Nighthawks Blu-ray Review
Collector's Edition
Score: 67
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Nighthawks gets a solid recommendation for its gripping performances, impressive video transfer, and revealing extras, making Shout's Blu-ray the best edition available.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 70
The Blu-ray release of 'Nighthawks' by Shout! Factory presents a significant upgrade with its 1080p transfer using MPEG-4 AVC encoding and original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Despite the dated master and sporadic grain issues, it delivers strong detail and vibrant colors, maintaining the film's cinematic integrity without DNR interference.
Audio: 61
Shout's presentation of 'Nighthawks' offers a solid English 2.0 mono mix in DTS-HD Master Audio, delivering clear dialogue, crisp sound effects, and an intact Keith Emerson score, including original tracks restored from previous licensing issues. While low-frequency effects are limited, the overall audio quality remains robust and natural.
Extra: 70
The Blu-ray extras for 'Nighthawks' offer an in-depth look at the film's production with detailed interviews featuring key contributors like producer Herb Nanas, director of photography James A. Contner, and actress Lindsay Wagner, revealing insightful details about casting, script evolution, scene cuts, and on-set experiences.
Movie: 75
Despite production challenges and mixed reception at release, "Nighthawks" stands out as a gripping and visually striking thriller featuring an intense Stallone-Hauer rivalry, effective multilayered storytelling, and notable score, establishing its place as an underrated gem in Stallone's filmography.
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Video: 70
The Blu-ray release of "Nighthawks" from Shout! Factory presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing an AVC-encoded BD-50 disc. The transfer, originating from a dated master in Universal's vault, maintains the integrity of the original theatrical presentation without intrusive post-processing. Though initially, the grain structure appears unbalanced with noticeable patches, it stabilizes in the last two-thirds of the film, providing a more filmic appearance. Despite sporadic print damage such as scratches and white flecks, the overall transfer is well above average with no detectable instances of digital noise reduction (DNR).
The clarity and detail on this Blu-ray are remarkable, particularly when compared to previously available versions like the German Blu-ray. Grain is preserved and provides striking detail, from textures on Stallone’s leather jacket to readable graffiti on subway cars. The image quality remains crisp and cinematic, though the film’s naturally darker palette adds a haunting atmosphere. Depth and dimensional work are especially impressive, with smooth movements and strong background detail enhancing the viewing experience. Blacks are deep and occasionally introduce more grain in dark scenes; however, they do not result in crushing, preserving details in even dimly lit settings.
Color reproduction is handled proficiently, with disco scenes offering some of the most vibrant moments without excessive bleeding. Subtle variations in browns, grays, and blacks contribute to a natural and worn aesthetic typical of the film's era. Skin tones are consistent and natural throughout, revealing intricate details such as stubble and makeup effects in close-ups. While grain is heavy at times, it is a welcome presence that adds to the authenticity and detail of the image. Overall, Shout! Factory’s transfer of "Nighthawks" is both clear and faithful to its original look, making this Blu-ray a must-have for fans.
Audio: 61
Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "Nighthawks" comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, presenting the original monaural recording in pristine condition. There are no audible hisses or dropouts, ensuring an uninterrupted audio experience. The dynamic range, while somewhat limited during action sequences, successfully delivers on its intended effects. Keith Emerson's electronic score is prominently dispersed across the front channels, lending the soundstage a wide appeal. Dialogue is notably clear, maintaining full and natural tones, although there is some minor variation in pitch and tone among actors. Importantly, this edition restores key musical tracks, including The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" and Emerson's cover of "I'm a Man" by The Spencer Davis Group—tracks previously substituted with generic music on past DVD releases due to licensing constraints.
Further notable is the good audio fidelity in this mono mix, which adeptly handles both sound effects and musical elements with a crisp and clean quality. The mix benefits from an airy freeness, avoiding any sense of being compressed or dated. Additionally, while the low-frequency extension is not particularly strong—most noticeably absent in intense action scenes—the soundtrack retains a commendable clarity throughout varied environments depicted. Fans and audiophiles alike will appreciate that this release stays true to the original theatrical audio while enhancing it through modern mastering techniques. English SDH subtitles are also included for added accessibility.
Extras: 70
The Blu-ray extras for "Nighthawks" are a comprehensive set of insightful interviews and promotional material that delve into various aspects of the film's production. These feature fresh interviews with key cast and crew members like Herb Nanas, Paul Sylbert, James A. Contner, Lindsay Wagner, Catherine Mary Stewart, and Randy Jurgensen. Each interview is rich in behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes that illuminate the film’s development and production challenges. Noteworthy is the breadth of topics covered, from the technical aspects of cinematography and script development to the personal experiences of the actors and production team. Additionally, archival promotional materials like radio spots, the theatrical trailer, and an extensive stills gallery are included.
Extras included in this disc:
- Lights, Camera, Action!: Audio-only interview with producer Herb Nanas.
- Nighthawks: The First Draft: Interview with writer Paul Sylbert.
- We Gotta Shoot This!: Interview with director of photography James A. Contner.
- A Sign of the Times: Interview with actress Lindsay Wagner.
- Not the Other Girls: Interview with actress Catherine Mary Stewart.
- It Was Hell: Interview with technical adviser Randy Jurgensen.
- Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored trailer with voice-over.
- Radio Spots: Three promotional radio spots.
- Stills Gallery: Montage of seventy-seven images including publicity shots and posters.
Movie: 75
Nighthawks underwent considerable evolution from its inception as a potential sequel to The French Connection, leading to a final product shaped by the aspirations and conflicts of its creators and stars. Originally a script about international terrorism inspired by real-life figure Carlos the Jackal, writer Paul Sylbert's vision was deemed too controversial, prompting Universal to bring David Shaber for a rewrite. The resulting narrative follows Sylvester Stallone's Deke DaSilva and Billy Dee Williams' Matthew Fox, two NYC cops pursuing Rutger Hauer’s Heymar 'Wulfgar' Reinhardt, a fictional European terrorist. The film's direction oscillates between DaSilva and Wulfgar’s perspectives, evidently reflecting the stars' push for prominence. Issues on set led to directorial changes, with Bruce Malmuth eventually taking the helm, yet struggles with coherence, especially in the imbalance between character development and action sequences, are evident.
Despite its turbulent production, Nighthawks remains an effective crime thriller with notable achievements. The film is recognized as one of the early biracial buddy cop films of the 1980s, pairing Stallone and Williams against the menacing Wulfgar and his accomplice, Shakka Holland (Persis Khambatta). The gritty NYC scenes mirror the raw realism of The French Connection, complemented by Malmuth’s competent action direction showcased in highly memorable sequences such as the mill and subway chases. While the opening and concluding scenes work well independently, the narrative can feel formulaic and predictable. Nonetheless, Nighthawks stands out with its atmospheric score—a mix of disco and synth—and a supporting performance by Rutger Hauer that solidified his transition to American cinema.
Overall, Nighthawks is a hidden gem in Stallone’s filmography that blends thrilling elements with moments of campy charm. Stallone’s portrayal, with its unique '70s aesthetic reminiscent of Al Pacino’s Serpico, adds to its distinct flavor. While it may have seemed like a misfire upon release, Nighthawks garners appreciation today for its forthright embrace of genre conventions and its effective intercontinental narrative spanning London, Paris, and New York.
Total: 67
Shout! Factory's recent Blu-ray release of "Nighthawks" is a significant step up from previous home video versions. The film, featuring outstanding performances by Sylvester Stallone, Rutger Hauer, and Billy Dee Williams, provides a gripping and compelling watch despite its troubled production history. This Blu-ray rendition presents viewers with a striking video transfer and a robust audio track, delivering an enhanced watching experience that starkly contrasts the vastly inferior German release. Conversations with those behind the scenes further enrich the viewing experience, offering deep insights into the film's complex making.
While certain elements, such as lost deleted scenes and rejection of interview requests from major actors, are missing and may be a point of contention for some fans, these absences do not drastically detract from the overall value of the package. The high-quality transfer spruces up a film that could benefit immensely from a new remastered digital intermediate, showcasing Shout! Factory's commitment to revitalizing lesser-appreciated gems from the past. This Blu-ray edition stands as the most comprehensive version available to date, combining superior technical execution with valuable supplementary content.
Given the smorgasbord of alterations throughout the making of "Nighthawks," one might expect it to fall short. However, the compelling performances by Stallone, Williams, Hauer, and Khambatta ensure it remains an engrossing watch. Shout! Select's transfer is commendably good, though a new remastered digital intermediate would be beneficial. Despite missing interviews with key actors and lost alternate cuts, the package's standout interviews on the production are invaluable. This Blu-ray is currently the best edition of "Nighthawks" available and comes with a solid recommendation for fans and new viewers alike.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Stephen LarsonRead review here
Video: 70
During the first part of the film, the grain structure is fairly unbalanced; there are patches and lumps of grain in individual portions of the frame that stand out during both interior and exterior scenes....
Audio: 70
Dialogue, tone, and pitch vary between actors but are discernible for the most part in the center channel....
Extras: 60
NEW Not the Other Girls � An Interview with Actress Catherine Mary Stewart (4:24, 1080p) - Stewart, who has a bit part as a department store clerk in the movie, reminisces about how she won the role and...
Movie: 70
The first act does perhaps too ample of a job in establishing all the characters and giving the audience exposition compared to the second and third acts, which seem both disjointed and formulaic....
Total: 70
The interviews are the best part of the disc and a guide to the film's troubled production history....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 85
Audio: 80
The print is in fine condition, with excellent detail and texturing, nice contrast, deep shadows, and moderate film grain that’s appropriate to both the period and the subject matter....
Extras: 80
Movie: 85
But apart from Rocky, Creed, and First Blood, there are three often overlooked gems in his long body of work: Cop Land (1997), Victory (1981), and Nighthawks (1981)....
Total: 83
Nighthawks can’t rightly be called a great film, but it’s a pretty damn good one, and Stallone and Hauer both deliver terrific performances....
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
This transfer brings on some really impressive depth with its dimensional work having foreground characters and backgrounds in environments really feeling some good distance and separation....
Audio: 70
This mono mix, likely the original theatrical audio, more than does the trick for Nighthawks....
Extras: 80
He also talks about cuts made to the film from the studio that perturbed him, mainly a lot of Lindsay Wagner scenes....
Movie: 80
It almost reminds me of a character that would come later, in that of a Jerry Dandrich from Fright Night....
Total: 80
Nighthawks is a pretty unique and awesome film that really didn’t get the appreciation it deserved at the time....
Director: Bruce Malmuth, Gary Nelson, Sylvester Stallone
Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Rutger Hauer, Billy Dee Williams
PlotTwo tough New York City cops, Deke DaSilva and Matthew Fox, are transferred to an elite anti-terrorism unit in response to the heightened threat of international terrorism. The city becomes the target of a cunning Eurasian terrorist, Wulfgar, who utilizes ruthless tactics to spread chaos and fear. DaSilva, dealing with his own personal struggles and complicated relationship within the police force, is thrust into a high-pressure cat-and-mouse game with the skilled and dangerous Wulfgar. As the stakes rise, the duo must navigate the complexities of urban warfare, intelligence gathering, and their own internal conflicts.
The situation escalates when Wulfgar's attacks become more brutal and direct, targeting high-profile locations and prominent figures. DaSilva and Fox immerse themselves in a perilous chase through the dark underbelly of the city, employing a blend of street smarts and tactical knowledge. The tense battle drives them to their limits as they unravel the layers of Wulfgar's intricate plans. Amidst the chaos and confrontation, DaSilva must confront deeper questions about justice, duty, and his resolve as a police officer. The narrative builds towards a suspenseful climax as they push forward in their relentless mission to thwart Wulfgar’s next move.
Writers: David Shaber, Paul Sylbert
Release Date: 10 Apr 1981
Runtime: 99 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, German, French, Swedish