DVD Confidential has learned more information about the much anticipated prequel to Carlito's Way. Carlito’s Way Rise to Power, the gritty, urban action film that reveals the early years of gangster legend Carlito Brigante, will be available on DVD September 27th, and released in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles September 30, 2005. From Martin Bregman, the acclaimed producer of Scarface and Carlito’s Way, Carlito’s Way Rise to Power is a Universal DVD Original release from the recently announced collaboration between Rogue Pictures and Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
David Linde, President of Rogue Pictures commented: “The studio has made it a priority initiative to create quality, cutting-edge content. To that end, we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with such high-caliber filmmakers as Martin and Michael Bregman. They have delivered a spectacular original film with just the right mix of action, suspense and drama to satisfy not only devotees of Carlito’s Way but anyone who is a fan of gangster movies.”
Added Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment: “Consumer demand for gangster classics has never been stronger. With Carlito’s Way Rise To Power, we capitalized on the opportunity to create further velocity for a property that has an unmistakable resonance among film fans. Through this collaboration, Marty and Michael have once again deftly captured the essence of Edwin Torres’ acclaimed novel.”
Like its predecessor, Carlito’s Way Rise to Power was adapted from the critically acclaimed novels of Edwin Torres, Carlito’s Way and After Hours. Both were based on the author’s experiences growing up in New York’s crime-ridden East Harlem in the 1960s. Directed by Carlito’s Way producer Michael Scott Bregman, the film features rising star Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Lights, Ladder 49) as Carlito Brigante, who learns the importance of unwavering friendship, respect, honor and loyalty as he leads the bloody three-sided war between Black, Italian and Puerto Rican factions. Celebrated gangster actor, Luis Guzmán (Carlito’s Way, Boogie Nights), plays hit man Nacho Reyes, who will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Sean Combs (Monster’s Ball) stars as Hollywood Nicky, the powerful and flamboyant leader of a rival drug ring. As Carlito and his brothers-in-crime (Mario Van Peebles of New Jack City and Michael Kelly of Dawn of the Dead) build a lucrative heroin trade, they must learn the rules of this complex and deadly world where survival depends on protecting loyalties and respecting the rules of the street. The incredible cast also includes Jaclyn DeSantis (Just Another Story) and Burt Young (Rocky).
Universal Studios originally purchased the rights to Edwin Torres’ two books with the intention of first producing a film about Carlito’s early life. But when Al Pacino signed on to play the lead in Carlito’s Way, the filmmakers opted instead to produce the second half of Carlito’s story first. Since its 1993 release, Carlito’s Way – much like Martin Bregman’s other hit, Scarface – has become a gangster classic and built a tremendous fan base over the years. Accordingly, the character of Carlito, with his dedication to respect, honor and dignity, has continued to resonate with urban, Hispanic and mainstream audiences. This new film, Carlito’s Way Rise to Power, chronicles the young Carlito as he uses his street smarts and cunning abilities to stay alive in a world controlled by powerful crime bosses.
“Bringing the first of Edwin Torres’ terrific books to the screen has really been a labor of love for Michael (Bregman) and I,” said producer Martin Bregman. “Carlito’s story is the underside of the American Dream. It’s about three friends – a Puerto Rican, an African-American and an Italian –whose loyalty and respect for one another allows them to overcome seemingly impossible odds and rise to the top of New York's drug underworld.”
