Stryker Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stryker" is a commendable effort given the constraints of its origins as a low-budget B-movie. Encoded in AVC with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the image grapples with inherent production limitations, notably in vibrancy and detail. The post-apocalyptic tones are accentuated by a predominance of reds, sometimes lending an unnatural hue to the scenes. While color vibrancy is moderate, lending life-like tones with occasional strong primary pops, the desert locales retain an appealing naturalism, and costuming occasionally stands out positively.

Detail visibility is somewhat inconsistent, influenced by inherent focus issues and the film's stylistic choices. Facial textures and vehicle particulars are discernible but lack the striking clarity one might expect from extensive restoration processes. Black levels show inconsistency, particularly in darker scenes where shadow separation is minimal, resulting in occasional image flattening and loss of detail.

The source print’s condition presents adequately for the most part, though it does exhibit speckling, scratches, and mild staining during certain sequences. Film grain is uniformly present, contributing to an authentic viewing experience but also underscoring the lack of significant restorative work. Despite these drawbacks, the transfer remains respectable, offering a visually engaging journey into "Stryker’s" unique dystopian world while balancing the expectations set by its modest production roots.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio mix for "Stryker" delivers a serviceable performance, particularly given that no production audio was employed. The film relies heavily on dubbed dialogue, which, despite lacking dynamic authenticity, remains clear and easy to follow. Unfortunately, the voice overs often fail to match the emotional intensity of the on-screen actors, lending a somewhat lifeless character to the speeches. The score, utilizing percussion and synthetic elements, supports action scenes adequately but lacks freshness and dynamic range.

Sound effects take center stage in this mix, with gunshots that resonate like cannons and car tires that improbably screech on sandy terrain. Explosions, engine roars, and other effects dominate during action sequences, contributing to the overall atmosphere even if precision is compromised. Although the soundscape is not intricately detailed or refined, it effectively maintains the film's energetic and over-the-top mood. This audio presentation may not break new ground, but it capably supports the film's dynamic scenes.

The Blu-ray extras for "Stryker" deliver an engaging and comprehensive experience. Jim Wynorski's audio commentary is particularly notable for its informative and entertaining insights, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film. The inclusion of various trailers provides additional context and a broader perspective on similar genre works. These features reflect a well-rounded effort to offer substantial value through supplementary content that goes beyond the primary viewing. Each extra is presented in a mix of standard and high-definition formats, catering to different technical preferences without compromising on quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Filmmaker Jim Wynorski provides an entertaining and insightful commentary for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: An original promotional preview in HD.
• 'Wheels of Fire' Trailer: A high-definition trailer for another genre film.
• 'Dune Warriors' Trailer: A brief HD trailer for a related film.
• 'Equalizer 2000' Trailer: Standard definition preview.
• 'The Sisterhood' Trailer: Another high-definition trailer showcasing genre similarities.

"Stryker" is a quintessential product of the 1980s boom in dystopian action flicks, heavily borrowing from George Miller's "Mad Max" and "The Road Warrior" lineage. This 1983 feature by Cirio H. Santiago offers an explosive but dramatically deficient narrative. Set in a post-nuclear war world where water is the most precious resource, the film follows Delha (Andrea Savio), who is hunted by the villainous Kardis (Mike Lane) and his weaponized gang. Stryker (Steven Sandor), along with his partner Bandit (William Ostrander), steps into the fray to protect her secret spring and fend off Kardis. The result is a film high on chaotic combat and low on substantial storytelling, making it apparent that it seeks to distract from its narrative gaps with a relentless barrage of action sequences.

Technically, "Stryker" is filled with high-energy chases and battles, although its low-budget origins are never far from view. Character development and coherent plot points take a backseat to flashy vehicular battles and flamboyant costume designs that look like modified aerobic gear. The screenplay, credited to Howard R. Cohen, does little to elevate the film beyond its obvious homage to more successful predecessors. Yet, the film’s frenetic pacing and chaotic action give it an oddly entertaining quality, akin to watching a group of eager amateurs recreate their favorite action scenes in a vast playground filled with exploding props and bumping cars.

Despite its numerous flaws, including repeated use of locations and a puzzling lack of context for many characters and relationships, "Stryker" delivers a brand of manic, frenetic fun that can be relatable to fans of cheap post-apocalyptic cinema. It's not polished or innovative, but for those nostalgic for ramshackle, high-energy action spectacles, it provides just enough entertainment to warrant a viewing. The Blu-ray release offers solid presentation but retains all the charmingly rough edges of this B-movie classic.

"Stryker" is a nostalgic dive into the realm of post-apocalyptic storytelling, offering a spirited albeit imperfect homage to classics like "The Road Warrior." The film’s primary charms lie within its unabashed embrace of genre tropes and its quirky additions, such as a nod to "Star Wars" with a group of cloaked little people. While the budgetary constraints are apparent in nearly every frame, from the barely-there technical credits to the serviceable yet unremarkable special effects, the costuming aligns well with the expectations for a film in this category. Ed Gatchalian's score injects a funky adventuring vibe, propelling the narrative with a sense of energetic whimsy.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stryker" by Kino Lorber is given an adequate treatment considering its low-budget origins. The film’s audio and video transfers are decent, providing a clean enough experience for enthusiasts of the genre but falling shy of reference quality. This release includes a modest array of special features which, while not abundant, add a layer of depth and enjoyment. The film is poised as an excellent choice for casual pizza-and-beer nights with friends who appreciate vintage cinematic schlock.

In conclusion, "Stryker" may not reach the heights of its superior inspirations but it offers enough spunk and entertaining moments to warrant a viewing. Its low-budget charm and commitment to genre conventions make it a worthwhile entry for fans of dystopian action flicks. While not laden with extras or demo-worthy visuals, this Blu-ray release ensures "Stryker" remains accessible and enjoyable for those seeking a light-hearted, communal movie night.