If you can get over the fact that it has been three decades since the Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps starring Juice hit theaters, then do we have news for you. Paramount has given the classic film a stellar 4K high-definition upgrade that will hopefully put this stellar cinematic hip-hop triumph on the tips of more people’s tongues when the topic of great urban set movies of the 90s arises.
Sure, we’ve heard plenty about (and deservedly so) about Boyz n’ the Hood, New Jack City, Menace II Society, and even Spike Lee’s Clockers. It has been striking to see who mentions Juice when looking back at the revolutionary period of film history that was the 90s and specifically its portrayal of life for those living in urban landscapes. That was a period where we went from being a spotty history at best of chronicling life in America’s cities to a flood of stories from a tidal wave of creative auteurs with so much to say.
Ernest R. Dickerson made his directorial debut with Juice and came up with the story that Gerard Brown blew up into a full-fledged script. Dickerson is largely why the film succeeds and more importantly, why it has reverberated throughout the hip-hop community since it debuted 30 years ago this month.
The filmmaker had been a successful cinematographer prior to finding his own Juice to make his own feature debut. That also explains why the film sticks with you. Dickerson was keenly aware that each scene is comprised of a series of moving images. The subject matter was compelling enough, but if you toss in a visual cornucopia that is mesmerizingly memorable and one can see why when folks are reminded of the film, they light up.
Sure, it’s got a phenomenal soundtrack—more on that in a moment—but the thing about the visual arts is a film doesn’t make its mark if its story doesn’t hit its audience firmly in the heart. That’s what Juice does, and then some. It follows four Harlem teenagers as they navigate life and chase that elusive power and respect they call the Juice. Led by Epps and Shakur, these four lads’ struggle was so relatable, it didn’t matter where the viewer called home. Their saga was specific to their upbringing, but its themes rang true with everyone who has experienced Dickerson’s powerful masterwork.
Both Epps and Shakur, in particular, are stellar. Each has crafted a character that as I stated earlier, is universal and that is the supreme of challenges for any actor trying to get to the heart of who they are playing, all while finding your truth within the landscape of the overall narrative. Watching it again, 30 years removed, it actually is a tad sad. Knowing that Shakur is no longer with us and besides the discussion around his place in the history of rap and hip-hop and hole created when he departed, he was working a burgeoning film career that showed off a thespian aptitude that he was just starting to scratch the surface.
The 4K transfer is top-notch. The folks at Paramount Home Entertainment have outdone themselves as Juice has never looked and sounded as crisply fine as it does with this anniversary release. There is an even deeper realness to it that the film has always possessed. Yet with the visual upgrade, the feel of the film is even further put into focus and as such, our connection to the characters who exist in this world is exponentially enhanced as well.
Then, there’s the soundtrack. Juice sounds remarkable. I mean, it commences with Uptown Anthem by Naughty by Nature continues its awesomeness through tracks from Big Daddy Kane (Nuff Respect), Eric B. & Rakim (Know the Ledge), Salt-N-Pepa (He’s Gamin’ on Ya), and Cypress Hill (Shoot ‘Em Up). Don’t be surprised if you’re overwhelmed by the desire to turn up the home theatrical audio system as these jams accompany the intense drama.
The 4K upgrade package for Juice also contains a digital copy of the film and bonus content that was previously included on other home video releases, such as fascinating interviews with Dickerson, producer David Heyman (who went on to produce the Harry Potter franchise), Epps, as well as fellow actors Jermaine Hopkins and Khalil Kain. Some of those interviews that touch on working with Shakur, or even just how each holds their time with the late superstar near and dear to their hearts, is particularly moving.
You’re also going to want to check out the featurettes that possess interviews with Shakur, Cypress Hill, EPMD, Eric B, Cindy Herron of En Vogue, Queen Latifah, and the Shocklee brothers. Don’t be surprised if you wind up going down a 90s hip-hop rabbit hole after the awesome experience that is the Juice experience.
Film Grade: A
Bonus Features: A