Kickboxer 4K UHD Steelbook Review
“Kickboxer” is among Jean-Claude Van Damme’s best flicks.
Written by Glenn Bruce (off a story by Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mark DiSalle) and directed by David Worth, Mark DiSalle, and Jean-Claude Van Damme (who directed and choreographed the action), 1989’s “Kickboxer” is a simple martial arts tale about brothers Kurt and Eric. Eric is a world champion kickboxer and Kurt is his cornerman. After Eric wins the title, a member of the press claims that Thailand has the best kickboxers and so the two wind up traveling there. The arrogant and unprepared Eric is out of his depth against a beast of a fighter (Tong Po) and winds up getting paralyzed in the ring. Wanting revenge, Kurt vows to train in Muay Thai to defeat Tong Po. He trains under expert Xian Chow, but will it be enough to defeat Tong Po? Elsewhere in the story are subplots about Winston (a former U.S. Special Forces member turned friend of Kurt) and a criminal syndicate that plays dirty in order to ensure Tong Po’s victory.
“Kickboxer” is an 80’s martial arts film through and through. It features cheesy pop songs, goofy lines, training montages, and, of course, a dramatic shouting of “Noooooo!” The plot is as basic as can be and is mostly designed as both a Bangkok, Thailand travel brochure and an excuse for Jean-Claude Van Damme to do the splits and fight bad guys. In those respects the film is a resounding success. The location shooting is gorgeous and the drunk dance and bar fight and the final fight between Tong Po and Kurt (with glass wrapped hands) are particularly thrilling action sequences.
While not on the level of “Bloodsport,” this is easily one of Van Damme’s most celebrated titles and performances. Yes, there is some comical overacting, but you can tell he’s having a grand time making this movie. Michel Qissi is perfect as the truly nasty villain Tong Po. The real scene stealer here is Dennis Chan as the quirky trainer Xian Chow.
Note: This 4K steelbook is an Amazon exclusive that contains a lenticular slipcover.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? When compared with the Blu-ray release, the 4K is quite the upgrade. The colors and print quality are superior in every way.
Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? Although it would have been nice to hear an Atmos track, this 5.1 track is still satisfactory (especially during action sequences).
Extras:
* 2 commentary tracks. One by Mark DiSalle and film historian Mike Leeder and one by David Worth, film historian James Bennett and actor Haskell Anderson (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* 4 separate interviews with Jean-Claude Van Damme, actor Michel Qissi, actor Dennis Chan, and DP Jon Kranhouse (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* TV spot, still gallery, and 2 theatrical trailers (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* International Cut (on a Blu-ray disc).
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy of the theatrical copy
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