American Ninja 4: The Annihilation Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080p transfer, Cedric Sundstrom's American Ninja 4: The Annihilation arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films. Sourced from an older master, the film exhibits several limitations. While details emerge well on elements like wet streets and battered surfaces, the overall picture is notably soft. Indoor and darker scenes particularly suffer from light noise and fluctuating depth, which are more pronounced on larger screens. Viewers may also notice instances of black crush and weaker grain. Nevertheless, there is good image stability, and no significant debris, cuts, damage marks, or torn frames affect the viewing experience.

The overall presentation offers a rather average depth, with adequate spatial separation between the foreground, background, and objects. The detail level in dark areas varies, with some lost in black levels, but not excessively so. The color reproduction stands out slightly more than in previous entries of the series, due to the diverse range of ninja outfits in red, blue, and yellow adding visual interest. Flesh tones consistently appear natural and provide good facial detail in close-ups, revealing stubble, cuts, bruises, sweat, and wrinkles effectively. Despite some specs and dirt, as well as a noticeable grain structure, the video quality remains stable throughout the film.

The Blu-ray release of "American Ninja 4: The Annihilation" features a single standard audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Additionally, optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. This stereo mix delivers a stable and clean audio experience, free from age-related imperfections, providing a robust balance between the score, sound effects, and dialogue. However, there is some inconsistency with different regions receiving varied audio mixes; some regions have stereo tracks whereas others have mono tracks. Clarification from Olive Films on these differences could be beneficial.

From a technical standpoint, the 2.0 mix showcases good dynamic range, efficiently delivering the high-energy action sequences synonymous with this genre. Dialogue reproduction is particularly noteworthy—loud, clear, and articulated with excellent diction, ensuring viewers do not miss any crucial conversation amidst the action. While the release does not feature low-frequency extensions or surround sound capabilities, the stereo presentation remains sufficiently engaging, meeting the expectations for a film of its era and style.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "American Ninja 4: The Annihilation" offer a solid mix of retrospective content and engaging features that complement the film well. The highlight is the featurette "Last Tango in Lesotho," which provides a detailed look at the film’s production through insightful interviews with key cast and crew members. Although it's a brief feature, it delivers a fun and informative experience, focusing heavily on director Cedric Sundstrom. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer and a nostalgic music video for George S. Clinton's "The Cobra Strikes" from the third film add value to this collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "American Ninja 4: The Annihilation."
• Music Video: The original music video for George S. Clinton's "The Cobra Strikes."
• Last Tango in Lesotho: In-depth look at production history with interviews with the director, executive producer, and star.

Cedric Sundstrom's "American Ninja 4: The Annihilation" presents a vividly engaging yet predictably exotic plot. Secret agent Sean Davidson, played by David Bradley, and partner Carl (Dwayne Alexandre) are on a mission to terminate the British maniac Mulgrew (James Booth), who is under the protection of the deranged Sheik Ali Maksood (Ron Smerczak). Their quest to stop a looming nuclear threat runs into a plethora of ninja encounters, leading to their capture and necessitating the reactivation of retired special agent Joe Armstrong, reprised by Michael Dudikoff. The script penned by James Booth offers substantial improvement over its predecessor, ensuring sprightly dialogue and engaging narrative twists, reinforcing the film's ability to keep audiences thoroughly entertained.

A notable aspect of the film is its bifurcated narrative structure. The first half focuses on Sean's straightforward mission progress, while Joe’s arc escalates into more eccentric territories reminiscent of "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome." This shift injects an odd yet welcoming vitality into the latter part of the film. Despite some organizational peculiarities, these transitions provide a satisfying crescendo that culminates in a climactic team-up. Robin Stille's role as the obligatory hot female medical specialist adds another layer, keeping inline with genre traditions while simultaneously eluding deeper character development.

The fight choreography remains commendably decent throughout, with group sequences particularly standing out for their visual appeal. While "American Ninja 4" may not achieve the seminal status of the original film, it delivers a more entertaining experience than some of its predecessors. The noticeable absence of Steve James is lamented, as his character would have added a richer dynamic. Nevertheless, Dudikoff’s return and the merging of two American Ninjas in one film ensures a solid and watchable entry, bringing forth an engaging finale to the series.

"American Ninja 4: The Annihilation" Blu-ray release from Olive Films delivers an intriguing blend of nostalgia and modern quality without fully achieving the presentation some fans may desire. The transfer is primarily sourced from an older master, resulting in noticeable limitations in the high-definition visuals. Despite these minor setbacks, Olive Films has executed a commendable job in preserving the film's inherent charm and entertainment value. The clarity, although inconsistent, elevates several action sequences, showcasing them with invigorated finesse.

In addition to the cinematographic enhancements, this Blu-ray edition stands out with its thoughtfully curated extras. The exclusive featurette provides an in-depth analysis of the film's production history, shedding light on its development processes and creative challenges. This bonus content enriches the viewing experience, providing nuanced insights that both dedicated fans and new viewers will appreciate. It's evident that Olive Films has paid heed to past criticisms and effectively refined their approach, demonstrating a commitment to improving the overall package.

In conclusion, while "American Ninja 4: The Annihilation" may still live under the shadow of Sam Firstenberg’s original films, this latest Blu-ray release highlights its enduring appeal. Olive Films' effort to enhance visual quality and provide meaningful extras makes this edition a worthwhile addition to any collection. Fans will find it refreshingly entertaining, embodying the same vigor as the earlier installments featuring Michael Dudikoff. Whether you are revisiting a favorite or experiencing it for the first time, this release undeniably underscores the film's cult classic status.