| Hired to Kill |
  | Starring: Brian Thompson, Oliver Reed, George Kennedy, Jose Ferrer, Barbara Niven Directed: Nico Mastorakis, Peter Rader Release Date: May 17, 2016 Run Time: 91 Minutes Format: Blu-Ray Color: Color Audio: English Subtitles: Distributor: Arrow Video | |
| Synopsis |
NO MAN ON EARTH COULD GET HIM OUT OF PRISON ALIVE. SEVEN WOMEN WILL TRY.
Starring legendary actors Oliver Reed (Gladiator, The Brood) and George Kennedy (The Delta Force and The Naked Gun series), Hired to Kill is an essential slice of ‘90s action fare featuring guns, girls and a plethora of budget-busting explosions for good measure.
Action movie staple Brian Thompson (whose brief turn in 1984’s The Terminator led to a starring role in the 1986 Sylvester Stallone vehicle Cobra) stars as Frank Ryan, a mercenary sent to track down a rebel leader in hostile territory. Posing as a fashion designer, he won’t be going it alone, as he’ll be aided by seven beautiful – but deadly – female fighters.
Whilst the opportunity to see Oliver Reed chewing up the scenery behind an elaborate moustache merits the price of the admission alone, Hired to Kill is also noteworthy as being co-directed by Nico Mastorakis – the man behind such cult favourites as Island of Death and The Zero Boys.
| Audio/Video |
Audio Audio Language: English The Sound Quality is good. Crispy clear no distortion but wish the deep end was deeper and hard-hitting. Rating: |
Picture Quality Disc Format: Blu-Ray The Picture Quality is pretty good. Super sharp, popping colors and close-ups are top of the line. The PQ does have its grain due to film which is still nice and doesn’t interfere. Rating: |
Note: Equipment used to watch the film can be found below
| Theatrical release Date: April 28, 1990 (South Korea) |
| Disc release Date: May 17, 2016 (USA) |
| Extras |
DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new 2K restoration of the film, approved by writer-director Nico Mastorakis
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
- Original Stereo audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Audio Commentary with editor Barry Zetlin
- Hired to Direct – a brand new interview with director Nico Mastorakis on the making of Hired to Kill
- Undercover Mercenary – a brand new interview with star Brian Thompson
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Stills Gallery
- Original Freedom or Death Screenplay (BD/DVD-ROM Content)
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver
| My Thoughts |
Hired to Kill is an Action film starring a guy who plays bad guys but is playing good here. The film is infiltration action film where a group of trained females playing models are sent in for a mission led by Actor Brian Thompson.
The film has a strong following but gets mixed reviews with the lower star end pushing more favorable. I feel this will be hit or miss with those who love the film may have seen it before. The film has OK acting and action wise and can get cheesy like the way the girls are shooting the guns unrealistically at times. Story wise its small and at times feels like the film may be kind of a parody with some of its comedy. On another note the action is fun but only enters the Picture mostly at the end.
Overall the film was an OK watch fun and funny at times but also slow and boring at times. I do admit it was nice seeing A Guy who plays bad guys play a good one. I feel the film may be good if you like B action films and if you like good Picture Quality. My Gripe is not enough Brian Thompson.
With that said I give Hired to Kill a right down the middle ratting as I did like it and also hated portion of it. We need more action, some nudity and a thicker plot. Give it a shot if you’re a collector.
| Rating – 5 Star System |
Film: PQ: Sound: |  |
| Trailer |
| Buy Film |
| Blu-Ray |