The Killer Elite Blu-ray Review

The French Region B-locked Blu-ray release of Sam Peckinpah's "The Killer Elite" is a substantial upgrade from previous DVD editions, encapsulating both the Original Theatrical Cut and the longer Director’s Cut. Encoded in 1080p with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, this transfer delivers a marked enhancement in detail and clarity compared to its non-anamorphic DVD predecessors. The image quality is consistently strong across both versions, although there are instances of light edge enhancement and occasional visible sharpening during daylight scenes. Nevertheless, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

The transfer benefits notably from a stable presentation, maintaining a filmic grain structure that enhances its visual authenticity while avoiding problematic Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). The color palette is convincingly well-balanced, featuring stable tones of browns, greens, blues, grays, and blacks, all retained within the context of the film's 80s veneer. Nighttime footage and shadow details are particularly impressive, revealing elements previously obscured in DVD editions. The absence of significant damage marks, debris, or excessive degraining further elevates the visual standard of this remaster. Fans who have tolerated subpar DVD versions will find the Blu-ray's enhanced shadow detail and richer blacks especially gratifying.

In conclusion, while there might be room for additional refinement, the overall quality of "The Killer Elite" on this Blu-ray release is commendable. This effort represents a significant improvement over earlier versions, offering an enriched visual experience likely to satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike. Note that this Blu-ray is region locked to Region B, necessitating compatible playback hardware.

The audio presentation of "The Killer Elite" on Blu-ray features English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 tracks for both the Theatrical and Uncensored versions, with only the Theatrical Version offering a French dub. Despite its inherent technical fidelity, the audio track is limited by the original source material. Notable issues include uneven sound levels and dynamic fluctuations, with car noises and engine sounds sometimes overpowering the score. Occasional instability in effects can make the viewing experience feel somewhat disjointed, but these occur sporadically. Dialogue primarily anchors the frontal channels, ensuring it remains dominant during most sequences, though particular lines—especially James Caan’s mumbled slurs—can become indistinct, often requiring subtitles for clarity.

Most users may be disappointed by the lack of English subtitles, as these would be beneficial given the uneven audio clarity. The sound track remains free from technical problems such as pops, cracks, or dropouts, reflecting a faithful representation of the original audio design limitations. While the dynamic movement is noticeably improved and dialogue generally clearer overall, the balance and stability expected from a production with a considerable budget are lacking. Optional French subtitles are provided but add to visual clutter as they split the image frame and encroach upon the black bar below it.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Killer Elite" provide a robust and insightful collection for fans and cinephiles. Featuring the original theatrical cut as a notable addition, this release complements the Director’s Cut with a plethora of promotional materials and an exceptional segment from Mike Siegel’s acclaimed documentary, "Passion & Poetry: The Ballad of Sam Peckinpah". This nearly 30-minute feature delves into the tumultuous production history of the film with personal reflections from notable Peckinpah collaborators such as Ernest Borgnine, James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson, and others. It provides a candid view into Peckinpah’s personal and professional challenges, enhanced by behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, the disc includes original trailers, TV and radio spots, and an international poster art gallery, ensuring a comprehensive experience for collectors and enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Cut: Alternative version of the film.
• Passion & Poetry – Sam’s Killer Elite: Documentary segment on the film’s production.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer with alternate scenes.
• U.S. TV Spots: Three original TV spots.
• Radio Spots: Original U.S. radio advertisements.
• Promotional Material: Gallery of international poster art and lobby cards.

The Killer Elite (1975), directed by Sam Peckinpah, explores the tale of top operatives Mike Locken (James Caan) and George Hansen (Robert Duvall), private contractors for an organization with ties to the CIA. The narrative launches with a mission gone awry as Hansen betrays Locken, killing their client and seriously injuring Locken. Despite being told his career is over, Locken undergoes intense rehabilitation, embracing martial arts training to facilitate his comeback. Soon, he is thrust into a new assignment involving protecting a Chinese dignitary from a Japanese crime syndicate, coincidentally led by Hansen.

Peckinpah’s work here signals a downturn in his storied career, punctuated by classics such as The Wild Bunch and Straw Dogs, with The Killer Elite reflecting a diluted efficacy. While retaining some quintessential Peckinpah elements—over-the-top violence and dark humor—the film exhibits disjointed storytelling. Key sequences, particularly those involving panoramic shots of San Francisco, captured by cinematographer Philip H. Lathrop, stand out for their visual quality. However, the narrative coherence fluctuates, lending the film an exotic but ultimately chaotic sense that aligns more with low-budget B films.

The primary cast delivers mixed performances. John Caan, Robert Duvall, Burt Young, and Bo Hopkins provide solid if not always compelling portrayals. Nonetheless, scenes involving martial arts actors falter, especially in the climactic ninja confrontation, which lacks believability. Besides these shortcomings, Peckinpah's direction imbues the film with relentless energy and a humorously grim tone. Locken’s gritty demeanor contrasts sharply with Young’s memorable one-liners, offering moments of respite amidst the chaos. The French label Wild Side Video’s Blu-ray edition features both the original 116-minute Theatrical Version and a 124-minute Uncensored Version, adding extra graphic violence appealing to hardcore enthusiasts of Peckinpah’s style.

"The Killer Elite" is a film that stands out for its unique blend of espionage and martial arts, marking a significant if not wholly successful entry in Sam Peckinpah's filmography. While this isn't one of Peckinpah’s strongest works, it exhibits an eccentric charm that makes it worth watching, particularly for die-hard fans of the director. The ambitious narrative intertwines ninjas with CIA contractors and rogue assassins, leading to some eyebrow-raising moments aboard a decommissioned naval vessel. This unlikely mix, paired with Peckinpah’s signature slow-motion action sequences, delivers an unusual but captivating viewing experience.

The current Blu-ray release by Wild Side Video is a significant upgrade from the previous non-anamorphic DVD edition. This Region B-locked French release is surprisingly English-friendly, featuring both English tracks and optional French subtitles. The video presentation shines, providing a notable improvement in picture quality, whereas the audio track does a commendable job given the original material's inherent limitations. Extras include a compelling documentary and a choice between the Original Theatrical Cut and the Director’s Cut, offering added value for collectors and enthusiasts.

Conclusion: This was the start of the end for equal-parts-legendary-and-notorious filmmaker Sam Peckinpah. His greatest works were all behind him, and, between increased Studio interference – this time a catastrophic PG rating – and a newfound cocaine habit (reputedly courtesy of leading man, James Caan), things would start to fall apart. Integrating the surge of martial arts fever into what was otherwise a fairly interesting espionage affair was an ambitious manoeuvre which ended up landing on the somewhat ridiculous side of the spectrum, but that arguably only gives "The Killer Elite" further curiosity value. Currently available only on Region B-locked French Blu-ray, the release is thankfully very English-friendly, with good video and solid audio quality. Peckinpah devotees will find it hard to resist due to its offbeat charm and engaging action, even if it is one of his weaker features. RECOMMENDED.