Review: 'Menace II Society' Remains Unflinching in 4K

The 1990s was a monumental decade for independent cinema, with noted auteurs like Quentin Tarantino, Richard Linklater, Steven Soderbergh, and Paul Thomas Anderson breaking into the scene with works that would set their careers in motion. One landmark film from 1993, "Menace II Society," by twin brothers Albert and Allen Hughes, made a mark on film history despite its creators' futures not being as expansive as those of the aforementioned directors. But with a work with "Menace II Society," a filmmaker could be a one-and-done and still go down as an all-timer.

Rightfully so, the culturally shocking unflinching narrative of the Hughes Brothers' debut film has been selected as one of the debut titles in The Criterion Collection's venture into the 4K Ultra High-Definition format. From the striking visuals (which find strength from the Hughes' background in rap videos) to the pumping soundtrack, it's quite the visual and aural feast to view "Menace II Society" in this meticulously restored 4K release, which was supervised by Albert Hughes and director of photography Lisa Rinzler. The film was actually a 1994 Laserdisc release by Criterion shortly after its release, and nearly 30 years later it is being brought to a sharper, more fitting format.

The film follows LA life in the 1990s, in the shadow of riots from 1965 and 1992, where our protagonist, Caine (Tyrin Turner), is immersed in a dark, dangerous, and violent world spawned by the influence of his drug-dealing father (Samuel L. Jackson) and unpredictable best friend, O-Dog (Larenz Tate). Filled with truly dark realism that never shies away from portraying the searing nature of the streets, this cautionary tale joins other landmark works of its ilk such as "Boyz n the Hood," "New Jack City," and other works that focused on the lives of marginalized individuals surviving the best they can with the hands they have been dealt. Some fold, some play the cards, and others try to find a way out.

In addition to a great film in stunning quality, buyers will also receive an abundance of bonus features, including two audio commentaries from 1993, both featuring the Hughes Brothers, as well as a new selected-screen commentary featuring cinematographer Lisa Rinzler. Additional supplemental material includes: