River of Death Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "River of Death" offers an appreciable upgrade in video quality, presenting the film in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an AVC encoding. The 1080p HD presentation manages to breathe new life into this jungle-set low-budget action flick. Colors are vibrant, particularly the lush greenery of the Amazon and the distinctive native body paint—elements that pop vividly on-screen. The intense close-ups reveal fine details such as sweaty and creased facial expressions that add to the immersive experience. Skin tones appear natural and true, while red hues, especially evident in Nazi flags and scenes involving bloodshed, stand out markedly.

Film grain is consistently present, offering a textured feel to the overall image without degenerating into noise. Some may find the grain a bit more pronounced, likening it to an insect-riddled surface, but it contributes positively to detail retention, especially in close-up shots where even disease effects look unnervingly realistic. Black levels are predominantly solid with minimal crush, although occasional slight banding is noted without being overly distracting. The print quality itself displays minor speckling and scratches, but no major damage is apparent, showcasing an adept preservation effort by Kino Lorber's Studio Classics line.

Overall, while the film itself might not be a cinematic masterpiece, this Blu-ray release surely impresses with its visual presentation—a testament to Kino Lorber's commitment to quality.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio presentation for "River of Death" showcases an admirable effort in delivering a robust and engaging experience. The sound mix features hearty scoring efforts that are clean and supportive, making instrumentation and tonal intent readily appreciable. Dialogue exchanges, while mostly clear, occasionally suffer from limitations that may be inherent to the original recording, resulting in some crispy highs and minor distortion during more intense scenes. Nevertheless, the sharp gunfire, heavy explosions, and lively jungle atmospherics contribute significantly to an immersive audio environment.

Despite being a stereo track, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix succeeds in creating a vivid and dynamic soundscape. The 1980s bombastic sound effects are impressively powerful, with rifle shots that resonate with the intensity of howitzer cannons, providing a substantial workout for any sound system. The balance of audio levels is meticulously maintained, ensuring that nothing is overly loud or too soft. This consistent balance allows viewers to appreciate the dialogue, including the entertaining faux German accents, without constant adjustments to the volume. Additionally, the solid imaging across the stereo channels effectively enhances the overall sense of atmosphere and scene movement.

The extras on the "River of Death" Blu-ray are a treat for fans and provide insightful behind-the-scenes details. Highlighting the production’s dynamics, the Audio Commentary features an engaging discussion between Director Steve Carver and actor Michael Dudikoff. They delve into working with prolific producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, the logistical and financial challenges faced during filming in genuine jungle settings, and share memorable anecdotes about co-actors Donald Pleasence and Robert Vaughn. Additionally, the Theatrical Trailer offers a nostalgic revisit to the late 80s with a punchy narration by Peter Cullen, also known as Optimus Prime.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Steve Carver and Michael Dudikoff’s comprehensive discussion.
• Trailer: A vintage 80s trailer narrated by Peter Cullen.

“River of Death,” a loose adaptation of Alistair MacLean's 1981 novel, channels Spielberg’s adventurous spirit and Coppola’s brooding intensity. Directed by Steve Carver, it nods heavily to both "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Apocalypse Now" but falters in maintaining a dynamic pace. Michael Dudikoff stars as John Hamilton, an expert tracker navigating the perilous Amazon River to rescue Anna, a doctor's daughter, from nefarious forces. Though the premise promises excitement with shootouts, native threats, and a quest for a lost city, the film’s sluggish narrative struggles to deliver sustained thrills or depth.

The movie opens in wartime Nazi Germany, revealing sinister experiments by Dr. Manteuffel, played by Robert Vaughn. The story jumps to 1965, where Hamilton discovers a plague afflicting native tribes. Despite its attempt at serious tones and noir-ish style, including voice-over narration reminiscent of “Apocalypse Now,” the film’s dramatic aspirations clash with its execution. An ensemble cast featuring Donald Pleasence as Spaatz adds some gravitas, yet moments of unintentional camp and Dudikoff's earnest performance offer conflicting tonal signals.

Upon reaching the Amazon, the film attempts pulpy escapism rife with pirate battles and jungle dangers. However, it leans more toward gunplay than the whimsical adventure of its inspirations. While supporting roles by seasoned actors like Pleasence and Vaughn add dignity, Carver's direction often feels constrained, missing opportunities for humor and character interplay reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Despite its many flaws, “River of Death” remains an entertaining B-movie curiosity, combining campy dialogue, bizarre plot points, and '80s aesthetics into a distinctly Cannon Films experience.

"River of Death" on Blu-ray features an engaging adventure film released by Cannon Films and directed by Steve Carver. Despite the film's ambition, it falters in maintaining a consistent pace and excitement level. The narrative, spearheaded by the central threat posed by Dr. Manteuffel, lacks comprehensive development. The script surprisingly sidelines some pivotal plot points in favor of less compelling action sequences, causing dramatic inertia. Moreover, the underwhelming handling of Anna's character diminishes the climax, resulting in a conclusion that is more confusing than satisfying.

The South African settings provide a visual expanse that tries to compensate for the film's structural deficiencies. Despite Carver's best efforts, the action set pieces feel disjointed and unable to sustain the desired thrill for a steady run. The film's modest budget and constrained imagination seep through, making parts of "River of Death" a tedious watch.

In summary, while "River of Death" may not be a critically lauded cinematic piece in terms of performances and storytelling, it delivers a decent measure of fun through its over-the-top adventure sequences. The high-quality audio/visual presentation on this Blu-ray release and the informative commentary track elevate the viewing experience, making it worth a look for fans of 80s adventure flicks despite its noticeable shortcomings.