Nighthawks (1981/Umbrella
Entertainment DVD/Region 1, 4/PAL Format/Universal Pictures)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: D Film: B-
PLEASE
NOTE: This
DVD can only be operated on machines capable of playing back DVDs that can
handle Region 1, 4 PAL format software, is likely Zero and can be ordered from
our friends at Umbrella Entertainment at the website address provided at the
end of the review.
The
unfortunate thing for Sylvester Stallone is that despite trying other projects
(hits or misses) he will always be remembered as either Rocky or Rambo. Although can you blame anyone when the guy is
still making sequels even 20 years after the previous installment? You can read about those latest installments
elsewhere on this site, but this review will be centered on his less talked
about and certainly under-seen 1981 feature Nighthawks.
The
result of this film is an above-average crime drama that typically is talked
about nowadays in the post 9/11 circles and its interesting similarity with a
plot that centers around terrorism in New York City. What most people might appreciate though
about Stallone’s role this time around is that he doesn’t play an over-the-top
character that he is often portrayed as, especially in most of his films since
the release of this one. Instead, the
film is more raw and gritty and that only helps. Rutger Hauer delivers another memorable
performance here one year prior to his work with Ridley Scott on Blade Runner. Here we have the typical cat & mouse
chase going on between Stallone and his partner (played by Billy Dee Williams)
and Hauer that ensues with both suspense and realism at the same time,
something we seldom get at the box office these days.
While I
am not really a fan of most of Stallone’s work, I must admit that this is one
of his better films and it’s a shame that he didn’t do more films like this,
maybe Cop Land is a close second,
but these films just don’t do the business that his silly all guts and no glory
roles do.
This is a
PAL format disc from Australia with listed as a Region 4 disc, but plays on
most Region 1 players the disc in the U.S. and the 1.78 X 1 anamorphic picture
looks sharper by default being in the PAL format, but still shows a bit of age
to it with a gritty appearance that works for the film, but there is some
softness throughout as well and looks dated on arrival. I’ve seen the American release of the film on
DVD as well and this looks sharper by comparison, but also seems to have better
colors overall as well.
The 2.0
Dolby Digital sound mix is acceptable, but this film is in need of a major
overhaul with a proper 5.1 mix in order.
Until then this will do.
Unfortunately there are no extras to speak of, but fans in the U.S.
might want this disc for its superiority to the U.S. release from several years
ago on DVD, or wait for the Blu-ray, but that could be quite awhile!
As noted
above, you can order this import exclusively from Umbrella at:
http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/
- Nate Goss
