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Extreme Prejudice Blu-ray Review

“Extreme Prejudice” is a limp western action-thriller. 

Having collaborated together on “48 Hours,” director Walter Hill and star Nick Nolte re-teamed for 1987’s “Extreme Prejudice.” This modern western (well, modern in the 80’s anyway)/action-thriller revolves around a hardass Texas Ranger (Jack Benteen) with a cold stare who is particular about who he drinks with as he says on multiple occasions. He’s cracking down on drug smugglers and just so happens to have his sights set on a former friend turned drug Kingpin named Cash. Jack’s girlfriend Sarita also happened to once be Cash’s lover and may still have feelings for him. Tied into this whole story is a key subplot involving a Unit of presumed dead soldiers who are attempting a robbery.

Despite the combined talents of both Walter Hill and Nick Nolte, “Extreme Prejudice” turns out to be an extremely lazy vehicle for both. Not only does the script by Harry Kleiner and Deric Washburn contain hackneyed plot devices ala friends turned enemies, but the story itself tries to come off as a cross between “48 Hours” and a Sam Peckinpah film (see the blatant “The Wild Bunch’ esque ending). The writers also place more of an emphasis on literal explosive action set pieces instead of attempting to create characterization (which is minimal at best) much to the film’s detriment.

The cast is at least filled with great actors and character actors such as Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe, Clancy Brown, Michael Ironside, Tiny Lister, and Rip Torn. The problem is they just don’t have much to work with. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Vestron continues their streak of nice clean remasters.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? An especially lively 2.0 track that really peaks during the action sequences.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Still Gallery
* Theatrical trailer, teaser trailer, and TV spots.
* isolated score selections with audio interview from music historian John Takis.
* Vintage EPK featurette
* 4 new separate interviews with Walter Hill (a lengthy 58 minute interview to be exact), actor Michael Ironside (23 minutes), actor Clancy Brown (24 ½ minutes), and cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti (15 minutes).
* Commentary by film historians Henry Parke and C. Courtney Joyner.

May 31, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Action-Thriller, Extreme Prejudice Blu-ray Review, Vestron Video, Walter Hill, western