Attack Force Z Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Attack Force Z" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment. The release is sourced from a new 4K remaster, derived from an interpositive, which generally delivers an impressive visual experience. Although the transfer occasionally suffers from minor density fluctuations, these issues are not overly distracting. Some manual cleanup could have further benefited the presentation by removing small white flecks and scratches. The color grading is commendable, despite some light crush in the darker scenes. Overall balance remains convincingly smooth, without any distracting anomalies.

Further technical scrutiny reveals no traces of aggressive degraining or sharpening adjustments, maintaining an organic look throughout. However, encoding optimizations could have been fine-tuned to elevate the presentation standards. Despite these minor setbacks, this Blu-ray release offers a solid visual performance true to the original film aesthetic. Additionally, this is a region-free disc, ensuring compatibility with all Blu-ray players irrespective of geographic location.

The audio presentation of this "Attack Force Z" Blu-ray is solidly anchored by a single English LPCM 2.0 track, with intermittent dialogues in Japanese and Mandarin. Optional English subtitles are available for the main feature, enhancing accessibility. The LPCM 2.0 format ensures a clear and stable auditory experience, maintaining a commendable dynamic range that contributes to the overall enjoyment of this classic film.

While some traces of aging in the audio are discernible, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Efforts to completely eradicate these minor imperfections might have taken the auditory presentation to a superior level, but as it stands, there are no glaring technical issues. The audio quality remains reliable and engaging throughout, reflecting the high standards typical of professional Blu-ray releases. The balanced audio nuances provide an immersive listening experience, though it could benefit from additional restoration for optimal clarity.

The Blu Ray of "Attack Force Z" provides a robust selection of extras that are both informative and engaging, enhancing the viewing experience for any fan or film enthusiast. The included trailer offers a nostalgic glimpse into the movie's original promotion. The stills collection is a silent yet intriguing assortment of vintage images that add a historical context. Particularly notable is the featurette "The Z-Men Debriefed," where executive producer John McCallum and actors John Waters and Chris Haywood provide deep insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the film's production dynamics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: An original trailer for "Attack Force Z." In English, not subtitled.
• Stills: A collection of vintage stills. Silent.
• The Z-Men Debriefed: Featurette with executive producer John McCallum and actors John Waters and Chris Haywood. In English, not subtitled.

"Attack Force Z," directed by Tim Burstall and released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, provides an intriguing look at an elite Australian commando unit during World War II. The movie centers on Z Special Force, a group executing high-risk missions in the Pacific under direct orders from General MacArthur. By combining detailed historical research with authentic portrayals of wartime risks, Burstall attempts to offer a realistic depiction similar to Ridley Scott's "Black Hawk Down." However, limited resources visibly affect some technical aspects, with sequences showing minimal military equipment and simplified conflict scenes. Additionally, there are noted linguistic inconsistencies among Chinese and Japanese characters, which historians and enthusiasts may find obvious.

The narrative kicks off before World War II ends, as commandos depart from a submarine in the South West Pacific to rescue a diplomat whose plane crashed on an island held by Japanese forces. Despite a promising start filled with tense and gritty atmospheres, the film later struggles with pacing and thematic balance. After the team contacts resistance leader Lin Chan-Lang (Koo Chuan-Hsiung), and Lt. Veitch (John Phillip Law) develops an attraction to a local woman, the plot takes a melodramatic turn. These moments peppered with moralistic messages dilute the formerly stark tone and may clash with audience expectations for a taut war drama.

Featuring early performances by Mel Gibson as Captain Kelly and Sam Neill as Sergeant Costello, along with Chris Haywood as 'Sparrer' Bird, "Attack Force Z" benefits from its cast's raw potential. Despite being regarded as a disappointment by critics, it found minor cult status in home video markets. Supplementary features include an original trailer, a featurette with executive producer John McCallum and actors John Waters and Chris Haywood, and a gallery of vintage stills. This Blu-ray release with optional English subtitles is region-free, making it accessible to an international audience.

The recent Blu-ray release of "Attack Force Z" showcases a significant visual and auditory improvement over its predecessor from nearly eight years ago. Sourced from an impressive 4K remaster, the film exhibits a superior level of detail and clarity, even though certain inherent limitations of the original production remain evident. The enhanced sound quality further complements the updated visuals, offering a more immersive viewing experience. Despite these advancements, one could argue that the film's final act dips into melodrama, but this is counterbalanced by a nostalgic, retro charm reminiscent of a Cannon Group production.

Further enhancing its appeal, this release includes valuable extras that provide added context and enjoyment for fans and newcomers alike. Unfortunately, it misses interviews with its leading stars, who have distanced themselves from the film over the years. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these supplementary materials adds depth to the offering, making it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts of vintage war dramas.

In conclusion, "Attack Force Z" retains a unique retro allure with its ensemble of burgeoning stars and the stylistic echoes of past era productions. The Blu-ray edition from Umbrella Entertainment, supported by MVD Visual, significantly elevates the film's audiovisual presentation despite minor drawbacks. If you appreciate the distinctive style of films produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, this release will certainly appeal to you. While the film could potentially look even more refined, this is undoubtedly its best presentation to date. RECOMMENDED. (*Note for U.S. viewers: A local release co-distributed by Umbrella Entertainment is also available.)