'Carlito's Way Rise to Power'

'Carlito's Way Rise to Power'

From the Producer of 'Scarface' and 'Carlito's Way' Comes the Highly Anticipated Film About the Early Years of the Gangster Legend Carlito Brigante

From Rogue Pictures and Universal Studios Home Entertainment

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- "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(TM) 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 Guzman ("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.")

"Carlito's Way" Becomes a Gangster Classic

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."

Synopsis

From the producer of "Scarface" and "Carlito's Way" comes the gritty, urban-action film "Carlito's Way Rise to Power." Jay Hernandez ("Friday Night Lights"), Mario Van Peebles ("Ali"), Luis Guzman ("Carlito's Way") and Sean Combs ("Monster's Ball") star in the gripping tale of the early years of gangster legend Carlito Brigante. Seduced by the power of the brutal New York underworld, he enters a deadly circle of greed and retribution. Assisted by his two brothers-in-crime, Carlito is on the fast track to becoming Spanish Harlem's ultimate kingpin. He quickly learns, however, that the only way to survive at the top is through loyalty to his friends and respect for the rules of the street.

For more information, please visit www.carlitoswayrisetopower.com.

CAST & FILMMAKERS Director: Michael Scott Bregman Screenwriter: Michael Scott Bregman Based on the novel: "Carlito's Way" by Edwin Torres Producer: Martin Bregman Executive Producers: Jay Cannold, Nick Raynes, Bo Dietl Director of Photography: Adam Holender Production Designer: Dan Leigh Editor: David Ray Costume Designer: Sandra Hernandez Cast: Jay Hernandez, Sean Combs, Mario Van Peebles, Michael Kelly, Jaclyn DeSantis, Mtume Gant, Luis Guzman, Burt Young

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD Street Date: September 27, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Price: $26.98 Selection Numbers: 27341 (Widescreen); 27342 (Full Frame) Running Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes Layers: Dual Layer Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen); 1.33:1 (Full Frame) Rating: R Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1; English, Spanish and French Subtitles

DVD Bonus Features: Got Your Back: Carlito's Brothers In Time: A look at the special bond between Carlito, Rocco, and Earl. How did these three men of different ethnic backgrounds form their own brotherhood in a period of time when race lines were heavily drawn in the streets New York City? Bringin' The 'Hood To Life: Stepping back in time, filmmakers work to create the period look of this film with interviews from cast & crew members, including Mario Van Peebles. The Making Of "Carlito's Way Rise To Power" Set Tour With "Earl": Mario Van Peebles ("Earl") gives us a brief impromptu tour of the set in character. Deleted Scenes Gag Reel

For artwork or screeners, please log on to our Web site at www.ushepublicity.com or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

CONTACTS Universal Studios Home Entertainment Vivian Mayer Senior Vice President, Publicity (818) 777-3594

Michelle Oakes-Slavich Director of Publicity (818) 777-5344

Craig Radow Senior Manager (818) 777-4572

Alexia Necoechea Manager, Broadcast Publicity (818) 777-0549

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment; Rogue Pictures

CONTACT: Vivian Mayer, Senior Vice President, Publicity, +1-818-777-3594, or Michelle Oakes-Slavich, Director of Publicity, +1-818-777-5344, or Craig Radow, Senior Manager, +1-818-777-4572, or Alexia Necoechea, Manager, Broadcast Publicity, +1-818-777-0549, all of Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Web site: http://www.ushepublicity.com/

Web site: http://www.carlitoswayrisetopower.com/

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------- Profile: Ent