“Boardwalk” is the kind of movie I love discovering after the fact. Ruth Gordon has been a personal favorite since the one-two punch of “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Harold & Maude”. Gordon pairs well with Lee Strasberg as an elderly couple holding onto their dream in the crumbling “Warriors” era Coney Island. Their middle aged daughter wants them to leave, but the elderly couple won’t give up their home to a roving street gang.
That’s when the Anti-Semetic gang starts getting violent and the couple starts losing their world. I love seeing this as a counterpoint to the rise of “Death Wish” and other vengeful films of the era. While Strasberg tries to take his vengeance, it’s much more measured and realistic. This release proves why physical home entertainment still matters. There’s something amazing and communal about discovering a lost gem that you can pick up and share with others.
The Blu-Ray comes with a trailer as the only special feature. The A/V Quality is pretty strong for an older indie flick. The 1080p transfers shows grain, but it’s charming. The LPCM 2.0 track was dynamic, but kept everything upfront. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
Release Date: OUT NOW!