In the early 1980s independent filmmaker Charlie Ahearn (The Deadly Art of Survival) met with artist Fred Brathwaite  and spoke about a film idea that would showcase graffiti, and the rising art form that was breakdancing. Charlie and Fed loved that idea and ventured into the world of getting this film idea financed. After some struggles at raising the money to get the project off the ground, the pair were successful and this began the creation of Wild Style.

Here we are over 4o years later celebrating the release of one of the most engaging looks at 80s New York that I have seen for a long time as it is now available on a great limited edition bluray set from Arrow Video.

I love it when I watch a film that on paper looks like something which doesn’t fit in my ‘wheelhouse’ but turs out to be a total gem. I know (or rather knew) nothing about graffiti, breakdancing or turntables, but after watching Wild Style I know a far lot more than I did.  Ive always been fascinated by New York in the 70s and 80s, On screen it looks so cinematic and my knowledge of that time period in New York came from shows like Hill Street Blues, and films like Death Wish, The Warriors, Taxi Driver and Serpico. Im not sure how I would have faired living in New York in that time period but I always love seeing it on my screen.

Wild Style is a thing of its own though, yes its a narrative movie with people playing characters but it feels so reel in the same way that much of Richard Linklaters films do, or some of the early Kevin Smith films do. We know we are watching a ‘film’ but it also feels very much like a documentary. What makes Wild Style even more impressive are scenes where some of the characters are creating their art/graffiti and to see how that is done is stunning. Also mixed in with the film are some great scenes of breakdancing, and early rap music which again is stunning to watch because you know that those scenes are being doing in front of your eyes.  I cant imagine what it was like to see this film at the time in New York 1982, but I can imagine that the audiences loved it. I know I loved watching it in 2025.

Wild Style is centred around graffiti artist Ray ‘Zoro’ (played by Lee “Zoro” Quiñones) who is trying to achieve success on his own terms. His elder brother is in the military and wants Ray to do something with his life, rather than ‘wasting it with spray cans’ Ray however is so passionate about what he does that he knows the path he wants his life to take and is so determined to make a success of it.  Whilst the film is centred around Ray

The rest of the cast features Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite, Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara and Patti Astor who are very well recognised names in the New York world of that time. The film also features music performances by Grandmaster Flash, Busy Bee, The Fantastic Five, The Cold Crush Brothers and The Rock Steady Crew.

Wild Style is perhaps the truest portrait of the hip-hop scene during its early years, and having spoken with others about this film it is held up as one of the most important music films ever made.  I know for a fact it won me over and whilst on paper a film about breakdancing, graffiti, and rap music/hip hop isnt the type of film I watch on a regular basis, Wild Style won me over within minutes because it feels so genuine and charming. This isn’t a New York film where its gangs, knife fights and punch ups. This is a New York film that is filled with people trying to create their own identity through art, and music and its done brilliantly.  Its also a testiment to the films win over me, that as soon as I had finished watching the film, I went to the menu, and rewatched the film with one of the audio commentaries playing just so I could learn more about this film.

You absolutely dont have to know anything about rap, graffiti, and breakdancing to enjoy Wild Style. You just need to be willing to sit down for just short of an hour and a half and be treated to pure indie filmmaking which tells you a great story featuring some truly likeable characters. I loved it! I still have a few of the special features to work through but I 100% will check them all out. The ones I have seen have been really good (especially Charlie and Fred’s audio commentary’   I also love how Arrow have included a CD soundtrack in this set too. Crank the music UP! 

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• 120 page perfect bound collector’s book featuring new and archival essays and articles, alongside an extensive collection of stills and artwork from the film
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
• Double-sided foldout poster featuring two original artwork options
• Exclusive mini-version of the Wild Style issue of Hip-Hop Family Tree comic book by Ed Piskor
• Three Wild Style logo stickers

DISC 1 – FEATURE (4K UHD)
• Brand new 4K restoration from the original 16mm negative by Arrow Films
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Newly restored original lossless mono audio
• Optional English subtitles
• Brand new audio commentary with Jeff “Chairman” Mao and Andrew “Monk One” Mason
• Legacy commentary featuring director Charlie Ahearn and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite
• Down by Law: Creating the Music of Wild Style, a brand new interview with Charlie Ahearn, Chris Stein and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery

DISC 2 – EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
• The Origin Story, an interview with Lee Quiñones and Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite
• Studio/Benchmark, an interview with Lee Quiñones
• Archive footage from Wild Style’s 1983 Japanese Tour
• Two panel discussions and footage from the Wild Style 40 exhibition
• ZDF TV Wild Style 30th anniversary featurette
• Rammellzee in the Battle Station featurette
• Featurettes from the Wild Style 20th, 25th and 30th anniversary shows
• Smith Projects Gym (1977)
• Archival featurettes and interviews from the players and performers of Wild Style
• Outtakes
• Subway Rap music video
• 2025 Restoration and Theatrical trailers

DISC 3 – LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE CD
• Exclusive new Wild Style Megamix by Jorun Bombay
• Original radio spots by Fab 5 Freddy and Queen Lisa Lee
• Rare alternate mixes of Subway Rap and Wild Style Theme
• Rare audio outtakes from the film and soundtrack
• Rare 1983 radio interview with Charlie Ahearn