Stone Cold Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Stone Cold," presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, is a significant upgrade over previous high-definition versions, thanks to Kino Lorber's meticulous efforts. This edition features a 1080p transfer from a new 2K master, distinct from Olive Films' earlier releases, utilizing an interpositive of the film. The technical enhancements result in a transfer that is notably more vibrant and balanced. Color balance stands out as the most substantial improvement, offering a richly vivid palette with deep reds, blues, and greens contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The transfer boasts a healthy bitrate, providing improved contrast with deeper blacks and more natural whites and flesh tones.

Despite these advancements, the presentation isn’t without imperfections. While the vibrant color reproduction and image stability are commendable, areas such as delineation and depth aren't uniformly optimal. Some dark sequences present crushing and sporadic flatness, with grain collapse into noise visible especially on larger screens. These artifacts are indicative of the interpositive's limitations. Moreover, minor speckling and occasional scratches appear but do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Image stability is largely good, though a few small blemishes and dark spots are intermittently noticeable.

In summary, while the Blu-ray release of "Stone Cold" may not offer a flawless transfer, it constitutes the best home media presentation to date. The enhancements in color balance and contrast are noteworthy, offsetting minor limitations and noise in shadowy segments. This release serves as a testament to Kino Lorber's dedication to elevating the film's visual presence while preserving its cinematic essence.

The Blu-ray release of "Stone Cold" features a single audio track available in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This presentation delivers an impressively potent mix, supporting a wide range of sound effects including dynamic explosions and vivid gunfire, effectively complemented by the energetic score. The dialog is consistently clear and intelligible, maintaining a crisp presence amidst the high-octane action sequences. The absence of hiss or distortion further enhances the listening experience, underscoring the soundtrack's integrity.

While the overall dynamic potency of the audio track leaves little to be desired, minor adjustments could potentially improve areas where rock music takes center stage. However, the robust delivery of the upper register ensures a healthy sonic atmosphere that does not overshadow the dialog. This balance of elements renders the track highly engaging and faithful to its action-packed narrative. Overall, the audio quality on this release is technically proficient and provides a captivating auditory experience.

This Blu-ray edition of "Stone Cold" offers a robust collection of extras that provide deep insights into the film's production and legacy. Brian Bosworth reflects on his NFL transition and film experiences in "The Boz Goes Hollywood," while Lance Henriksen in "The Brotherhood" discusses working with real bikers and his role. Arabella Holzbog shares her casting journey and filming memories in "Breaking Free," along with Sam McMurray who recounts his portrayal in the film and filming experiences. Additionally, there are archival TV spots, promotional materials, and a lively audio commentary by action film historians Mike Leeder and Arne Venema. These extras afford fans a multi-faceted look at the film’s development and cultural impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Boz Goes Hollywood: Brian Bosworth's transition from NFL to film.
• The Brotherhood: Lance Henriksen on his film contributions.
• Breaking Free: Arabella Holzbog's early career experiences.
• Playing Straight: Sam McMurray on his comic role.
• TV Spots: Vintage commercials for the film.
• Promotional Material: VHS release and trailer overview.
• Additional Promotional Material: Archival 1-900 contest TV piece.
• Trailers: Two vintage trailers.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Stone Cold" (1991) offers a fresh look at Craig Baxley's high-octane action film, enhanced by insightful new features. Among these, the program with Brian Bosworth stands out, shedding light on a discarded prologue that could have drastically changed the film's direction. Bosworth claims this prologue would have added depth to his character by exploring his father's past and his battle with bikers. This addition, according to Bosworth, would have nudged "Stone Cold" towards being a more complex and emotionally resonant film, potentially elevating it substantially. However, Baxley and the producers did not share this vision, opting instead for a film firmly rooted in its unabashedly macho and action-heavy narrative.

As it stands, "Stone Cold" exemplifies the quintessential macho action movie of its era. Bosworth portrays an Alabama cop, Joe Huff, tasked with infiltrating and dismantling a violent biker gang known as The Brotherhood. Despite Bosworth's desire for a more nuanced portrayal, his character is enveloped in a narrative that prioritizes explosive set pieces over character development. The film succeeds in creating a visceral experience with its intense action sequences and raw performances from Lance Henriksen and William Forsythe, both of whom immerse themselves into their roles with commendable authenticity.

While Bosworth envisaged a richer narrative, "Stone Cold" triumphs as a genre piece, embracing its identity with all the fervor of 1980s and 1990s action cinema. The film eschews deep drama in favor of high-powered action and spectacle, which are key to its lasting appeal among genre aficionados. Despite its limitations in character complexity, "Stone Cold" remains a notable entry in the action genre, revered for its unrelenting energy and larger-than-life aspirations.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Stone Cold" bears significant improvements over Olive Films' prior bare-bones version, largely due to its sourcing from a newly minted 2K master. The image quality has notably enhanced clarity and depth, making it a standout presentation among cult action films. The audio quality complements the visual upgrade, delivering the film's energetic score and action sequences with crisp precision, elevating the viewing experience.

This Blu-ray edition is accompanied by a comprehensive selection of bonus features, providing intriguing insights into the film's production and its impact on the early '90s action genre. This includes an exclusive program with star Brian Bosworth reflecting on potential directions the film could have taken, adding valuable context for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. These features enrich the film's narrative and provide a more profound appreciation for its stylized machismo and explosive action.

In conclusion, this release encapsulates a pivotal moment in action cinema akin to Skid Row's influential "Slave to the Grind" album. While some narrative elements might not have aged flawlessly, "Stone Cold" retains a nostalgic charm that resonates with its audience. Kino Lorber has succeeded in delivering a high-quality product that honors the film's cult status. This Blu-ray collection is an indispensable addition to any action aficionado’s library, offering both an upgraded viewing experience and a plethora of engaging supplementary content. Highly recommended.