The name of the film, originally intended as Blood In Blood Out, was changed because Hollywood Pictures, the studio responsible for the movie, believed that the original title could incite violence in East Los Angeles.
Understanding the Name Change
The decision to alter the film's title was a direct response to concerns raised by the studio. The phrase "Blood In Blood Out" carries significant weight; it is a common term used to describe an initiation process in many gangs, including prison gangs. Within the context of the film itself, this phrase also served as the powerful motto for La Onda, the fictional gang central to the story.
Studio Concerns and Rationale
Hollywood Pictures' insistence on the name modification was primarily driven by the following considerations:
- Potential for Incitement: The studio was apprehensive that the explicit nature of the original title might be interpreted as an endorsement or encouragement of violent acts.
- Community Impact: There was a specific concern regarding the title's potential to provoke or escalate real-world tensions, particularly within the East Los Angeles community, given the film's gritty depiction of gang life and its settings.
To avoid any perceived negative repercussions or the incitement of violence, especially in sensitive urban areas, the studio opted for a different title, aiming to minimize controversy while still releasing the film.
