DVD Corner

Air America 4K UHD Steelbook Review

“Air America” is a tonal mess.

Based on the novel by Christopher Robbins, 1990’s “Air America” takes place during the Vietnam War and is set in Laos in the year 1969. The story revolves around a traffic reporter helicopter pilot (Billy) who has his licence suspended after an incident on the job. Billy is recruited by the CIA to become a part of the CIA run Air America in Laos which involves transporting food, and drugs. Upon arrival in Laos, Billy is woefully unprepared for the job even with the aid of a veteran pilot (Gene). From there on out, there is a plethora of subplots involving a Senator investigating Air America, Gene’s retirement plan, plane crashes, General Soong, drug trafficking, and refugees.

Directed by Roger Spottiswoode (best known for “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Turner And Hooch”), “Air America” is a downright puzzling movie. Considering the John Eskow and Richard Rush scripted story is based on a serious non-fiction novel about real events regarding Air America, why was the film version turned into an action movie and a buddy comedy? None of these elements come together in a satisfying fashion and the story itself feels like it’s going in numerous different directions. The tone is all over the place and it never settles on one particular thing. Sometimes Billy and Gene are bantering in a “Lethal Weapon”-ish manner and the next moment it’s a refugee rescue mission. Sure, the film captures the chaos and deceptions of the Vietnam War, but as a feature film, it’s a real mess of a movie that feels more concerned with its star power than its storytelling.

On the subject of the stars, Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. are a strange pairing to be sure. One is an action hero and the other (at the time) was a comedy vehicle star. Their chemistry is OK, but it’s certainly never strong. Luckily, the cast does feature a lot of character actors such as Nancy Travis, Art LaFleur, and Lane Smith. 

“Air America” isn’t all negative. As a visual spectacle, the film flies high with Roger Deakins spectacular cinematography,a truly stunning pre-CGI plane crash, and, yes, a plane crash inside of a crashed plane. These sequences have really stood the test of time and were absolutely astonishing to see 35 years later. If only the rest of the film was as awe inspiring as those scenes.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? The film has been scanned in 4K from the original 35mm negative. The results? A beautiful restoration with richer colors.

Audio Track: 7.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The soundtrack, score, airplane engines and dialogue all sound razor sharp with this 7.1 track.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Commentary by screenwriter John Eskow.
* Theatrical trailer and 2024 trailer
* “Return Flight: Revisiting Air America”- An archival retrospective with interviews and set footage.
* “Short Interviews With Cast And Crew”- The title says it all.
* “Pre-Flight: The Storyboards Of Air America”
* “Flight Log”- A short vintage extra with film clips, interviews, and discussions about the project.
* A 5 ½ minute archival making of featurette.

June 15, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, Air America, Air America 4K UHD Steelbook Review, Mel Gibson, Robert Downey Jr.