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EMPIRE
Released by Universal Home Entertainment. Available to rent/buy.

Hard hitting story following gangster Victor Rosa (a stunning performance from John Leguizamo) as he tries to rise above the crime ridden streets of the Bronx . Debuting writer/director Franc Reyes takes this done before story and imbues it with a real sense of urgency. Rosa truly believes he is a businessman about to hit the big time, he thinks his chance has come when he meets investment banker Jack (Peter Sarsgaard) only to have his plans come undone around him.

This first release from Latino Universal offshoot Arenas Entertainment has a real raw power, besides Leguizamo, Sarsgaard is probably the stand out amongst the cast, super relaxed in a way that helps gets the point across of why Rosa would want to go that extra yard to stay involved in Jack’s plans. There is also a very strong supporting cast that includes Delilah Coto, Ruben Blades, Denise Richards, Sonia Braga and Isabella Rossellini.

An audacious debut then from the obviously talented Reyes and a movie that will appeal to more than just mobster movie fans with its honest portrayal of life.

EXTRAS: Documentary on the making of the movie, commentary from director Reyes and director of photography Kramer Morganthau, various deleted scenes, footage from the LA premiere of the movie, soundtrack samples, trailer for Empire and 2 Fast and 2 Furious and various DVD-Rom material.