Note: This Blu-ray is region B locked, you will need an all region player to view this.
Chuck Norris is a legend of action
cinema and maybe action movies biggest joke. Go online and you can
find thousands upon thousands of “Chuck Norris facts” that all
are indeed quite funny. The humor is even acknowledged in Chuck's
brief appearance in Expendables II. But let's face the facts, Chuck
was never much of an actor. He's one helluva martial artist, the real
deal. So that makes up for his lack of acting chops. But you don't
watch a Chuck Norris movie for his thespian skills, you watch one for
all the ass kickery that is going to be contained in the films 90
minute run time.
The plot itself is rather convoluted
and headache inducing at times. Norris plays Scott James a man
haunted by memories and flashbacks during both his waking and
sleeping hours. The first is a childhood memory relating to his
intense ninja training as a child. The second is a recollection of
loss, one that has turned Scott away from his former life. But a
wealthy heiress (is there any other kind?) convinces him to enter the
fray once more. Scott finds himself dragged into an international
terrorist group “The Octagon” consisting of ninjas (always a good
thing) and a not so friendly face from Chuck's past.
Produced by American Cinema
productions, who were responsible for Chucks two previous flicks. The
fun “Good Guys Wear Black” and the awesome “A Force of One”.
Both films were hugely successful for A.C.P. So they decided to make
“The Octagon”. This time giving the filmmakers a bigger budget to
work with. It was the biggest budgeted of the three films.
Directed with a steady hand by Eric
Karson who later went on to direct three equally entertaining and
equally cheesy action flicks. The sleazy action flick “Hell Camp”
with Tom Skerritt, “Black Eagle” with a very young Van Damme and
the one and only Shô Kosugi. Last but not least was 1990's “Angel
Town” an underrated gritty action/drama starring world kick boxing
champion Olivier Gruner.
While none of the films are classics
they do have the common thread of well choreographed action. So kudos
to Karson for that, he was lucky enough to work with Norris on The
Octagon in 1980 when Chuck was still in his prime.
The plot is laughable is but not to
Karson. Who on the making of and commentary explains “It's about
terrorism and terrorists and the various points of view of how to
deal with it, what to do with it and why people get in it?” Really,
I thought it was about Norris and Lee Van Cleef kicking some ninja
ass?
Despite my quibbles with the plot, the
action does deliver. Not once during the film did I notice Norris
using a stunt double. Norris is kicking ass left, right and center.
It takes a little while to build, they do focus on the silly plot a
bit too much. But once we reach the half hour mark the action kicks
into high gear. We get to see Norris kick, shoot, punch and stab
ninja's in various ways. Especially satisfying is the films final
fight between Norris and Richard Norton.
The supporting cast really helps the
film. Especially the casting of Lee Van Cleef who brings some much
needed class and acting chops to this picture. Also be on a look out
for genre fav Art Hindle (Black Christmas). Even the great Ernie
Hudson (Ghost Busters) pops up for a little bit.
The score by Dick Halligan is really superb as well. It brings a grand sense of atmosphere and almost a surreal like quality to the picture. Halligan would later score Abel Ferrara's underrated classic Fear City.
Anchor Bay UK brings “The Octagon”
to Blu-ray for the first time and the results are outstanding. Having
seen AB UK's release of Chuck's previous film “A Force of One” I
was worried that the transfer was going to contain some of the same
issues. Luckily this wasn't the case with this release. The full
1080P 1.78:1 widescreen transfer is very pleasing to the eye. No edge
enhancement or DNR was noticed. Contrast is perfect and skin tones
look spot on, fine detail on close ups are very good. An excellent
transfer.
For audio you get two choices between a
DTS-HD 5.1 Master or the 2.0 track. The 5.1. track is excellent,
every kick, punch and gunshot can be heard with perfect clarity and
and a nice pop.
Extras are pretty impressive in
quantity. First up is a commentary track with director Eric Karson.
It's a bit dry and Karson has a tendency to narrate what's going on.
Sadly this commentary isn't as good as Paul Aaron's was for Force Of
One.
Next up is the documentary “How
America Changed Hollywood Forever”. It's a solid look into American
Cinema Productions. Mainly a talking head piece with clips littered
throughout. This doc was carried over from the original Trinity Home
Entertainment DVD release of the film.
Much more interesting is the
documentary “The Making of The Octagon”. Which features
interviews with virtually everyone involved... except for Norris?
Everything you'd want to know and more is covered in this 30 minute
or so documentary. Norris's absence is felt though but I've never
seen him do that many interviews for his past films.
Lastly were treated to an HD trailer
for the film, along with a radio spot.
“The Octagon” isn't a forgotten
classic but it's a fun Norris flick with some kick ass action. RECOMMENDED .
No comments:
Post a Comment