Style Wars is a documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late 1970s and early ’80s. The documentary focuses on graffiti art and breakdancing and features interviews with artists, rappers, street historians, local residents, police officers and politicians of the era.

Directed by Tony Silver, Style Wars features interviews with Demon, Kase 2, Eric Haze, D. 5, Spank, Trap, Kay Slay, Butch, Skeme, Zone, Ces157, Kid167, Min One, Cap, Michael “Iz the Wiz” Martin, Shy147, Quik, Li’l Seen, Sach, Mare, Dondi, Daze, Seen, Johnny “Crash” Matos, Dust, Paze, Andrew “Zephyr” Witten, Cey Adams, Revolt, Futura, Wasp I., Fred, Noc, Duro, Crazy Legs, Frosty Freeze, Ken Roc, Lenny Len, Kippy Dee, Take One, Ty Fly, Mr. Freeze, Doze, Victor “Kid Glide” Alicea, Wavy Legs, Kid Freeze, Nelly Nell, Eddie Ed, Flip-a-Matic, Lil’ Flip, Junior Fastbreak, Joly, Rammellzee, Barbara Andalcio, Richard Ravitch and Ed Koch.

When Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant delivered the broadcast version of their prize-winning film to PBS in 1983, the world received its first full immersion into the phenomenon that had taken over New York City. The urban landscape was physically transformed by graffiti artists who invented a new visual language to express their individuality and voice. In Style Wars, New York’s gritty subway system is their public playground, battleground, and artistic canvas. Opposing them by every means possible are Mayor Ed Koch, the NYPD, and the New York City Transit Authority. Meanwhile, as MC’s, DJ’s and B-boys rock the city with new sounds and dance moves, street corner breakdance battles turn into performance art.

Style Wars became an emblem of the original, embracing spirit of hip hop as it exploded into the world from underground tunnels, uptown streets, clubs and playgrounds. This film is regarded by many as the definitive document of the emerging hip hop culture, and the continuing struggle to keep its authentic spirit alive.

This Special 2003 Release 2 DVD Set Features

• The legendary hip hop graffiti film with almost 4 hours of bonus material
• 22 new interviews with the artists from the original documentary and special guests
• Destroy All Lines: More than 200 whole subway car burner loops in motion and photographs by New York’s Kings of Graffiti
• 23 minutes of original 1982 out take footage
• Feature commentary by director & producer Tony Silver and producer Henry Chalfant
• Video tributes to graffiti artists Dondi and Shy 147
• Digitally remastered 5.1 Dolby soundtrack featuring classic music tracks from hip hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash, The Treacherous Three, Trouble Funk, The Fearless Four, Rammellzee vs. K-Rob and more
• 32 artist galleries and never-before-seen rare photos
• Guest interviews with Fab 5 Freddie, Goldie, Guru, DJ Red Alert, and photographer Martha Cooper
• Featuring music from: Def Jux recording artists EI-P, RJD2, and Aesop Rock, plus Mr. Wiggles, Kimson “Angola-Red” Albert, and Darryl Jenifer