Do or Die Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek Entertainment's Blu-ray debut of "Do or Die" impressively features a 4K restoration, with an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 disc. The transfer, set at an average video bitrate of 34995 kbps, boasts superior clarity and detail, rivaling its DVD predecessor. The film is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, opening up the framing compared to the 1.33:1 presentation of the R1 BCI Eclipse disc. The transfer highlights Pat Morita's facial features impressively, particularly in sunset scenes. However, it's worth noting the pronounced grain in lower-lit shots and occasional dot crawl behind actors.

Despite a low-budget origin, the presentation manages to deliver visually striking results, especially in its outdoor scenes. The 4K scan enhances the film’s texture and detail, although it is not without imperfections. A recurring vertical stripe appears in certain scenes, a visible production flaw that may distract some viewers. The untouched color grading exhibits a noticeable red push, leading to some washed-out colors, yet overall it maintains decent clarity and definition. Notably, the brighter exterior action sequences are exceptional, showcasing vivid cinematography and significant visual impact.

In terms of consistency, the film's early Hawaii-based scenes display issues with crushed shadow details and soft grain. However, as the movie progresses, there is a marked improvement in contrast and definition, resulting in a more balanced and visually appealing experience. The depth and the coarseness of the grain settle into a more cohesive texture, providing an overall enhanced viewing experience on Blu-ray. Mill Creek’s attention to detail and diligent encoding make this release a vital pick for enthusiasts of classic action cinema.

Mill Creek has delivered a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono (1665 kbps, 24-bit) sound track for "Do or Die." Originally mixed in Ultra Stereo, the audio presentation feels like a missed opportunity to explore a wider stereo field. While the dialogue generally remains clear and comprehensible, the more action-oriented elements—such as helicopters, trucks, boats, gunshots, and explosions—lack dynamic range and depth that could have been achieved with a lossless stereo or 5.1 remix. Composer Richard Lyons's electronic score competently underscores the action but does not elevate the audio experience.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio track offers a basic mix. While dialogue is intelligible, the explosions and gunfire come across as vaguely muffled without the low-end impact expected from contemporary home theater mixes. This results in a compressed dynamic range with average fidelity. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided in a white font, offering a user-friendly feature accessible through the main menu or during playback.

The extras on the "Do or Die" Blu-ray disc offer an engaging journey into the world of Andy Sidaris' filmmaking. A mix of behind-the-scenes looks, archival featurettes, and insightful commentary delivers comprehensive coverage of the production's quirks and charm. The Audio Commentary by Andy and Arlene Sidaris is an entertaining recollection of the film's production details, while the Introduction is a brief yet memorable look featuring a topless Julie Strain alongside Andy Sidaris. The Behind the Scenes Featurette amalgamates multiple mini-featurettes offering a diverse look into various Sidaris productions. Further, the inclusion of multiple Trailers not only for "Do or Die" but for a dozen other Malibu Bay Films adds nostalgic value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by Andy and Arlene Sidaris.
• Introduction by Director Andy Sidaris: Featuring a topless Julie Strain.
• Behind the Scenes Featurette: Compilation of mini-featurettes from various Sidaris productions.
• Theatrical Trailer: For "Do or Die".
• Bonus Trailers: Previews for other Malibu Bay titles.

In Andy Sidaris's quintessential b-movie "Do or Die," Pat Morita embodies a role starkly different from his iconic Mr. Miyagi, presenting the international crime boss Kane with varying success. The film follows undercover DEA agents Donna Hamilton (Dona Speir) and Roberta Vasquez (Nicole Justin), who are ensnared in a deadly game orchestrated by Kane. Kane dispatches an assortment of assassins, ranging from minions disguised as cooks to submachine gun-toting women, against the duo. Despite the pulsating action and variety of exotic locations from Hawaii to Vegas, there is a noticeable lack of genuine peril for the protagonists. The attempts to integrate soft-core sex scenes to heighten tension fall short, feeling unnaturally inserted and detracting from the narrative.

Sidaris uses his tried-and-true formula of featuring buxom Playboy Playmates and explosive action, presenting Morita in a penthouse surrounded by gadgets and a nymph-like Silk (Carolyn Liu). The film oscillates between cheesy camp and outright ludicrousness, transforming its shootouts and chase sequences into near-cartoonish simulations. Although Erik Estrada as Rico Estevez and other familiar faces provide some testosterone, Morita's performance does not convincingly exude menace, which is mitigated by Sidaris's limited budget allowing Morita's participation only for four days of filming.

"Do or Die" is quintessential Sidaris, rife with scantily clad women and hyperbolic action geared primarily at late-night male audiences. While the direction exhibits gleeful indulgence in its own absurdity, the narrative remains disjointed and thinly held together. Fans of such fare will appreciate the eye candy and competent action, though it’s clear that artistic merit takes a backseat to titillation and over-the-top spectacle. Though it aspires to be an explosive action thriller, it ultimately falls into the realm of entertaining but ultimately forgettable b-movie escapism.

"Do or Die" exemplifies Andy Sidaris' signature style, blending campy action with the allure of Playboy Playmates and featuring actors like Pat Morita. However, despite Sidaris labeling it as his best film yet, it falls short compared to his previous works, especially "Guns." The plot is laden with typical bullets and steamy sequences, yet fails to sustain a compelling narrative throughout. Pat Morita's role as an international crime lord lacks the necessary menace and seems underdeveloped.

The film's Blu-ray presentation by Mill Creek features a commendable 4K restoration that enhances visual clarity. However, the audio quality is less impressive. The uncompressed mono track delivers only a mediocre experience, which might not fully engage viewers who prioritize audio performance in action-packed films.

In conclusion, "Do or Die" offers a nostalgic trip for fans of Sidaris' eclectic filmography, but stumbles in narrative consistency and character depth. The Blu-ray's visual upgrade doesn't quite compensate for its audio shortcomings. Prospective viewers may wish to rent it first before committing to a purchase.