DVD Corner

Small Soldiers 4K UHD Steelbook Review

You can’t go wrong with Joe Dante. 

Written by Gavin Scott, Adam Rifkin, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio, 1998’s “Small Soldiers” is an action-comedy that feels like a throwback to 80’s films with a bit of a darker edge. The story begins with the revelation that GloboTech Industries has acquired the Heartland Toy Company and are looking to make new toys. Larry and Irwin each pitch their own toy line (Commando Elites and Gorgonites), but Gil decides to combine the two lines. Using GloboTech’s advanced tech, Larry uses an advanced microprocessor chip (X1000) for the toys to make them intelligent, talk, etc. No batteries needed. Alas, the toys become a little too advanced to the point of becoming dangerous. Not only do the Commando Elites (led by Major Chip Hazard) and the Gorgonites (led by Archer) engage in warfare, but the Commandos soon pose a major threat to humans including Alan (whose family owns a toy store) and Christy and her family who live next door. Alan also has a major crush on Christy. Can the Commandos be stopped from waging an all out war to destroy the Gorgonites and anyone in their path?

Director Joe Dante’s “Small Soldiers” certainly owes a lot to “Toy Story” and even Dante’s own “Gremlins,” but the underrated filmmaker manages to make movie magic here once again. In a perfect world this could have become a franchise, but, while it did do respectable business at the box office, reviews were mixed and the PG-13 rating probably didn’t do the film any favors. Luckily, the movie has become a cult favorite over the years. As mentioned above, this movie has a bit of an edge to it even though one might think it’s a children’s film on the surface. There’s numerous darker sequences including the Frankenstein’s Monster esque Gwendy Dolls and the Commandos deadly DIY vehicles (they are certainly a resourceful bunch). Truth be told, the darker elements of the film really elevate it as a whole as it feels like Dante is taking some risks here. You don’t see this type of bold original in this day and age let alone one whose story about corporations and advanced technology continues to be all too relevant.

You can’t talk about “Small Soldiers” without talking about the fantastic special effects. The mixture of Stan Winston puppets and CGI blend well together here (although the physical puppets and vehicles are obviously much more appealing on screen). 

The toys may steal the show, but there’s no shortage of talent in this movie. David Cross, Jay Mohr, Denis Leary, Kevin Dunn, Kirsten Dunst, Dick Miller, Phil Hartman and Gregory Smith are the human stars. Let’s not forget the stacked voice cast featuring Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella, Ernest Borgnine, Bruce Dern, Christopher Guest, Jim Brown, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christina Ricci, and more. Everyone is on point here especially Tommy Lee Jones voicing Major Chip Hazard. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? This is a quality 4K upgrade that offers up sharper image quality. Fans will undoubtedly be pleased by the results.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect an active and effective 5.1 track that really comes alive during the action sequences. 

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* Theatrical trailer
* “From The Cutting Room Floor: Bloopers” (which runs 5 minutes)
* “A Behind-The Scenes Look At The Making Of Small Soldiers”- An 11 ½ minute featurette with set footage, a look at the effects work, interviews, and more.

July 24, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movies, Joe Dante, Kirsten Dunst, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Small Soldiers 4K UHD Steelbook Review, Tommy Lee Jones