. Jagged edges offered no concerns, and I noticed no signs of edge enhancement.

In regard to print flaws, I saw a couple of spots but they were small and pretty inconsequential. Color of was accurate. All tones were clear and natural. Black levels and shadow detail was appropriately thick but not overly deep. Ultimately, EMPIRE presented a very satisfying picture.

The Audio

EMPIRE is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The track offered an active event that used all five speakers to a sufficient advantage. Music displayed solid stereo - reinforcement from the rear played out well as effects cropped up from all around. Audio was fine and dialogue sounded natural with no signs of edginess. The whole track packed a good punch. Ultimately, EMPIRE offered a very decent soundtrack.

The Extras

Feature Commentary with Director Doug Liman

The Making of The Bourne Identity

Extreme Ways Music Video by Moby

Exclusive Alternate Ending

Explosive Deleted Scenes

Theatrical trailer(s)

Production notes

Overall

EMPIRE accomplishes something extraordinary; this is an urban drug premise that tells it like it is in a startling and absorbing conclusion; people will undeniably take note of this film. The blazing presence of John Leguizamo keeps the film focused through his loyalty and long-winded awareness of finding the American Dream.

The DVD provides terrific picture and sound plus some very nice extras. Fans of Leguizamo and its genre should take note of this film; you won’t be dissatisfied. This film comes highly recommended.

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Empire (2002) DVD review written by: John Teves

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