Hired
To Kill (1990/MVD Visual/Arrow Video Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B-/B+ Sound: B-/B+ Extras: B Film: C
The
1990 film, Hard To Kill, directed by Nico Mastorakis and Peter
Rader is full of incredible action set pieces, humor, and strong
leading men including the late Oliver Reed (Gladiator), George
Kennedy (The Naked Gun films), and action star Brian Thompson
(Cobra) - who plays the hardened badass Frank Ryan in the
film. In supporting roles, are Jose Ferrer, Michelle Moffett, David
Sawyer, and Barbara Lee Alexander. As explained by Director Nico
Mastorakis in the bonus features, the film was originally pitched as
a female Magnificent Seven.
This
is another great addition to Arrow Video's growing library, as it has
a flavor that will appeal to not only fans of action and adventure
films, but of cult films as well. What I personally like about Arrow
is that they find films that are mostly 'forgotten' and create an
attractive and informative Blu-ray release that sheds new light on
them and makes them relevant again while also involving the original
filmmakers in each release. If you're a fan of 1980s era action
films like Rambo or Commando, then you will most
definitely want to pick up this deluxe Blu-ray release from Arrow
that has some interesting extras, a full color collectible booklet,
and a highly detailed new 2K restoration of the film.
Frank
Ryan (Thompson) is a badass killer that doesn't like mornings.
Persuaded by the promise of lots of cash, Ryan is hired to pose as a
fashion photographer and be accompanied by a pack of beautiful models
to travel to South America and perform a 'fake' modeling shoot.
That's all a cover of course for the real plan: free a jailed rebel
leader from a Third World island fortress that is guarded by some of
the most dangerous men in the world. Filled with corny humor,
explosive action, and a simple (if not painfully predictable)
storyline, some of the acting is hit or miss, specifically with Brian
Thompson, who is a great physical actor but not so much a pro when it
comes to delivering dialogue. What the film lacks in those areas, it
admittedly makes up for in heart, a trait that many modern day action
films lack. The presence of Oliver Reed is always welcome and the
third act of the film is pretty fun and exciting to watch.
Hired
to Kill looks fantastic in 1080p high definition on Blu-ray as it
boasts a new 2K High Definition transfer presented in its original
1:85:1 widescreen aspect ratio approved by writer-director Nico
Mastorakis and an uncompressed, lossless DTS-HD MA track and a PCM
Stereo audio track on the Blu-ray that both sound fantastic.
Also
included in the standard definition DVD with a 2.0 Stereo track and
an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1. While it looks
great for the format, the DVD loses much of the clarity and sharpness
of the high definition Blu-ray. Still, it's nice to have both
editions in one package.
Extras
include...
Audio
Commentary with editor Barry Zetlin
Hired
to Direct - a brand new interview with director Nico Mastorakis
Undercover
Mercenary - a brand new interview with star Brian Thompson
Original
Theatrical Trailer
Stills
Gallery (accompanied with excerpts the film's wonderful score)
Original
Freedom or Death Screenplay (BD/DVD-ROM Content)
Reversible
sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham
Humphreys
and
a fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by
critic James Oliver
I
enjoyed this action packed, yet slightly dated romp and would suggest
it to others.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
