Mercenary Fighters Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Mercenary Fighters" is a collaboration between Code Red and Kino Lorber, featuring an AVC encoded image. Leveraging a brand new 2K master, this presentation adheres closely to the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offering a relatively immersive viewing experience. The film exhibits consistent fine grain levels which contribute to a film-like appearance devoid of excessive noise reduction or compression artifacts. Colors are delivered with precision across the spectrum, showcasing bold primaries; greens and reds notably shine through in both explosive scenes and the lush jungle landscapes. Costuming and makeup shine with fine detail, offering a detailed portrayal of the weather-worn protagonists.

While the presentation succeeds in maintaining vibrant hues and dependable skin tone accuracy, it does experience limitations in detail clarity, especially in medium-range shots. The jungle missions, though colorful, sometimes fall short in offering intricate texture, leaving depth as merely adequate rather than remarkable. Nevertheless, black levels are particularly commendable, delivering solid depth with some discernible details within shadows during darker scenes, such as in the emotive sequences between characters TJ and Warwick.

Source-related imperfections exist, with sporadic dirt, specks, and scratches present, yet they seldom impact the overall viewing quality significantly. Flickering emerges as an isolated issue during particular establishing shots, but this doesn’t distract from enjoying the film. Despite subtle evidence of source damage from this 2K master, "Mercenary Fighters" ultimately presents a pleasing HD image for fans and collectors of Cannon Group offerings.

The Blu-ray release of "Mercenary Fighters" comes with a DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo audio track that packs a powerful punch, though not without its imperfections. While dialogue remains accessible and clean, there is notable channel instability that compromises clarity, as exchanges at times drift between channels. This instability can be distracting and affects the overall listening experience. However, the audio mix does maintain foundational intelligibility. The dynamic nature of the audio ensures that despite these issues, dialogue can still be followed without excessive strain.

The scoring, a vibrant blend of synth selections, is appreciably bright and engaging, complementing the fast-paced action scenes. Yet, it too suffers from inconsistencies that somewhat diminish its impact, with changes in level that disrupt immersion. The sound effects department fares better; it delivers blunt but effective portrayals of gunfire and explosions, adding an intense layer to the film's chaotic atmosphere. These effects highlight the film's thrilling sequences with a robust auditory presence, despite occasional distraction from the mix's instability.

Overall, "Mercenary Fighters" delivers a mixed bag with its DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track. While the aggressive stereo presentation supports the film's action-heavy narrative admirably, nuances in channel stability slightly detract from the overall clarity. Still, the audio retains a lively energy that should satisfy most action enthusiasts. English subtitles are included for those seeking additional clarity or accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "Mercenary Fighters" offers a minimalistic extras package, primarily featuring a collection of trailers for similarly styled action films. These trailers provide a glimpse into various films, showcasing explosive sequences and high-octane action, which may intrigue fans of the genre. Despite the lack of comprehensive special features, the inclusion of these trailers serves as an intriguing preview for potential additions to a collection, making it worth exploring for enthusiasts seeking action-packed entertainment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mercenary Fighters: Promotional trailer in HD.
• Terror Squad: Action-packed trailer presenting intense scenarios in HD.
• The Violent Breed: Dynamic trailer with thrilling sequences in HD.
• Checkered Flag or Crash: Exciting trailer depicting high-stakes scenes in HD.
• Toy Soldiers: Nostalgic trailer from SD era.
• The Last Hunter: Engaging trailer from the SD catalog.
• Blackout: Gripping trailer delivering an adrenaline rush in HD.

"Mercenary Fighters," released in 1988 by the prolific Golan-Globus team, exemplifies the classic Cannon Films formula that turns international conflicts into vivid B-movie spectacles. Set in the fictional African nation of Shinkasa, the film explores political unrest revolving around a proposed dam project poised to alter tribal lives dramatically. Thrust into this chaos is Captain Virelli, portrayed with rugged charm by Peter Fonda, alongside mercenaries embodying quintessential 80s action tropes. With little deviation from cannon norms, the film is more a staging ground for explosive set pieces than a commentary on war's complexities.

The narrative follows Virelli and his crew brought in to "resolve" tribal interference to the dam project, unveiling a plot that's as predictable as it is action-packed. Fonda, climbing out of an eclectic film career slump, anchors the cinematic chaos with charisma, although his character’s moral awakening could use more depth. Offering momentary respite is T.J., played by Reb Brown, whose enlightenment becomes the narrative fulcrum amid airborne assaults and scenes punctuated by gunfire and pyrotechnics. While trying to spin a morality tale of mercenaries realizing their complicity in darker deeds, the film frequently reverts to its core strength: visceral action sequences.

Despite lacking substantial narrative innovation, "Mercenary Fighters" delivers relentless engagement through its large-scale action sequences and explosive cinematography. The supporting cast contributes vibrantly, stepping comfortably into roles that often indulge in genre clichés, yet there's undeniable enjoyment in their performances. Director Riki Shelach doesn’t shy away from integrating typical Cannon flair—straightforward storytelling interspersed with moments of unintentional comedy and charming bravado. While not necessarily standing tall among 1988’s Golan-Globus offerings, "Mercenary Fighters" succeeds in delivering a high-octane experience consistent with late 80s action movie extravaganza.

"Mercenary Fighters," a staple 80's action film, hits the mark for fans of straightforward, adrenaline-fueled entertainment with its engaging cast and energetic sequences. The film, set against the sweltering backdrop of South Africa, boasts notable performances despite some uneven acting. It captures an authentic camaraderie backdrop aimed at emphasizing explosive action over complex narratives. While the plot lacks the depth to address the intricacies of war, the film leans heavily into its explosive formula, delivering a brainless yet enjoyable diversion from reality.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber and Code Red reinvigorates "Mercenary Fighters" with a new 2K master, derived from a rough print that notably surpasses its previous DVD-R incarnation. Despite the absence of special features, this upgraded presentation offers sharper visuals that enhance the explosive spectacle characteristic of 80s action cinema. Running just over 90 minutes, the film is peppered with snappy one-liners and memorable characters, making it an ideal choice for nostalgia-driven viewing.

Overall, "Mercenary Fighters" stands as a testament to the no-frills action genre of its time. While it modestly struggles with plot realism and character depth, it triumphs where it matters most—delivering incessant explosive sequences and infectious energy. Its Blu-ray edition ensures a worthwhile revisit for fans of Cannon Films and 80s action aficionados, ultimately making it a recommended addition to any collection geared towards cinema escapism.