Finally got round to seeing this, and loved it. Highlights; gritty 1970s style, Herbie Hancock soundtrack, super-young Jeff Goldblum (first film?) and im loving Charley Bronson at the moment.

Was wondering though, although this is a long shot, whether the climactic shoot out at the park steps was the same locations as in the start of the chase in The Warriors? Think I noticed union station too. Im sure if it is this has been brought up before but couldn't find anything in the search. That's interesting because Walter Hill made Hard Times with Bronson a year later.

Also on the topic are any of the sequels worth checking out? I remember seeing the Simpsons spoof "Death Wish 9" with Paul/Charley on life support - "I wish I were dead... hoi" - that was funny.

Yes, This is a true classic. Paul Kersey- architect by day/vigilante by night!
The sequels (of which there are many) become increasingly silly and hard to
watch as they progress. 2 and maybe 3 are not bad tho. If you want to
see Lawrence Fishburne as a silly looking proto 'New-wave/Punk-rocker', at
least whatever Hollywood thought that was at the time, you should check
out 3 I believe. "Do you believe in Jesus? Well, your about to meet him."

Also, if you like vigilante movies, check out 'The Exterminator' from the early 80's.
It's obviously influenced by 'Deathwish', but still worth watching.

ah yes i heard about exterminator on a weird movie podcast, sounds pretty cool. i believe that also has riiiidiculous sequels

Larry fishburn is in part 2.  He has awesome dialogue such as "Superrrrr fiiiiine".
Part 2 and 2 are worth a repeat viewing.  4 and 5 are dire.

Yes, it is the same location from the Warriors.  Deathwish was filmed in the Riverside area.
I always wondered whatever happened to the gang leader from Deathwish 3, then he turned up recently in Descent part 2