American Ninja Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "American Ninja" on Blu-ray from Olive Films offers a 1080p transfer that demonstrates commendable detail and clarity, akin to the MGM master used by 88 Films for their British release. The Olive Films version appears slightly darker, which may come down to personal viewing preference. Despite minor brightness discrepancies, the bulk of the film holds up well under high-definition scrutiny, with minimal noise in darker scenes and no significant anomalies to note. The film maintains stable colors with natural tones, though saturation can be enhanced. The image stability and resolution are commendable, giving the film a slightly tighter appearance likely due to superior encoding—most noticeable on larger screens.

In terms of overall visual performance, black levels appear deeper than the UK release, ensuring no significant crushing and preserving hidden details well. The depth work is average, consistent with expectations for a Cannon Film from its era. Colors predominantly feature greens, reflective of the jungle setting in the Philippines, with notable bursts of color during specific scenes like the ninja training facility and certain character attire. Flesh tones are stable and consistently natural throughout, highlighting facial features in close-ups with good detail. While there is some visible grain, dirt, and specks inherent to the source material, the print remains in good condition. This Blu-ray transfer ultimately delivers a solid visual experience for "American Ninja," presenting the film in its best possible state for fans and purists alike.

The audio presentation on the "American Ninja" Blu-ray is offered in a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The soundtrack is robust and adds a layer of complexity to the film, augmenting its overall production value. The orchestration delivers exceptional solos that surprise with their precision and nuance, contributing to an elaborate soundscape despite limited dynamic intensity. The action sequences are energetically framed with sufficient movement, ensuring a steady, clean, and comprehensible dialog throughout the movie.

This version parallels the audio offered on the British release and maintains a high standard with well-balanced sound elements. Each component, from gunfire to motorcycle engines and explosions, is mixed with noteworthy layering and exactness, elevating the auditory experience significantly. Although there is no low-frequency extension or surround sound involved, the dialogue reproduction remains clear and perfectly pitched, enhancing the overall enjoyment and making "American Ninja" an engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "American Ninja" features a compelling selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and legacy. Among the standout features is the comprehensive "A Rumble in the Jungle: The Making of American Ninja," a 23-minute featurette exclusive to Olive Films, providing rich insights from director Sam Firstenberg, actors, and key crew members. The new audio commentary by Firstenberg and producer Elijah Drenner thoroughly explores the film's casting process, action choreography, and on-location shooting challenges in the Philippines. These supplements not only enhance the viewer's appreciation of the film but also offer a fascinating look into its behind-the-scenes dynamics. The inclusion of the original trailer adds a nostalgic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Director Sam Firstenberg and Making Of Producer Elijah Drenner: Detailed discussions on casting, action sequences, and production challenges.
• A Rumble in the Jungle: The Making of American Ninja: In-depth featurette with new interviews and production history.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in high definition.

Sam Firstenberg’s American Ninja (1985), now on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films, is a quintessential artifact from the 1980s B-action genre. The film follows the stoic Private Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff), who finds himself embroiled in a battle against the Black Star Order of ninjas and corrupt military officials. The plot kicks off with Joe thwarting a kidnapping attempt on Patricia (Judie Aronson), the colonel’s daughter, leading to a series of events drenched in martial arts clashes and explosive showdowns. Despite its narrative shortcomings and underdeveloped characters, the film carves out a space for itself thanks to its enthusiastic embrace of low-budget action tropes, including bullet-dodging heroes and cinematic excesses, characteristic of Cannon Group productions.

The film’s appeal largely lies in its nostalgic value and the raw energy of its characters. Dudikoff brings a quiet coolness to his role, reminiscent of action stars like James Dean, while the late Steve James, as Curtis Jackson, adds a layer of charisma that is infectiously engaging. The dialogue often feels disjointed, with ill-timed emotional peaks and odd facial expressions providing unintended amusement. However, these flaws contribute to the film's charm, rendering it an enjoyable watch for fans of retro action cinema.

American Ninja thrives on its rough edges and inconsistent pacing, elements that some viewers might find detract from its quality but, paradoxically, enhance its appeal for others. Although conventional logic and polished special effects are largely absent, the movie compensates with relentless, mindless action supported by a surprisingly well-composed soundtrack from Michael Linn. While it may not entirely hold up to modern scrutiny, the film offers an engaging slice of ’80s action, making it worth revisiting for its sheer enthusiasm and the memory of a more unabashedly adventurous era in cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "American Ninja" from Olive Films offers an impressive array of features and technical improvements that are sure to appeal to fans of the film. The transfer provides a solid picture quality that respects the film's original look, with improved clarity and color balance that still preserve the grain and texture appropriate for its era. The audio track is very good, presenting dialogue and action sequences with clarity and depth. This edition includes a highly informative new audio commentary featuring director Sam Firstenberg and producer Elijah Drenner, which provides deeper insights into the production process and behind-the-scenes stories.

Accompanying the commentary are newly produced featurettes that include cast and crew interviews, shedding light on the experiences of those involved in making the film. These extras are comparable to previous region-free UK releases but bring their unique content crafted by Olive Films, adding value to this release. The bonus content is responsibly curated and skillfully executed, enhancing the overall viewing experience without overshadowing the film itself. The price point set by Olive Films is particularly attractive, making it accessible for collectors and new audiences alike.

"American Ninja" is a product of its time, embodying the charm and enthusiasm of 1980s action cinema. If you have nostalgic memories of watching it in your youth, this release will likely meet your expectations by evoking that sense of time. However, its dated elements might not appeal to modern viewers unfamiliar with its context. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray's supplemental materials and technical qualities provide significant added value. Overall, this edition comes highly recommended for both longtime fans and new viewers interested in classic action films.